Two problems related to axle shaft have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Power train - axle shaft broke the axle shaft broke while the vehicle was traveling on a highway. The entire wheel and tire assembly fell off the vehicle. The vehicle spun out of control.
Consumer states rear differential began making loud pinging sounds as if metal was cooling after the vehicle had been towing a trailer for three hours on the highway. Paint was bubbling off of the differnetial. Dealer found the entire differential and rear axle bearings needed to be replaced.