Three problems related to power train driveline have been reported for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving at highway speed, the rear differential pinion gear broke which locked up the rear differential and the truck skidded out of control to a dead stop. After the truck stopped due to the differential locking up, it would not move and had to drug onto a flatbed and taken to the dealership for repair. It took 23 days for the dealership to obtain the necessary parts and make the repairs to the vehicle. They replaced the complete rear differential. Parts numbers: #68034651-aa / shaft drive #68002298-ac / axle rear #68003055-ab / lubricant #4318060-ab / lubricant description on work order: replaced the whole diff. In a complete unit with all parts and preassembled. The repairs were completed, and the truck was picked up on 10/15/2010. Mileage on the vehicle when the incident occurred: 30,564 miles. Work done ewald Chrysler Jeep Dodge, llc 6319 s 108th st, franklin, WI 53132 414-427-2000.
While driving at 75 mph on interstate I noticed a whine which I assumed was from the grooved pavement. I then noticed it would come and go by slightly pressing on the accelerator. After a few minutes it started to get louder. I pulled to the shoulder of the highway at which point there was a loud bang and the rear wheels completely locked up. It was towed to the nearest dealer. I am waiting for the complete rear axle and driveshaft to be replaced. The rear pinion gear nut had unscrewed and the differential gears had self destructed and driveshaft fell off. There may also be damage to the transmission. It seems Dodge trucks have a history of this happening. I was on the way to tow a travel trailer. This could have happened at high speeds towing a trailer in heavy holiday traffic and people could have been injured or killed.
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 st has a severe vibration at 60 mph. Service tech at dealer thinks there is a bind in driveline. Truck will clunk at times when stopped at red light. Chrysler says it is normal. I am afraid drive shaft may break causing damage, or accident.