This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front driveshaft on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including disconnection from the transfer case and front differential.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• U-joint strap bolts (if damaged) × 4 — M10 x 1.5
• CV joint bolts (if damaged) × 6 — M12 x 1.75

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at frame-mounted lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails
5. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently operated
6. Spray all U-joint strap bolts and CV joint bolts with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marker or paint pen, clearly mark the rotational alignment between the front driveshaft and the transfer case output yoke. Also mark the alignment between the driveshaft CV joint flange and the front differential input flange. These alignment marks are critical to prevent driveline vibration on reassembly. Mark at least two points on each connection for reference.
2. 2

   Position drain pan
   Place a drain pan under the front differential and transfer case areas. When the driveshaft is disconnected, a small amount of fluid (typically 0.25-0.5 quarts) may drain from the transfer case output seal and front differential input seal.
3. 3

   Remove CV joint bolts at front differential
   Locate the six CV joint bolts securing the front driveshaft CV joint flange to the front differential input flange. Using the appropriate metric socket, remove all six bolts. Note that these bolts may have thread locker applied. If the driveshaft rotates while removing bolts, have an assistant apply the parking brake or use a pry bar to hold the flange steady.
   ⚠CV joint bolts are high-strength fasteners. Inspect threads carefully and replace if damaged or excessively corroded.
4. 4

   Separate CV joint from differential
   Carefully pull the front portion of the driveshaft away from the front differential input flange. The CV joint should separate cleanly. Support the front of the driveshaft to prevent it from hanging and stressing the rear U-joint connection. You may need to use a pry bar to gently separate the flanges if they are stuck together.
5. 5

   Remove U-joint strap bolts at transfer case
   Locate the rear U-joint connection at the transfer case output yoke. Remove the four U-joint strap bolts securing the driveshaft U-joint to the transfer case yoke. These are smaller bolts than the CV joint bolts. Keep the U-joint straps with the bolts for reinstallation.
   ⚠U-joint strap bolts must be tightened evenly in a criss-cross pattern to prevent U-joint cap distortion.
6. 6

   Remove front driveshaft
   Support the weight of the driveshaft with both hands. Carefully slide the rear U-joint off the transfer case output yoke, then maneuver the entire driveshaft assembly out from under the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the CV joint boot or allow the driveshaft to swing and strike other components. The driveshaft is heavy and awkward, so use proper lifting technique.
7. 7

   Inspect driveshaft and mating components
   With the driveshaft removed, thoroughly inspect the U-joints for play, binding, or roughness. Check the CV joint boot for tears or leaks. Inspect the splines on the CV joint. Examine the transfer case output yoke and front differential input flange for wear, damage, or cracks. Clean all mating surfaces with a wire brush, removing any rust, debris, or old thread locker.
   ℹ️If U-joints have any play or roughness, the driveshaft should be serviced or replaced. Failed U-joints can cause severe driveline damage.
8. 8

   Install driveshaft to transfer case
   Maneuver the new or serviced driveshaft into position under the vehicle. Align the rear U-joint with the transfer case output yoke, ensuring the alignment marks made during removal are matched. Install the U-joint caps onto the yoke, then position the U-joint straps over the caps. Start all four U-joint strap bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
9. 9

   Torque U-joint strap bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the U-joint strap bolts evenly in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque. First, snug all four bolts in a criss-cross sequence, then perform the final torque pass in the same pattern to ensure even pressure on the U-joint caps.
   ⚠Uneven tightening can distort U-joint caps and cause premature failure. Always use a criss-cross tightening pattern.
10. 10

    Connect CV joint to front differential
    Support the front of the driveshaft and align the CV joint flange with the front differential input flange, matching the alignment marks made during removal. Ensure the flanges are fully seated together with no gaps. Start all six CV joint bolts by hand, threading them through the CV joint flange into the differential flange.
11. 11

    Torque CV joint bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the CV joint bolts in a star pattern to the specified torque. Start by snugging all bolts in sequence, then perform the final torque pass following the same star pattern to ensure even clamping force around the flange.
    ⚠CV joint bolts are critical fasteners. Ensure torque wrench is properly calibrated and bolts are torqued to exact specification.
12. 12

    Check for proper driveshaft installation
    Verify that all alignment marks match their original positions. Manually rotate the driveshaft to ensure it turns freely without binding or interference with the exhaust, frame, or other components. Check that all bolts are properly torqued and that U-joint straps are fully seated. Inspect the CV joint boot to ensure it was not damaged during installation.

Reassembly

1. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack
2. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to ground
3. Remove wheel chocks
4. Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from driveline
5. Check transfer case and front differential fluid levels after test drive if significant fluid loss occurred during removal

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-65 mph) and verify no vibration, clunking, or abnormal driveline noises
• Perform several slow-speed figure-8 turns in both directions to load the front driveshaft and verify proper CV joint operation
• Re-inspect all U-joint strap bolts and CV joint bolts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain properly torqued
• Check underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks at transfer case output seal or front differential input seal
• Verify smooth power transfer in 4WD mode with no binding or unusual sounds

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