Complete front driveshaft for 2003-2013 Ram 2500/3500 Cummins 4WD with the 6-speed 68RFE. Replaces 52123326AB, 52105934AD and Dorman 938-163.
A clunk every time you pull the transfer case lever into 4WD, a vibration that only shows up with the front axle engaged, or a torn slip-joint boot with rust on the splines are the usual reasons a Ram 2500 or 3500 Cummins owner starts shopping for a front driveshaft. This is a complete, balanced front prop shaft assembly for the four-wheel-drive diesel trucks with the automatic transmission, built to replace factory 52123326AB and its related numbers, so the job is a bolt-out, bolt-in swap instead of pressing joints into a tired tube.
The front shaft runs from the transfer case front output forward to the front axle pinion flange. It is a single-piece shaft with a u-joint at each end and a slip section that lets its length change as the front suspension moves. On these heavy diesel trucks the shaft sees the full torque of the Cummins through the transfer case whenever 4WD is engaged, and it lives low in the chassis where water, salt and grit get into the slip joint. A worn u-joint cap or a dry, rusted slip spline produces slack that you feel as a clunk on engagement and a shake under load.
With the truck safely supported and in neutral, grab the shaft near each joint and try to move it up, down and around. Any knock or free play in a u-joint, or play at the slip section, confirms the shaft. Do not stop at the driveline, though. A clunk can also come from a worn transfer case output, loose flange bolts or the transmission itself, and on the 68RFE trucks a driveline shake can be confused with converter shudder. Our 68RFE Ram 3500 common problems guide and the Ram 2500 Cummins problems guide cover the transmission-side faults worth ruling out, and the 68RFE speed sensor guide explains why a damaged output speed reading can make a truck shift strangely after driveline work.
This shaft is for four-wheel-drive Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel trucks with an automatic transmission. It is not for manual-transmission trucks. The listing covers 2005-2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel, plus 2010-2013 Ram 2500 and 2011-2013 Ram 3500 diesel, and it replaces 52123326AA, 52123326AB, 52123326AC, 52123112AA, 68057601AA, 52105934AA through 52105934AF, Dorman 938-163 and 65-9540. The Dorman 938-163 cross reference is catalogued for 2003-2013 4WD automatic trucks, which spans both the 48RE years behind the 5.9L and the 68RFE years behind the 6.7L, so if your truck is an early 48RE model, match the part number on your old shaft before ordering. 2013 is a split year, with some trucks using a later shaft, and our 48RE vs 68RFE guide helps if you are not sure which transmission you have.
The most reliable check is a tape measure. This shaft is 31-3/4 in flange to flange compressed and extends to a running length of 34-1/2 in. Measure your old shaft the same way. If the truck has a suspension lift, a stock-length shaft may not have enough travel, so measure at ride height. Send us your year and VIN if anything does not line up.
While the truck is up, it is a good time to look at the transmission too. Trucks that tow hard and run hot often add a ZeroStat cooler bypass kit to keep 68RFE fluid temperatures in check.
| Type | Front driveshaft (prop shaft) assembly, 4WD |
| Fits | Ram 2500 diesel 2005-2013, Ram 3500 diesel 2003-2013, 6-speed automatic only |
| Replaces | 52123326AB, 52123112AA, 68057601AA, 52105934AD, 938-163, 65-9540 |
| Length | 31-3/4 in compressed, 34-1/2 in extended (flange to flange) |
| Weight | 26.4 lb |
No. It is listed for 4WD Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel trucks with the automatic transmission only. Manual trucks use a different front shaft.
Measure your old shaft flange to flange. This one is 31-3/4 in compressed and extends to a running length of 34-1/2 in. If the numbers do not match, or the truck is lifted, contact us with your year and VIN before ordering.
It comes with the u-joints and slip yoke already greased, so it can go straight in. Check the slip boot and its clamps before you lower the truck.
With 4WD engaged the front shaft carries torque, so worn u-joints or a dry slip spline that are quiet in 2WD start to clunk and shake. Rule out loose flange bolts and the transfer case output before you replace the shaft.
No. The listing runs through 2013, and 2013 itself is a split year. Later trucks use a different front shaft, so match the part number on your old shaft.
