09 2500 4x4 Steering Linkage and Ball Joints.

[Bdod324]

First time poster..... First Cummins, first everything diesel 2500 related. I had drivers side tie rod end snap. Thankfully in a parking lot. It has already had the recall completed and drivers side replaced once since according to the local dealer. My question is what brand steering linkage parts, and ball joints do you guys recommend? Thanks for the info.

 

[mfurrh55]

I thought 09 were the good ones, that's what I upgraded to on my 07

 

[seafish]

If the tie rod end is not carefully installed with proper alignment on the linkage then it is subject to binding at low speed turns which leads to extreme forces being placed on it with the likely result being breakage.

The newest updated linkage includes a pin that prevents misalignment on installation...very possibly you had an earlier version of the "updated" linkage that did NOT include the alignment pin for the TRE. IMO, your damage might possibly be covered under the SECOND Chrysler Recall for TRE breakage.

 

[Bdod324]

If the tie rod end is not carefully installed with proper alignment on the linkage then it is subject to binding at low speed turns which leads to extreme forces being placed on it with the likely result being breakage.

The newest updated linkage includes a pin that prevents misalignment on installation...very possibly you had an earlier version of the "updated" linkage that did NOT include the alignment pin for the TRE. IMO, your damage might possibly be covered under the SECOND Chrysler Recall for TRE breakage.

Ok Thanks for the info. I called the local Dodge dealer with my vin they provided the info on previous repairs but didn’t mention the recall you’re speak of. Is there a website that you can get accurate details on what recalls have been done? I’ll definitely make sure the new ones have the alignment pin. Thanks.

 

[seafish]

Ok Thanks for the info. I called the local Dodge dealer with my vin they provided the info on previous repairs but didn’t mention the recall you’re speak of. Is there a website that you can get accurate details on what recalls have been done? I’ll definitely make sure the new ones have the alignment pin. Thanks.

Ask them if either the L16 or the N49 -- SAFETY RECALL has been done to your truck based on VIN.

https://www.ramtrucks.com/webselfservice/pdf/L16.pdf

https://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/09/ram-pickup-recall-tie-rods/


IIRC< You should NOT have to pay for this even if you are NOT the PO-- obviously it is a SAFETY issue!!!

 

[Bdod324]

I thought 09 were the good ones, that's what I upgraded to on my 07

That’s what I’ve read also. Hopefully you’ll have better luck than me.

 

[seafish]

I thought 09 were the good ones, that's what I upgraded to on my 07

There were TWO separate steering linkage recalls, the last one being an "upgrade to the previous upgrade"...it included an alignment pin for the drivers side TRE that kept the two TRE;s within a specific tolerance angle to each other. The first "upgrade" did NOT have the alignment pin...it worked well if installed correctly, but if not installed and aligned properly, could lead to catastrophic failure of the DS TRE, so the second recall was issued to correct the problem from the first one.

 

[Bdod324]

There were TWO separate steering linkage recalls, the last one being an "upgrade to the previous upgrade"...it included an alignment pin for the drivers side TRE that kept the two TRE;s within a specific tolerance angle to each other. The first "upgrade" did NOT have the alignment pin...it worked well if installed correctly, but if not installed and aligned properly, could lead to catastrophic failure of the DS TRE, so the second recall was issued to correct the problem from the first one.

Oh ok. The dealer told me the first upgrade was done summer 09 and then DS TRE was replaced in fall of 14. They didn’t state that it was a recall that was performed. Any suggestions on brand to replace the front end parts with. Looks like a complete rebuild.

 

[mfurrh55]

There were TWO separate steering linkage recalls, the last one being an "upgrade to the previous upgrade"...it included an alignment pin for the drivers side TRE that kept the two TRE;s within a specific tolerance angle to each other. The first "upgrade" did NOT have the alignment pin...it worked well if installed correctly, but if not installed and aligned properly, could lead to catastrophic failure of the DS TRE, so the second recall was issued to correct the problem from the first one.

I had recall done last year, They said they replaced DS , but when I replaced all of it this year, there was no new parts under there, when I dropped truck off to dealer, it wasn't in shop but about 15- 20 minutes , I asked them how come so fast, they said it was no biggy a thing to replace, but when I took it off it was pretty wore out.

 

[Jim W]

I had the passenger side Tie Rod Joint fail at 81,000 miles. Never had the recalls done, dealer stated that my truck did not fall into the recall serial number range. My truck was an early 2008 built in Sept 07.
I replaced my entire front end steering components such as Ball Joints, Tie Rod ends and drag link. I used MOOG components for the front end. These are all grease able which I do at 5,000 miles interval.

 

[Bdod324]

I had the passenger side Tie Rod Joint fail at 81,000 miles. Never had the recalls done, dealer stated that my truck did not fall into the recall serial number range. My truck was an early 2008 built in Sept 07.
I replaced my entire front end steering components such as Ball Joints, Tie Rod ends and drag link. I used MOOG components for the front end. These are all grease able which I do at 5,000 miles interval.

That’s what I was thinking was Moog and replace the front axle u- joints while I’m there. Thank you for the info.

 

[cerberusiam]

TRE snapped because it was installed incorrectly, pretty bad when the manufacturer has to dummy proof a part so even a monkey can install it correctly. The t-type steering was such a mess to begin with and the utter lack of knowledge by most installers just made a pathetic POS. Thankfully, that has been FIXED with the new trucks and there are better solutions than the OE or Moog garbage.

You don't list your usage, miles per year driven, or road quality where you live. That will drive what you want to buy more than anything. A typical weekender pavement queen can get by with the Moog parts, the owners forget by the time replacement is needed because miles and usage are minimal. If you use the truck and you a lot of miles on it then step up to the NAPA Gold Chassis parts, they will be better than the run of the mill standard Moog stuff by far. Still won't take hard usage or bad roads, at that point DynaTrac or Carli products is about the only choice when you have to replace them every 25k miles or so. Match your parts to usage scenarios and you will be much more satisfied.

 

[Bdod324]

TRE snapped because it was installed incorrectly, pretty bad when the manufacturer has to dummy proof a part so even a monkey can install it correctly. The t-type steering was such a mess to begin with and the utter lack of knowledge by most installers just made a pathetic POS. Thankfully, that has been FIXED with the new trucks and there are better solutions than the OE or Moog garbage.

You don't list your usage, miles per year driven, or road quality where you live. That will drive what you want to buy more than anything. A typical weekender pavement queen can get by with the Moog parts, the owners forget by the time replacement is needed because miles and usage are minimal. If you use the truck and you a lot of miles on it then step up to the NAPA Gold Chassis parts, they will be better than the run of the mill standard Moog stuff by far. Still won't take hard usage or bad roads, at that point DynaTrac or Carli products is about the only choice when you have to replace them every 25k miles or so. Match your parts to usage scenarios and you will be much more satisfied.

That makes sense to me. Napa does make better stuff. It’s my daily driver here in North Alabama 20k miles a year, roads are good and I pull TT a couple of times month 8-10 months a year and farm equipment as needed. Thanks for the info.

 

[EDankievitch]

I had done the 08 update on both my 05 and my friend's 04. We both put well over 150k miles on the newer system and it held up really well. I move a lot of trailers so the steering takes a beating with slow speed reverse maneuvering. We've done Carli ball joints with great luck. I just installed a set of XRF extreme ball joints, you can't beat the price, in my 2013 so far I'm happy with them. They came with a million mile warranty if they don't last I'll be cashing in on that warranty. I use to use MOOG parts but my last few times proved their quality has fallen so I'll not be using them any more. When the time comes I'll look into if XRF offers tierod ends and drag links. I'm also very tempted to see if the linkage from the newer 3 link 2014 steering system can be adapted to my 5 link 2013 truck I really like how the drag link connects to the passenger steering knuckle not the cross bar. It offers much better control and less flex in the linkage.

 

[cerberusiam]

Would it were I could get the t-type drag links to last that long, about 30k was the best. By 100k the TRE's were done and on the 3rd drag link, converted to cross over steering to get rid of that problem and the inherent dead spot at center with the t-type.

Cross over parts from the new trucks will require the complete axle and then you have to deal with the CAD. To adapt to the 5 link will require everything from the axle C's and stub shaft out then re-engineer the OE or adapt the sway bar from the newer truck. Still less work to adapt the Ford steering TRE's and drag link to the existing system. The parts are beefier and for the most part it is bolt on for new wheels and steering parts. The stock track bar is a big problem but it isn't too bad to move it to the top of the axle and fix its screwy angles.

 

[ranger 393]

First time poster..... First Cummins, first everything diesel 2500 related. I had drivers side tie rod end snap. Thankfully in a parking lot. It has already had the recall completed and drivers side replaced once since according to the local dealer. My question is what brand steering linkage parts, and ball joints do you guys recommend? Thanks for the info.

I replaced mine with Synergy linkage and Carli ball joints.

 

[Jim W]

You don't list your usage, miles per year driven, or road quality where you live. That will drive what you want to buy more than anything. A typical weekender pavement queen can get by with the Moog parts, the owners forget by the time replacement is needed because miles and usage are minimal. If you use the truck and you a lot of miles on it then step up to the NAPA Gold Chassis parts, they will be better than the run of the mill standard Moog stuff by far. Still won't take hard usage or bad roads, at that point DynaTrac or Carli products is about the only choice when you have to replace them every 25k miles or so. Match your parts to usage scenarios and you will be much more satisfied.

Will I have 32,200 miles on the front-end steering linkage rebuild with MOOG parts. The rebuild of my front end was done in April 2015, most of my miles are from towing my 5er and the summer tires on my truck. Which are LT285/70R/17 126S Nitto Dura Grapplers. Front end is inspected approximately every 5,000 miles and the components are grease than, the ball joints are still tight. The front-end steering components were inspected and greased at 111,000 miles, when my towing tires were rotated out and replaced with my winter tires and rims. If I can get 80,000 + miles of usage out of them they are just as good as the factory components are that were replaced!

 

[Bdod324]

It turns out the local dealer has not spoken the truth. After them telling me the recalls had already been done I had a local shop make the repairs as I was out of town. Come to find out neither the DS TRE or PS TRE wasn’t pinned or slotted like I understand the most recent recall has been described. I plan on speaking with the dealer and ask for reimbursement. What’s the chances on that?

 

[seafish]

It turns out the local dealer has not spoken the truth. After them telling me the recalls had already been done I had a local shop make the repairs as I was out of town. Come to find out neither the DS TRE or PS TRE wasn’t pinned or slotted like I understand the most recent recall has been described. I plan on speaking with the dealer and ask for reimbursement. What’s the chances on that?

Absolutely should take up the case with FCA and the dealer!!!

 

[cerberusiam]

If I can get 80,000 + miles of usage out of them they are just as good as the factory components are that were replaced!

I can see why you would think that way. That is about all the normally used t-type steering is getting from the TRE's, the drag links not so much. The inverted Y was a lot longer lived in any truck we have, almost double that in most cases. Quality of the parts has to factor in there somewhere also but the older style was a lot easier on parts and a lot less subject to DW if you kept the suspension basically stock and tires reasonable.