2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 1994 Suspension/Steering Rebuild

[DavidShelton]

I'm fixing to rebuild the front suspension/steering on my 94 2500 2WD since everything seems to be worn out at 267,000 miles. I believe almost everything is original. Mostly replace ball joints, shocks, brakes, and steering gear. Are there any upgrades from later model trucks that I should do? Any recommendations besides quality parts from Moog, etc? Any more good online Suppliers other than Rock Auto?

 

[LandShark]

I like the Luke's Link for track bar repair. Did mine over 100,000 miles ago and it's still tight.

 

[surfbeetle]

When I rebuilt my 1995, I did ball joints, new A-arms, bushings etc. pretty much everything except the steering box. That I'll need to do soon. But the single item that made the most difference in the way the truck handled was when I changed from the factory 16" diameter wheels to the chrome 17" factory wheels from a 2005 Ram. Truck handles like almost like a slot car.

 

[SDrake]

When I rebuilt my 1995, I did ball joints, new A-arms, bushings etc. pretty much everything except the steering box. That I'll need to do soon. But the single item that made the most difference in the way the truck handled was when I changed from the factory 16" diameter wheels to the chrome 17" factory wheels from a 2005 Ram. Truck handles like almost like a slot car.

Time to convert to t-steering linkage. Parts are about the same money. I used Moog parts from rockuto. the 99 parts fit our trucks perfectly except you have to use a after market damper. I haven't put one on yet.

 

[DavidShelton]

What is "T-Steering Linkage"? Is that for 2WD trucks?

 

[DavidShelton]

In the catalog, I see different parts numbers for rebuilt steering gears on the different years. Are there any differences in the steering gears on 2wd Dodges from 1994 to 2001?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I got a steering box from these guys, they should be able to answer your questions Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home

It could be the '94-'99 steering boxes are different than the 2000-02 units since Dodge made a lot of suspension, axle & brake changes for MY 2000.

I'm pretty sure the "T" linkage upgrade only applies to 4x4 trucks, same as the Luke's Link, so those aren't going to help you. Replacing ball joints and tie rod ends should help about the most, also consider the steering box brace 1994-2002 Dodge Steering Stabilizer (4x2)

Best way to diagnose a front end is have someone in the cab turning the wheel back and forth while you watch the steering box and tie rod ends for play. Then jack up the front end and grab each tire at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and try to rock it. . . any slop or play is either ball joints or worn/loose wheel bearings.