2001 2500 Front End Rebuild ?s

[rootmanslim]

Only 109 K miles, but sloppy and tired.

Can't afford new truck, mechanic says rebuild front end and keep another 20 years.

Have installed Lukes links and Koni shocks in 2019.

So what should I do ?

Thinking ball joints, springs, all bushings (in whole truck), better steering box (?).

I realize the cart axel will never be as good as newer truck but now it takes constant correction to stay on the road.

Thanks

 

[Topzide]

@rootmanslim, You might want to look into changing the "Y" style drag link to the newer "T" style drag link and the use the Thuren alignment specs. Many who have done the change over report much better handling. I can say that the handling is way different since I have an '01 1500 and a '14 3500. The steering is night and day different! Might want to start with that, then see how it handles from there. Not saying that bushings could need replacement and some that did change also added steering box support. Search out style change and read posts. Memory recalls an '08 donor truck works. Need pitman arm also. Double check as to many this bouncing around in memory to keep all straight! Definitely would fix front end issues and keep truck on the road with newer truck prices being what they are! Nice looking rig!

 

[petersonj]

There was a time when I also considered converting to T-style steering. However, after installing a much heavier duty track bar (Rare Parts) and increasing caster to a positive 4.5°, the steering has improved dramatically on my truck . For awhile, I had installed a steering stabilizer brace, which I have since removed about 100,000 miles ago. Not needed.

I am the original owner of my truck and the truck has logged 368,000 miles. I replaced ball joints at 215,000 miles - they were still good. The Rare Parts track bar has logged over 200,000 miles. I am still running on the OEM anti-sway bar bushings. I have replaced the right inner tie rod and left tie rod along the way. For the last few years the truck has steered far better than when the truck was new. I have no regrets staying with the Y-style steering.

Whether or not you convert to the T-style steering or you stay the the Y-style steering, I would recommend to at least convert to an adjustable track bar (2003 and later style). Personally, I think a track bar designed with a ball joint on one end (liker our trucks) is a poor design - especially if the ball joint is not heavy duty. I would also recommend to set caster between 3.5° - 4.5°.

I would have the upper and lower ball joints inspected by a knowledgeable shop that you trust. I would not replace them if they pass inspection.

- John

 

[Iron Duke II]

Not to deviate too much from the original post here, however has any of you tried this to address any slop in the steering column? https://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/index.php/about-the-fix/

 

[Ozymandias]

There ist very little benefit from that as the "goin straight down a road" has very little to do with the steering gear and the column.
Goin straight is 90% alignment. Ball joints must be free of any play but not binding at all and the track rod assembly must also be free of any play.
That's all that is needed, it's really not a big deal.

And t-steering is the way to go on a life axle. I don't know why Dodge went away from it in 2000 and came up with that inferior y-setup. Maybe it was cheaper and the bean counters won.

 

[AEdelheit]

I would diagnose the problem before throwing parts at it, I highly doubt the coils need to be replaced but upgrading to the Thuren 2nd gen track bar will likely be a huge help, ball joints can be helpful but not if the current ones are still good.

 

[Iron Duke II]

I replaced my trac bar in 2012 with the Moog problem solver trac bar part# DS1413 its a lot beefier then others I have seen. Some folks don’t recommend the Moog brand. So far it has improved steering.
Also installed a https://us.bddiesel.com/products/do...00-3500-1994-2001-1500?variant=30073634488384

 

[petersonj]

Not to deviate too much from the original post here, however has any of you tried this to address any slop in the steering column? https://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/index.php/about-the-fix/

I did install that part, but I saw no improvement. I agree with @Ozymandias - steering wheel play has little to do with how well a truck tracks in a straight line, or how well a steering gearbox returns to center after coming out of a curve.

It took a couple hundred thousand miles of driving my truck and trying different things to the steering system to learn what I know now. Many of the things that I did were unnecessary.

- John

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Agree with caster as one thing to help, maybe the most important thing. Mine has been dialed to max on the cams for years. I also have a 3rd Gen track bar, steering box stabilizer, energy suspension track bar bushings and max link sway bar links, but I don't know how much the various bits helped. Most of those were upgraded as OEM came due a little at a time. Ball joints done once and maybe twice. 331k now, it isn't a new rig feel, but it works pretty good for what it is.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Not to deviate too much from the original post here, however has any of you tried this to address any slop in the steering column? https://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/index.php/about-the-fix/

I installed this and it took much of the column slop out. Original bearing was toast. Not all that difficult and for the price I feel that it was very much worth it. If you need ball joints EMF are highly recommended.