2500 4x4 Steering Linkage Lube

[Barnstormer]

Went to the trouble and expense of buying the 2001 service manual. It says the tie rod, tie rod end and drag link should be lubed periodically. Walked under my truck (OK, there's not THAT much ground clearance!) and found grease fittings on the track bar(frame end) and the upper steering knuckles. No fittings on any of the stuff DC says should be lubed. There are rubber seals on the tie rod and drag link components that make it appear that they're "lubed for life", but I expected a little more consistency between the service manual and the vehicle. Anyone else noticed this inconsistency? I'd rather shoot some grease in every six months than fork over a few hundred to my dealer every 75,000 miles.

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White 2001 2500 SLT+, 4x4 ETH, 6 speed.

 

[Paul Herioux]

I've seen alot of inconsistancy in factory service manual in my twelve years with Chrysler dealers. Some computer wis kid probably did a cut and paste from the 2k manual which was a c&p of the 99 manual, etc. , etc. , etc. Definetely agree that they should have kept the grease fittings.

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The smiling ex-dealer technician
89 w250, 47rh trans, cleaned up exhaust, Dynomax bullet muffer, 3" lift, unknown oversized injectors

 

[rickhans]

It seems like I read somewhere on the roundtable or in the Register that some owners have installed grease fittings. I don't remember if they had to drill and tap the hole or if there is an existing plug. Try searching the various forums for "grease fittings".

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98. 5 24V QC 4x4 SB 3:54 5sp

 

[samb]

You have to drill and tap the holes. Done mine last week.

Sam B.

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97, Lamanie SLT, clubcab, driftwood, 3. 5 spicer 70 rear axle
96 Coachmen Royal 285rk 5th wheel, 11,000 #

 

[illflem]

If you buy self tapping zerks from the auto parts they only need to be drilled, no tap. The zerks say what size bit to use on the package. Just drill though the thin metal on top and screw them in, in less than a half hour your new truck will have old truck greaseable joints. You may want 90°zerks in a couple locations.


[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 05-05-2001). ]

 

[blackmike]

Save yourself some head ache down the road and go whole hog.
https://www.carlisuspension.com/dodge-front-end-upgrade-kit.html
I put this kit on my 2012 around 50k miles and have had zero problems.

 

[NIsaacs]

This old thread is about the 2nd gen. 4th gen probably don't apply too much.

I have 312k miles on my '01 with all original front end parts with "zero problems"....If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Nick