96 4x4 Front Stabilizer Bar???

[SMorneau]

My Dodge dealer inspected the front end of my 96 4x4 and the only thing they found that was questionable (That always make me happy!) was a Link on the drivers side end of the stabilizer bar. The link that runs from the bar to the axle mount is at a pretty good angle and the bushings are pretty well flexed. The passenger side is nice and vertical and the bushings are seated nicely as the alignment is square with the bracket. I saw a 97 in a dealer lot that looked exactly the same. Apparently, the 98s and up are different.

The tech suggested I change the link and the bushings but that won't square up what seems to be a bad bend in the bar.

Anybody see this, or better yet fix this, on their trucks? Could it be the hot set up for an oval track?

 

[Dave Fritz]

The stabilizer bar end links are at a very bad angle on most 94-98 4WD trucks. My links have died twice, and the replacements are at just as bad of an angle. Sometime around 1999, the links were redesigned, but the new design is not compatible with older Rams. I have not found an aftermarket replacement that is better - perhaps someone else has.
Dave

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1994 2500HD 4X4 modified for off-road camping
2001 2500 ETH/DEE QC SB 4X4
Fritz's DodgeRam.org

 

[TKemper]

SMorneau, my 97 was the same way. When I realized the joints were shot I couldn't see replacing them due to a horrible design. One of the links was actually hitting the bracket that's welded to the axle. So, I cut off the brackets and welded on new tabs like the 99's and ordered a new stabilizer bar and links for a 99. Now the links are nice and vertical on both sides. Truthfully, I still don't like the ball joint type links, it's just something else to wear out. Todd

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97 2500HD 4x4 ST 12v, K&N,16cm, 4" Jardine turbo to tail,Auto Wurks tuned pump,man trans filter, McLeod clutch, LSD with 3. 54's and Amsoil, AGR power steering box and pump, Borgeson steering shaft, Skyjacker 2" leveling kit, Rancho RS9000's, dual RS5000 steering stabilizers, AR Outlaw II wheels with 33x12. 5 Bridgestone Desert Duellers, Lund visor, Ventvisors, Glasstite HiRise cap, aluminum tailgate protector, illuminated bumper guide poles, Cobra CB, Wilson 5000 antenna, Alpine CD, Infinity spkrs, Fosgate amp with 8" Bazooka tubes, and Husky floor liners. 16. 247 @ 87. 52mph quarter mile at 6700lbs