2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Control Arms

[PVanderlugt]

How hard is it to change the control arm bushings on an '02? Still fighting the death wobble and this is one of the last things I have not changed/upgraded yet int he front end.

I did try to remove the eccentrics /bolts and it looks like they are frozen/stuck anyone have any tips or suggestions? Really don't feel like spending $900 for the fully adjustable ones from Geno's, just want to replace them with some replacement rubber bushings.

Pete

 

[AEdelheit]

I doubt the CA bushings will give you DW, but to get the bolts out I would run the nut out to the end of the threads to protect them and use a hammer, there usually stuck pretty good, penetrating oil never hurts. I have seen the bolts bend so I would buy new ones and have replace them. What tires are you running? they can cause DW and BFG A/T's are notorious for them if you have them.

 

[PVanderlugt]

Bridgestone Revo AT, had no problems with them. Have replaced everything else, in addition to the upgrades in my signature, have done Y-T conversion, BJ are good, everything looks and feels tight. recent alignment with the Caster around 2. 9 and 3 or so.
Pete

 

[AEdelheit]

Ah, heard good things about the Revos, good luck!

 

[Bob4x4]

you might want to add some more caster you are still very close to oem,with a lift they tend to want more











4 x 4 8,800 134. 7 2. 68° 0. 50° Non Adjustable

4 x 4 8,800 138. 7 2. 74° 0. 50° Non Adjustable

4 x 4 8,800 154. 7 2. 88° 0. 50° Non Adjustable

 

[PVanderlugt]

Thanks for chiming in Bob, was thinking myself I would dial in some more caster, but the control arms/eccentrics/whole mess is pretty much stuck together. That is why I thought I would replace the rubber bushings and by the sounds of it bolts as well. one more step in trying to figure this out. Let me ask you this, with the caster now being at around 3 or so and the 2 inch lift , and the eccentrics about 12 0'clock (still about 1/4 turn worth of adjustment left) would that be enough adjustment left to dial in a proper caster or do you think I really need to spring for a set of adjustable arms?
Thanks Pete

 

[Joe Mc]

94-99 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4x4 Short Control Arms 0-1". @Top Gun Customz

Suggestion. After being on my truck for 3 years they were really rusty. The paint was not that good to begin with so maybe consider powder coat before installation. And, get some 45 degree zerk fittings so you can actually grease the upper arms.

 

[PVanderlugt]

That price on those is not to bad, look pretty beefy too! Do you keep the eccentrics with these so you can still dial in the caster?
Pete

 

[dresslered]

I've only experienced the Death Wobble during a short period of time last year on my '01. I attributed it to a broken sway bar mount but found that all the tie-arms, etc. were worn out again (perhaps due to the sway bar mount). Interesting enough, it is also the only time I had fairly worn Bridgestone Revo AT's. I believe it to be a coinsidence on the tires, but the death wobble is now gone after all above items were replaced.

 

[PVanderlugt]

MMMMMMM, would like to believe that your worn out front end parts were the problem, but my Revo's are definitely getting worn, not down to the cord, but not new either. Interesting. I think the plan of action is going to be some new control arms (or just bushings) dial in some more caster and if that does not help start thinking about tires.
Pete

 

[dresslered]

MMMMMMM, would like to believe that your worn out front end parts were the problem,...

You know, that would seem to make the most sense, but when the original OEM ball joints, tie rods, etc. were completely shot, I had never had a death wobble issue. These were later replaced with the Moog components which were all again replaced (accept for ball joints) with the death wobble incident last year. My death wobble always felt to originate with the right tire. This was the side that the broken sway bar mount was found on--so again, I think that this was the culprit. I have heard of tires being thought to be the origins to death wobble, but I have gone through plenty of the Michelin XPS's (which are an extremely heavy tire) without any such problems.

 

[Joe Mc]

That price on those is not to bad, look pretty beefy too! Do you keep the eccentrics with these so you can still dial in the caster?

Pete

Yes - need to use the stock bolts. My buddy got them for his too. His is an 02 Texas truck and he had to cut the bolts off. I was able to reuse mine that I bought in 01 from New York - go figure.

 

[PVanderlugt]

Well maybe i will order some control arms and some bolts (Mopar only ? I presume) and see what happens. really hope I can get to the bottom of this, getting tired of eyeballing the road nervously.
Pete

 

[AEdelheit]

maybe try swapping tires front to back see if that helps, I know people that have had blown out CA joints, like obviously bad and still wont DW, steers like crap but it wont cause the axle to get DW