d250 front end problems

[cerberusiam]

yep, i went by autozone to see the gabriels... they are also an inch too short. im stumped.

Ummm..... I think the reason your original shocks measured the way they did was because the piston pulled apart inside the shock. I would almost be willing to bet the inch shorter ones are correct. Let me check the measurments on mine and will let you know.

 

[OKish]

nope, the body of the shock is also longer. i'm on hold right now with one of gabiels product engineers. lol this is funny.

 

[OKish]

here are the pics, gabriel on the left and my old shock on the right.

#ad

 

[OKish]

alright, i had to take care of this crap myself. i asked gabriel to fax me the specifications of all their shocks. I matched up the ends and the length of my old shock and came up with part number G63360. It is a listing for a d350 with the cummins... . gosh dang. How retarded was that... everyones computer doesn't list the d250 with the cummins as one ton front suspension.

 

[OKish]

Oh, yea. So, if you go to any parts store looking for front shocks for your d250. Tell them that you have a d350.

 

[JLEONARD]

looking for front shocks for your d250. Tell them that you have a d350

This is shocking news!!! I hope it doesn't dampen your enthusiasm.



:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[cerberusiam]

Oh, yea. So, if you go to any parts store looking for front shocks for your d250. Tell them that you have a d350.

Just measured mine, 18 3/4" total length extended. Ordered for a 92 D250 with diesel.



I can get monroes and gabriels both, at any part store here with no problems. I don't understand what your locals are having a problem with. Reading skills maybe???

 

[OKish]

well hell, i think its these frikken hill jack parts places around here. Advance, autozone, pepboys, napa, and car quest, all show the wrong parts for the d250.

 

[Tippin Spotted Cow]

That's strange, because a while ago I was looking for Blistiens for my 4x4 and they only had them listed for the D series. Man... 1st gen owners are like the forsaken child of all parts houses.

 

[OKish]

oh, why does it seem like my dodge goes through a set of shocks every 1 1/2 to 2 years? I dont buy the cheap ones either.

 

[DodgeWarlock]

Probably the worn out springs letting the shocks bottom out and damage the pistons. Are your bumpstops hammered too?

 

[OKish]

The drivers side bump stop is screwed but not the passengers, it was the passengers shock that was in pieces and the drivers shock had barely any resistance. Im surprised that the drivers side shock isnt worse cause you can see where my tire has been rubbing on the top of the inner fender.

 

[OKish]

ok, i got finished. all new bushings, springs, and shocks. heres a pic. . new stuff on left side, old on right. after i got done, its still about an inch lower on the drivers side... .

#ad

 

[DodgeWarlock]

Have you driven it since finishing the drivers side? How much fuel in tank? Anything else in drivers side of bed? I know these are obvious, but they are the kind of things we overlook sometimes.

 

[cerberusiam]

ok, i got finished. all new bushings, springs, and shocks. heres a pic. . new stuff on left side, old on right. after i got done, its still about an inch lower on the drivers side... .

I had about the same thing after rebuilding both dies. Took it to frame shop and had it checked for square on the frame incase it was tweaked, less than 1/8 difference across the whole frame.



Crawled around with a tape measure for a while and figured out the porblem, the body mount bushings were collapsing unevenly on the drivers side. Shimmed and leveled them and at least the stance is relatively level now.

 

[OKish]

Have you driven it since finishing the drivers side? How much fuel in tank? Anything else in drivers side of bed? I know these are obvious, but they are the kind of things we overlook sometimes.

actually i only have a 1/8 tank and nothing in the bed but a bunch of tie-down straps.

 

[OKish]

I had about the same thing after rebuilding both dies. Took it to frame shop and had it checked for square on the frame incase it was tweaked, less than 1/8 difference across the whole frame.



Crawled around with a tape measure for a while and figured out the porblem, the body mount bushings were collapsing unevenly on the drivers side. Shimmed and leveled them and at least the stance is relatively level now.

ill definately look into the body mounts, thanks!

 

[DodgeWarlock]

Hmmmm. Had not thought of that, but it makes good sense. If that's it, it would be worth looking into a poly mount set.

 

[cerberusiam]

Hmmmm. Had not thought of that, but it makes good sense. If that's it, it would be worth looking into a poly mount set.

SQUEAK... ... . SQUEAK... ... SQUEAK... ..... SQUEAK





Word of warning, don't do the poly mounts. Use OEM parts.

 

[DBF]

Hey guys, my d250 has always been plauged with a wandering and saggy front end. any ideas what to replace/adjust? im thinking both my lower control arms are bent and i need new coils. here are some pics.



notice how low the drivers side sits compared to the passengers, and also i think the rear is starting to sag. DONT LAUGH AT THE PAINT!!!! lol.



thanks guys!

I'd just put in the heavier duty 7226S (note the "S") springs (and shocks if needed), then see where you stand. Yes, my truck still leans a little after doing this.



Before & after pictures are here:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displaygallery.php?userid=1559



Regards, DBF