2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission does this sound right?

[Qualey]

2 weeks ago I took my 3500 4x4 in because it needed a new track bar, brakes, all joints were loose and it had a severe vibration. The diagnosis came back as needing 1 new track bar, new pads, and upper and lower ball joints for both sides. I pointed out the noticable play in all the tie rod ends and the service manager, who does work on many of these trucks (its an 18 wheeler shop and the only place to get them aligned around here) informed me that the rod ends are "spring loaded" and need to have play or else they shear right off. OK, he's the expert.



14 days have passed and the new track bar (Moog) is already worn out again. Am I correct in assuming the story about the rod ends is a crock? I am planning on telling the shop to take back the Moog bar, I will replace with an 03 bar and I will change all the rod ends. I'll pay for another alignment and hopefully we can part ways on decent terms. I'm looking for feedback on the rod end issue and how well the 03 track bar upgrade has performed.



Also, I'm looking at a 95 4x4 2500 putting 300hp to the ground. Suncoast trans, SLT, AGR box, all the updates, owned my a Cummins Mechanic. Truck has 330k and is selling for $8500. No rust. Sound about right?



Thanks for the help!

Matt

 

[Qualey]

Nobody knows? I have to address the problem today and was hoping someone knew if this tie rod issue was true or not.



MAtt

 

[Joe Mc]

Matt - Not sure about the tie rod issue. Check with a local parts house to see if they are "spring loaded" or not - a real parts house - nopt a Pep Boys or Auto Zone. And, the Moog Track bar should be lifetime warrantee so don't let them charge you twice. At least the Moog track bar I bought 2 years and 34k ago was - it's still in there and doing fine by the way. So I'd guess something's up with the front end on your truck - good luck, keep us posted.

 

[tp0d]

The tie rod ends have a metal disc that provides pressure on the ball end opposite the stud. As for a 'spring', no. I dont think they'll shear right off either. Sounds like your tech was givin you the "womans" answer (no offense females). The rod end should have a bit of movement, but you shouldnt be able to move it easy with two fingers if its disconnected.



As for the track bar issue, I stuck a lukes link on my original and got a poylurethane bushing for the other end. Big difference. I dont think a lukes link will work on a moog bar tho. You can, however use a lukes link for all your tie rod ends, which might end up being the same cost as all new joints, but the lukes link is rebuildable. I plan to do this in the future, might be able to set up a group buy thru the tdr here. . hmm



well, i`m no expert, but i dont think i`m too far off. . mebe someone else will chime in. .



good luck



-j

 

[Allnew2Me]

I just replaced my trackar end with a Lindstat kit. when I ground off the crimp and knocked out the old stud and cup, I found a nylon cup not metal. For a spring, which by the way was all mangled and not applying any pressure on the joint, was a rubber or poly washer about 1/8 in thickness. I can only assume that the tierod ends are the same. Mine is a 2001 2500 4x4.

 

[bmoeller]

I dont think they'll shear right off either.

They can (been there, but not on a truck) shear off. The ball stud snapped clean off.