2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission front end overhaul

[djreed]

I have $2500 to work with. I am getting new tires and 4" exhaust for sure. I need to do some work to the front end after my 21 month old boy experienced the DW. Won't hardly step foot into the truck. I have looked into the DT and Skyjacker control arms. Also looked at the DT and SSI retro trackbar conversions and am leaning toward the DT because it comes with the trackbar. Also the SSI steering stabilizer kit because it stiffens the frame and the gearbox. Recently replaced the ball joints and the sway bar links with MOOG parts. Replaced the drivers side wheel bearing too. If I have enough cash I plan on replacing the tie rod ends on everything or as soon as the account biulds back up. Also is the dual shock set up worth the money? Need some opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[JPittinger]

For all we know you're driving a go-cart. Fill out your signature to make it easier on us.

Opinions? $300 to convert to the inverted T type steering, thurens track bar is stiff as an oak, E rated tires, and all the caster you can stand. Poly bushings in the stock control arms will stiffen it up too. You know what opinions are like and I got more where that came from, just ask. -JJ

BTW-I'd do all that and more before the 4" exh. , especially with a little one.

 

[djreed]

My signature was under my truck profile for some reason. Sorry for the inconvience. Thanks for the advice anyway. Where do you get poly bushings from?

 

[JPittinger]

I can't remember where, but they're made by Energy Suspension PN 5. 3120G. Hope that helps. Cool truck! Mine's almost the same with a built auto.

 

[Joe Mc]

Check this set up out



http://www.marketworks.com/storefro...il.aspx?sid=1&sfid=134402&c=675113&i=55723346



Pretty darn decent for under $700. It has U/L control arms, bushings, new springs up front, add a leaf in the back, trackbar relocation bracket, new bump stops and 4 new shocks wit ha ll the mounting hardware. I have no experience with the company but am looking real hard at it after I get the vibration I'm experiencing figured out.



And with the budget your working with you can still afford the steering box stabilizer and 3rd gen set up, maybe even a bigger set of sticks . . . .

 

[johnjackson]

A Lukes link and a urathane bushing on the other end of the track bar does wonders for the handling of these trucks. Cheap also.

 

[djreed]

I have the Lukes link and bushing in the track bar I have. I still get the DW periodicly and my truck wanders a little. I think I am going through the whole thing and just want to look at my options. I really want to beef it up as much as possible.

 

[Hammer]

DJ. .

Solid Steel Industries front end parts make your truck like it SHOULD have been from Ma Mopar at the start. The addition of their DSS Brace,3rd Gen Trac Bar Conversion and Lower Arms sure has given my Ram a sure foot on the road. I was a Lukes Link/Energy Suspension believer until my truck was out at EEP over the summer. After one of the guys test drove my truck he told me it was wandering on roads which they drive on each day. The trucks they drive,which are equipped with Solid Steel Parts,do not. I didn't even ask to drive one of theirs,I just took mine for a ride and kept watchful eye on what I was doing on the roads and knew enough then that it was time for a change. The money spent on those parts I would say was well worth it and in my opinion could be the best modifications bar none for the money I spent on my Flame Red Rocket. To say driving the truck is a pleasure is a understatement and now when I crawl behind the wheel I really enjoy any drive,no matter how long or short. I also added the SkyJacker D25 Coils and a set of their Hydro 7000 series shocks which make for a very nice look and helped the ride alot also.



I will not bash the Luke's Link/Energy Suspension Bushing deal as it served its purpose and served me well for years. I will say now in retrospect it was nothing more than a band-aid trying to patch up a open wound. Either will help you its up to you and your budget to determine what you spend and where. I am not sure where your located at but if your a short drive from me I would allow you to drive it to see for yourself. I have posted a few shots of the Solid Steel stuff in my readers rig area in the Fluidampr area. Take pity on the guy who did them at night and with a filthy truck,LOL. Hope this helped some... ... Andy

 

[FYarcho]

Hey Hammer is there a website for where you got that stuff!!!!!

 

[Joe Mc]

FYarcho - try this site I "think" it's where Andy got his stuff?



http://www.solidsteel.biz/index.htm



Sorry, if I jumped in Andy. I saw your truck @ Fall Brawl and really liked it and the front end work you had done. I'm really sorry I didn't get a chance to get behind the wheel and try it out. Especially since I just had to replace the drag link ends - at least they were Moog lifetime "replaceable" units - like the track bar I put on 2 years ago and then again this past spring. At least I can do these things myself and the labor is cheap, since it''s mine. Hopefully I'll see you at the Spring Fling.



Best wishes to you and your's.



Joe Mc

 

[Hammer]

FYarcho. .

No I do not have anything more than the website that Joe Mc has posted. I bought all my parts at Enterprise Engine Performance in Thornville,OH where I had my motor worked on. They are a top notch shop/vendor who does some of the best work around. They are also a Solid Steel dealer... ..... Andy



http://enterpriseengine.com/

 

[dtygart]

Those Solid Steel parts look hefty, sounds like they do the job... also look expensive. Does anyone have some ball park figures?

thanks

david