FRONT END REPAIR - WEST VIRGINIA

[Big Jeb]

I have a 2001 4X4 shortbed 5.9 that continues to wonder at 98K miles. I've replaced the ball joints, tie rod ends and track bar. Everything else is stock. So I'm giving up and am looking for a good honest Dodge Truck suspension mechanic in the Charleston/Huntington West Virginia area. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[JR]

Have you tried snugging up the gear box? That is a common offender in the wandering game and is a quick and easy task, just have to go in small increments to avoid over tightening.
Also, depending on which balljoints you installed they could still be the culprit right out of the box.

 

[Big Jeb]

I've not touched the gearbox. I'm trying to remember where I got the ball joints. I think it was from an on line dodge outfit in Montana or Wyoming. I also bought their ball joint extraction tool which was about $300 but worth every penny.

 

[JR]

Probably Torque King, you should be in good shape I you went through them. I hope you are able to get things sorted out.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Find a good independent shop. Throw it on the lift and check it out.

Stock track bar can be bad in literally a few hundred miles.
Good quality 3 turn steering box along with a steering box stabilizer is a must.

they need to understand proper alignment.
Good luck!

 

[fest3er]

You only addressed *some* of the potential problems. Look at the *entire* suspension/steering susbsystems.

• As they said, check the steering gear; the output bearing may be loose (or close to failing). Adding a steering stabilizer (supports the steering gear output shaft with a bearing) will make a big difference.
• Also check the steering shaft (connections at both ends and the slip joint).
• Make sure your tires are correct (load range E, properly inflated).
• Ensure the stabilizer bushing are good; if the truck rolls side-to-side, steering can be affected.
• Have the front end aligned. If the toe-in is wrong, the tires will fight each other over which gets to go straight.
• If everything else is right and it still wanders, replace the front suspension bushings. They're likely almost 20 years old and pert near shot; they're only good for about 100k miles and you can't really apply enough force to test them. When I had mine replaced, I had to relearn how to steer the truck.
• Changing the rear suspension bushings might help some, too.

 

[Joe Mc]

If the upper and lower control arm bushings are sloppy, I'd guess they are, you might consider purchasing tubular ones. I got a set for mine from TopGunzCustoms, not fancy but come with poly bushings and zerk fittings so you can grease them. At the time they cost around $200. At the time I considered getting new bushings, although they weren't readily available the price for all 8 was in excess of $200 and I thought about the fight I'd face removing and installing new... Decided new tubular was way to go. NOTE: get new cam bolts old ones are most likely seized to the worn out bushings. Be certain to get the cam bolts from a reliable source = many from the aftermarket for some reason are not sized correct...

 

[Big Jeb]

thanks for everyone's input!