2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Getting ready do front end work1

[CCamillo]

I'm starting to get play in my steering wheel, and at low speeds I can hear popping noise up front. I do have a 1. 5-2 inch leveling kit and have had it for about 45,000 miles. I'm also running 285/75x16 tires. I have already changed all the ball joints, hubs and ujoints up front. I also put the dds from BD in.



Here is what i found on a quick look.

The swaybar links are cocked at an angle. Guessing due to the leveling kit. Thinking new maxxlinks and poly bushings for it.

The upper track bar mount looks cocked also thinking the leveling kit also. Looking to up grade that. would like to go 3rd gen but wondering if I need an adjustable one.

the drag link connecting to the crossbar is a little loose. Thinking about swaping to the HD setup and some sort of new dampner.

Feeling a popping in the steering wheel its self so looking at the rock soild bushing fix. How hard is that to do with the colom in the truck?

TIA guys for your input I love this place!

 

[BEnglish]

The links are crooked from each other, or from vertical? If it's from vertical, the sway bar prolly slid one way or the other in the mounts and would be easy to put back in place. The bushings/mounts for the sway bar are easy to change and will tighten up the front if they are in good shape.

I bought an adjustable TB and took it to have it aligned and the guy said I needed a new TB. I said that one is new. He said, then its not good enough, there is too much play in the poly bushings. I sold it (at a loss) and bought the 3rd gen and 3rd gen TB adaptor bracket and there is visibly less bushing in the Dodge bar. It is defiantly tighter than the aftermarket adjustable TB.

I also did the rock solid steering fix. It's not hard at all. A little time consuming though.

 

[CCamillo]

What about an adjustable 3rd gen track bar because of the leveling kit?

 

[BEnglish]

What about an adjustable 3rd gen track bar because of the leveling kit?

I don't know about that. All I know is the OEM 3rd gen fixed panhard bar is the way to go if it will work in your application.

The aftermarket adjustable one that I bought had poly bushings that had way too much give. I watched it squish under load with me laying on the floor in font of the truck and my wife rowing the steering wheel back and forth (with the engine running) till just before the tires started to turn and I could see lots of play from a brand new bar.

The OEM 3rd gen however, doesn't have the same play because the bushing is smaller (less material to squish) and prolly has I higher durometer rating (very stiff rubber).

 

[CCamillo]

Thanks for the info I wll probably go with the oem 3rd gen.