Is this normal for the 08.5 steering?

[MartyK]

Hello,

I have the 08.5 steering on my truck, see signature, along with the new pitman arm (68039930AA). My question is, is the amount of play between the tie rod end and the drag link normal? The Dodge dealer says yes, the mechanic at the tire shop says no.

https://youtu.be/IlDgN0uISxA


Thanks,
Marty

 

[shrekmoose]

I think mine has it too im still chasing the shakey front end problems and noticed it the other day.

 

[MartyK]

Mine has a bit of a shake to it too, along with some creaking noise. I'm wondering if that amount of play is causing the shakey feeling.

 

[Bob4x4]

It is normal for WORN tie rod ends .any play you can see will translate into play driving down the road.

 

[MartyK]

Since this steering assembly is bad, I think I have two choices, one; replace it withanother Mopar assembly or two; replace it with the Synergy steeringassembly. What makes the Synergysteering different than the Mopar one in regards to the tie rod/drag linkconnection?

 

[shrekmoose]

mine doesnt even have 1000 miles on it and does that. how old is yours?

 

[MartyK]

Wow only 1000 on yours, mine has 7000 miles.

 

[shrekmoose]

Yea i noticed mine has a little movement but I dont think it is what is causing my DW issues.

 

[ranger 393]

Since this steering assembly is bad, I think I have two choices, one; replace it withanother Mopar assembly or two; replace it with the Synergy steeringassembly. What makes the Synergysteering different than the Mopar one in regards to the tie rod/drag linkconnection?

I replaced mine with synergy, their sysytem is 1-1/2 diameter and all the ends are rebuildable.

 

[shrekmoose]

I.believe thuren also makes an aftermarket drag link for the new steering.

 

[cerberusiam]

It is worn out enough to move like that it is bad. The annoying thing is that happens way too soon most of the time. I am running on the 2nd set of drag link ends in 80k and the pitman arm one is shot again. NAPA chassis on the last set, OE on the first. Neither is that great.

 

[MartyK]

It sure seems like these new steering assemblies are not lasting long. What is the root cause of the premature wear? Is this a quality control issue during manufacturing? Poor design? Subpar materials? Why can’t the engineers come up with a longer lasting solution?

 

[cerberusiam]

All about $$ and replacement parts stream. They are the minimum to last maybe 100k on good roads. Start beating them on some of the substandard stuff we have to drive on they simply don't last under the CTD. Works on the gassers better but they are a lot lighter.

 

[Regcabguy]

I've gone through two sets in 44K easy miles
I upgraded to Synergy's so we'll see what happens.

 

[MartyK]

For you guys that are running the Synergy steering, is there something different with the tie rod end link / drag link connection and drag link / pitman arm connection that is better than the Mopar setup?

 

[ranger 393]

For you guys that are running the Synergy steering, is there something different with the tie rod end link / drag link connection and drag link / pitman arm connection that is better than the Mopar setup?

The knuckles at the wheels have a urathane disk that goes between the knuckle and the wheel bracket to keep the knucles straight up and down, other than that they are larger diameter1-1/2, and all ends are rebuildable.

 

[MartyK]

The knuckles at the wheels have a urathane disk that goes between the knuckle and the wheel bracket to keep the knucles straight up and down, other than that they are larger diameter1-1/2, and all ends are rebuildable.

If you get a chance, can you post some pictures of the Synergy steering assembly mounted to your truck.

Thanks.

 

[ranger 393]

If you get a chance, can you post some pictures of the Synergy steering assembly mounted to your truck.

Thanks.

Here you go.

 

[MartyK]

Ranger393 thanks for posting those.

I was expecting the drag link / tie rod ball joint to be perpendicular, however that is very similar to how it looks on the Synergy website. I notice there are grease fittings at all the joints, I’m assuming there is one at the pitman arm connection too? I don’t see an adjustment sleeve to align the steering wheel, how do you adjust it? Does Synergy provide good instructions on how to adjust everything? Where did you take your truck for the alignment? Did they have any issues aligning it?

Thanks,
Marty

 

[ranger 393]

Ranger393 thanks for posting those.

I was expecting the drag link / tie rod ball joint to be perpendicular, however that is very similar to how it looks on the Synergy website. I notice there are grease fittings at all the joints, I’m assuming there is one at the pitman arm connection too? I don’t see an adjustment sleeve to align the steering wheel, how do you adjust it? Does Synergy provide good instructions on how to adjust everything? Where did you take your truck for the alignment? Did they have any issues aligning it?

Thanks,
Marty

Sorry, I missed one. Yes they send detailed instructions on installing, they are heavy duty, especially compared to the factory setup.