Let's open up the steering issue again

[DBrooks]

I haven't solved the wandering issue with mine either. After reading Carli's article on what he found with the Moog lower balljoints I'm going to try replacing my lowers with either Spicer or XRF in about a month when I get a chance and see what happens.



Here's a link to the article if you haven't seen it: Dodge Ram Suspension: Carli Upper Ball Joints w/ Moog

Update to the above post. Replaced the Moog lowers yesterday with Spicer ball joints (Part #505-1311) and the truck now drives like it should! Took care of the wandering issue.

 

[wneubauer]

Boy, I spoke too soon. 100 miles into the new joints and the truck is all over the road. I guess have to do the suspension upgrade as soon as possible. This truck's front end is a true pos, at least right now... . I suppose this is nothing another big sack of money won't fix, eh?

 

[jsffd]

AHHHH Ball joints!!!

I replaced everything last thanksgiving, Moog ball joints (4) all links, tie rods, axle shafts, and the dyna trac freewheel kit and aligned it to drive straight. Also new 35' tires (d) rated. . Drove to Phoenix, from Nor Cal, the truck ran straight and tight. I was thrilled. Took the family from Sedona to Flagstaff on some primitive roads, great trip if your in the area! Once back on the road the looseness and wiggle was back! 3hrs of off roading killed the Ball joints!!! They are loose and the death wobble returned about 3 months later. Carli's are on the way. I have found that every truck has it's own reason for the problems. So many symptoms mimic another. Tire rating, inflation, wheel width, balance, steering boxes, and the ball joint nightmare! Etc etc... Everyone has a different opinion, but so far the one fix for poor balljoint quality are the Carli. Dyna track?? Not so sure yet??? I think once that is tight all the other issues can be addressed. If this does not work, i'm done, i'll trade it in for a Prius, I heard they are cheap right now!!! Thhanks for listening...

 

[jstewart]

Wow! I have an 03 3500 dually. It only has 54K on it but I have been pleased with the truck. I am retired and thought that this would be my last truck. I now know that I will have to replace the fuel pump and lord knows what on the front end. I did install the BD steering box to frame brace. I was hoping that inexpensive fix would delay any front end problems. Should I start replacing parts on the front? Maybe time to sell?? Will the parts off the 4500 fit on a 3500?

 

[wneubauer]

I was told the tie rod ends were shot as well, so I am hoping the steering upgrade with the new ball joints will solve the issue..... I'm hopeful the I have solved the big problem with the joints... We will see...

I'm checking on the towing capacity of the Prius right now. I'll let you know what I find...

 

[jstewart]

The steering upgrade? Is that the Carli? That looked pretty good to me as a starter. I get confused when they talk of the balljoints. The steering upgrade comes with, steering damper, tierod ends, and the adjustable track bar. . right? The upper and lower balljoints are replace the bearings in the steering knuckle at the end of the axle?? All that together is an extensive repair but only a few truck payments I guess. Just learning.

 

[wneubauer]

The steering upgrade is the new linkage, tie rod ends, pitman arm for trucks built prior to 3/08, and a new steering stabilizer. Take a look at Mopar Supercenter - Not Your Average Discount Parts Store! for a great price on these upgrade parts. I just ordered the whole thing for 427. 00 delivered to my door, including the stabilizer, (Skyjacker) pitman arm and hardware. This was an 80. 00 + dollar savings over local dealer even with the shipping (40. 00, UPS ground). The parts I ordered are OEM Dodge. Source Automotive has the linkage as well. The stabilizer and pitman arm are available from multiple sources.



The ball joints are not included in the upgrade, but typically need to be done anyway. These attach the wheel assembly to the axle.



I know Carli and others also do upgrades for the front end, but these are not "stock" upgrades as far as I can tell, and are quite pricey. However, they are excellent quality from what i understand.



I'm sure others can chime in here.



I'll let you all know how the truck drives after the upgrade is installed...



If you are new to Dodge diesels and haven't done this yet, search the web for the .pdf version of your factory service manual. These are typically available free if you look in the right place. If your truck is an 05, pm me and I can help you out...