Here I am

Lower control arms

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff
boonhauler

ABS Control Module Needed

  • boonhauler
  • Replies: 1
R

AC condenser coating

  • RBellah
  • Replies: 2
SHobbs

SHobbs

My 04 has the original pressed metal control arms, I can replace them with new ones or go for the tubular style that is available. Just curious if there is a difference in ride quality between the two. I have my 04 and a 2013 and the 13 is rough on the front even with all new parts and being aligned. My 04 is much easier riding on the front even with the original worn out parts under it. I don't want to put tubular arms under the 04 and create the same harsh ride as my 13. The 13 is a crew cab, short wheel base 3/4 ton compared to the 04 a crew cab long wheel base dually, is that the difference in the ride quality?
 
The short bed to long bed makes a huge difference on ride quality! My 01 gasser is a short bed, and is a rougher ride compared to my 12 long bed dually. The only way to help the 01, is to add a few hundred pounds in the bed against the tailgate, but still not the same. A longer wheelbase has always allowed a better ride. I can ride over a speed bump in the 14, and not really pay attention to it, but in the 01, you better have head protection on! :cool:
 
SHobbs said:
My 04 has the original pressed metal control arms, I can replace them with new ones or go for the tubular style that is available. Just curious if there is a difference in ride quality between the two. I have my 04 and a 2013 and the 13 is rough on the front even with all new parts and being aligned. My 04 is much easier riding on the front even with the original worn out parts under it. I don't want to put tubular arms under the 04 and create the same harsh ride as my 13. The 13 is a crew cab, short wheel base 3/4 ton compared to the 04 a crew cab long wheel base dually, is that the difference in the ride quality?
Click to expand...

I went with aftermarket arms because I have 2" taller front springs. The slightly longer arms moves the front axle back to stock.
 
Topzide, I tighten my grip on the wheel and cringe every time I see a bump coming in the 13, the darn thing is just rough. My wife does not like riding in the 13 at all because of the ride, the highways in the DFW area are crap and beat up. Picked up the 04 because I missed having a manual and I'm currently getting things corrected on it. I have been trying to find information on the stock pressed arm vs the tubular, is there a difference in strength with these things? Curious why Ram moved away from them. The only thing wrong with the ones under the truck is the bushings, they are shot and no way I want to try and replace them, better to just replace the arms.
 
Last edited:
SHobbs said:
Topzide, I tighten my grip on the wheel and cringe every time I see a bump coming in the 13, the darn thing is just rough. My wife does not like riding in the 13 at all because of the ride, the highways in the DFW area are crap and beat up. Picked up the 04 because I missed having a manual and I'm currently getting things corrected on it. I have been trying to find information on the stock pressed arm vs the tubular, is there a difference in strength with these things? Curious why Ram moved away from them. The only thing wrong with the ones under the truck is the bushings, they are shot and no way I want to try and replace them, better to just replace the arms.
Click to expand...

I live 90 miles east of Dallas, in Ben Wheeler. Out in the country the main roads are great but a lot of the county roads are a disaster.
New stock arms are really cheap cost wise and will probably outlast your ownership.
 
On my 2013 the lower are tubular and the upper are stamped rectangular type. What is the consensus on the alignment after getting rid of the Y style? I have read a few posts about Thurens specs, is it better than factory settings?
 
Last edited:
The shape of the arm cannot change ride quality, however high quality free moving joints such as Thuren or Carli does improve the small bump compliance.
 
Yo Hoot said:
I'm confused by this. My 04 had the stamped rectangular ones. The OP has an 04. That is OEM for an 04. Are you simply saying newer models are tubular now?
Click to expand...

No, what is say is you can't buy stamped ones from Mopar as replacement, they don't make them anymore (years ago!) and the partnumber supercedes to the Mopar tubular ones - specifically made for the Gen3 platform.
I changed mine roughly 10 years ago and even back then it was the same.

Aftermarket still makes the chepos.

By the way, mine are in perfect shape after ten years and 150k Miles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising



Turbo Diesel Register
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising



Back
Top