2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Need some guidance, please

[Warhorse]

I just got the report from the alignment shop: the following items need to be replaced on my '97 CTD (just over 300,000 miles) in order to cure it of its front-end wobble and other steering woes:

*tie rod ends worn out
*pitman arm on driver's side bent
*track bar worn out
*steering box puking.

The shop wants $2395. 00 to do the work with dealer parts. I think I can do the work myself (I'm a fairly good shade-tree mechanic), but I've never done much front-end work. So, two questions:
1. Where should I get parts (don't need anything fancy)
2. Can a fairly good backyard mechanic like me handle the job?

Any help would certainly be appreciated.
Thanks!
Paul

 

[BEnglish]

TREs - and the attached links I got from Napa

pitman arm- (There is only one) and I'm not sure where you would get a replacement but others around here may.

TB - I replaced mine (I have a 98 4x4) first with an aftermarket adjustable one but the alignment shop wouldn't align it because they said even new there was too much play because of the large polly ends. Then I got a 3rd gen TB bracket and an OEM 3rd gen 4x4 TB and I can't suggest this upgrade strongly enough… big difference.

Steering box - I replaced mine with a PSC 3. 5 turn box and have been very pleased, great customer service too. And they sell the sector shaft stabilizers too and I suggest on of them too as it will keep the sector shaft in place preventing damage to your new box.

2400 seems high to me, I believe the parts you need can be had for less than or around 1500, and then you do the work.

 

[fest3er]

If there isn't much rust, you should be able to do it yourself. If the sleeves are rusted inside (on the threads), you might as well count on replacing (and anti-seizing) them. Be sure to count turns so the alignment isn't too bad afterward. Be prepared for an air pocket or two in the steering gear after you replace it; it could take a while for all the air to exit the system.

Strange that the list didn't include the suspension bushings. At 300K, those rubber bushings *have* to be worn out. If you attempt to change them yourself, be prepared to atone for hours of cursing. And you'll need a decent press.

 

[SMorneau]

Steering box is pretty easy. You will need a 18mm flarenut crowsfoot wrench so you can get the lines loose from the top of the gear with an extension and ratchet from up on top.

Pitman arm needs to be replaced so I suppose you really wouldn't need a puller but they are cheap.

Tie rod ends and linkage are easy if you are going to replace them anyway you can tear up the boots when removing the old ones with a pickle fork.

I would consider changing to the "T" style steering, do a search. all of the parts for your truck or the T steering can be had for a good price at rockauto.com. Get new sleeves and everything and be done with it.

Also get new PS pressure and return lines they are fairly inexpensive.

$2300 is a lot of money considering they are not even going to have to break the hubs loose. do any ball joints or link bushings.

Also consider a lukes link or linstad alignment kit to fix the track bar.

I'd rate the replacement of the items you mentioned as pretty easy.

 

[JMcCoy]

I rebuilt all my joints w/ luke's links over 100,000 miles age. It took me about six hours to install them. I rebuilt them about 10,000 miles ago. It only took about an hour to rebuild all, and Luke's link sent me new teflon bushings for free. Awesome customer service. I would do the 3rd gen track bar and steering box stabilizer. I would take a look at your control arms, ball joints, ans steering shaft. Lots of heat and a big hammer. Good luck.

 

[DConrad]

I just redid my 96 front end with Moog parts from RockAuto.com. They were way cheaper that I could get them in town. I converted to the T-steering setup like the 98 HD's have. It's a better setup. I replaced everything but the pitman arm=, adjuster sleeves and all for around $400. I also put the DSS on. I haven't put the steering stabilizer back on yet because it's a different style bracket that is mounted to the axle but it's coming soon. I had my first encounter with death wobble an hour ago. WOW! The track bar is next. I reshimmed the Luke's Link but it's still loose as a goose. I'd like to know more about that 3rd Gen setup. Do a search for "Front End Rebuild" in the forum search. The part numbers for the T-Steering setup are there. There is also a website out there that I got the IBP from the service manual from. He also has pictures of what the new setup looks like. I emailed him questions and he responded quickly.

Ram Modifications

Ram Modifications

 

[DConrad]

Here's the link to the other forum.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/2nd-generation-ram-forum-no-engine-transmission-discussions/222209-front-end-rebuild-project-w-questions.html

 

[DConrad]

Crud. I didn't list the part numbers for the front end in that forum. They are in the Ram Modifications link though.

 

[PToombs]

DC, you say you reshimmed your Lukes Link, do you know how many miles you have on it?

 

[WilsonF]

I read that someone converted to the "T" steering and got the best pricing from Amazon.com He had listed all the P/Ns but I can't locate it now.

Floyd