2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission rebuilding front end

[sleddog]

question. thinking i,ll spend the money and get the front end of 01 2500 4x4 rebuilt. i know the hub assy are 200. 00-400. 00 ea. napa ones affer year warranty. whats the most coomon parts to replace while i,m in there. think i should add a dss too. steering getting pretty loose. just need to know what parts i should do. b

 

[fest3er]

question. thinking i,ll spend the money and get the front end of 01 2500 4x4 rebuilt. i know the hub assy are 200. 00-400. 00 ea. napa ones affer year warranty. whats the most coomon parts to replace while i,m in there. think i should add a dss too. steering getting pretty loose. just need to know what parts i should do. b

I'll gladly help you spend your money.



If there're over 120K miles on the odometer and nothing's been replaced in the front end, just save yourself a lot of bother and replace everything: the 8 bushings, the axle u-joints, all tie-rod and ball-n-socket joints, ball joints, steering gear, steering shaft, stabilizer links, bearings, rotors; and rebuild the differential and maybe rebuild the calipers. Then replace the rear suspension bushings. You'll thank yourself in three years when the truck is still driving better than new.



Otherwise:

• Replace all 8 trailing arm suspension bushings, especially if you can 'feel' the road through the floorboards; this 'feel' is the bushings slopping around on their mounts as you hit bumps and cracks.
  
• Engine off, have a teenage moose crank the wheel hard to one side, then to the other side, then release, and repeat while you are under the front looking for movement in ball-n-socket joints. If you see any motion at all in any joint, or if you think you seen motion, mark it for replacement; this include ball joints, tie-rod ends, track bar, and pittman and drag link ends. If any two rod ends are loose, replace them all (unless you know one is fairly new).
  
• Lift each end of the axle up in turn. Use a 3' pry bar to rattle the tire. If you see any motion at all in a ball joint, mark both for replacement.
  
• Replace both axle u-joints.
  
• While under the truck looking for loose joints (pot heads to tend to be forgetful), inspect the output shaft of the steering gear for side-to-side motion. Expect there to be a little motion (1/16"-1/8" or so). If there is a LOT of side-to-side motion, replace the steering gear. Install a DSS in either event.
  
• Shake and rattle the stabilizer links. If you see any motion, replace both of them.
  
• Rattle both ends of the steering shaft. If you think you feel looseness, remove it and inspect its u-joints. If either is worn, replace the shaft.
  
• Jack up all four corners, tires 6-8" off the ground. Fire it up, put in in 4WD, in gear and set the speed to about 40 MPH (use a throttle stick; cruise control won't work). Have a helper standing by to keep you away from the spinning tires. On a creeper, ease under the truck and give a listen to the bearings and gears in the front diff using a stethoscope or screwdriver to the ear. Danas are known to be noisy. If the diff is REALLY noisy, plan on rebuilding it, too.
  

Flush the brake fluid if it hasn't been done. Flush the P/S fluid while you have the gear off.



It may be a lot of money, but still far less than buying a new (or newer) truck.

 

[sleddog]

good info. have 105k now. checked the wheel bearings today n seem ok. seems people say at about 120k the bearings go out?not sure.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

question. thinking i,ll spend the money and get the front end of 01 2500 4x4 rebuilt. i know the hub assy are 200. 00-400. 00 ea. napa ones affer year warranty. whats the most coomon parts to replace while i,m in there. think i should add a dss too. steering getting pretty loose. just need to know what parts i should do. b

read this post this may sway you also for steering parts for a upgrade. also I'm really happy with my Maxx links for the sway bar.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...scussions/216022-t-steering-finally-done.html

 

[sleddog]

who would be qualified to do this work. dodge dealer?les swab?discount tire?just wondering.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

as far as the T-steering I dont think les schwab would they wouldnt on mine because I was bringing my parts and it was a legal issue. I put them on myself and then brought it in my alignment.

 

[rotohead]

The question you should be asking yourself is, 'do I have the ability, workspace, tools, time, money to do this myself'. I believe the only way you really save money with these trucks is be willing to do everything possible yourself. Sometimes buying tools you only use two or three times in ur life. But you did it. If you study up before and go in, prepared, you get dirty, and it works. Nothing better. You did it. Good luck.