Steering and brakes on 2001.5?

[Byrdseye]

I am thinking about getting a 2001. 5 3500 4X4 ETH DEE and was wondering about the much discussed and cussed steering wander. Is it a problem in this model? Does the new truck have the Delphi box? Are the brakes better than in my '98? Would you opt for 4. 10's or 3. 55's if you are planning on adding 19. 5" tires? Will I burn in hell if I buy a F550? Your views and comments (most of them anyway) would be much appreciated!

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'98 3500 SLT Sport 5-spd 4X4 Quad cab, BD#?, 16cm, AFC sprng, gov. sprng,4" exh. , BD brake,Luk Pro Gold
Bilsteins,Firestone Ride-Rites, 4. 10s, lsd, Tow pkg, Reese gooseneck,
Rhino liner, Mag-Hytec diff
byrdseye@taosnet.com

 

[BigMo]

I went from a `98 gasser 1500 to a 2001. 5 ETH 4X2. I now have a new steering box, original being replaced by Dodge dealer under warranty... . no questions asked.

On the brakes, I can tell you they are absolutely better than on previous models. Disks all around and four wheel ABS to boot (although some hate ABS).

Can't tell you about proper gearing for the taller tire/wheel combo. This will partially be a function of how you will use your vehicle. If you're going to be towing heavy, I'd go with the 4. 10s, as the taller tires will alter your effective final drive ratio, making it seem like it is geared for higher speed (your 4. 10s will feel more like 3. 55s after the tire change).

In any event, you are going to LOVE an ETH! I've had everything from a custom van to a Porsche to Taurus SHO (with lots of stuff betwixt and between) and this truck is as much fun to drive as anything I've ever had! Maybe not as fast or as quick, but you can load up every car I've ever owned on a trailer, and my ETH will pull `em down the road! It's just too cool.


[This message has been edited by BigMo (edited 02-21-2001). ]

 

[John]

If I were doing it all over again I would order a 3500 4x4, 6-speed, 4. 10, BLACK Sport. Just my opinion.

 

[kevin1]

did your eth start that wandering crap and eating tires mine has 9000 miles and is starting to eat front tires

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2001. 5 ETH/DEE DD3's EZ HX40 machined out for more flow, Custom 4" exhaust turbo back staight pipe with 5" chrome tip in front of rear tires,spa's, mcleod clutch, fuel lines,mag hytech rear end cover,psycotty air system,x heated,power mirrors,more to come

 

[BigMo]

Yeah, Wiz1. My Truck (BigMo!) had imprecise steering from the very beginning, but it got progressively worse. I took it in to the dealer, they test drove it and promptly ordered a new steering box. I asked for a Delphi unit and was told that the Service Manager was onto this problem and he knew what was needed to fix it.

So far, the fix is IN and it is GOOD! No complaints so far (2,000 plus miles on new box).


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BigMo: 2001. 5 SWB 2500 ETH/DEE, 4x2, Flame Red/Agate SLT, LSD, 5th wheel slider hitch, Linex bedliner.

 

[Ranger Dick]

I have the 01. 5 ETH in the 2500 with 3. 54 gears. I am very happy with it. I don't tow anything larger then a Jeep CJ, about 3000 lbs and the 3. 54's handle it fine. I can accelerate up a 6-7% grade with it in 6th above 55mph. Steering is fine, tight and precise. I know what the crappy steering feels like, since I drive a 98 gasser with the flexy flyer steering at work. The 01. 5 has the delphi box, and if it wern't raining, I'd go and look. I think the last two letters are the key and mine are AF. You will burn in hell if you get the 550, cause after you get it you will sit in it a do a slow burn realizing you got the wrong thing. I have one at work I drive when we tow equpt. It has 4. 88 gears, cannot pull off the line at idle in first gear, while the cummins can, gets poor gas mileage, has tons of problems and generally is not as good as what the cummins does. If you tow alot I'd get the 4. 10's Good luck with you decesion.

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01. 5 ETH/DEE QC, 2500 4X4, 3. 54 Everything but leather

 

[Tom C]

Mine came with a delphi box and the steering sucks. I can move the steering wheel about 3 inches from one side to the other before the truck will start to move. I feel like i'm driving a worn out 1957 chevy flatbed. I have been to the dealer once. they said they adjusted the box, that they were coming too tight from the factory. no improvement. I have another appointment with the dealer this friday to agian look at the sterring.

sooo. not all dephi boxs fix the steering problems.

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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.

 

[RedRam1]

I've got an "AF" Delphi box and my steering is very accurate and precise, at least for a vehicle this big/heavy. I've only got 5K miles, but so far no steering problems. Tires are wearing good also.
Wiz, what box do you have? Did your truck wander from day one?

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2001. 5 2500 4x4 Quad SLT SB 3. 54 ETH/DEE