alhughes

All right, I have a 2001, 4X4 2500 with the 6sp/HO Cummins. I always bragged that this thing handled like a 9900 lb porche. Just in the last few months this trucks seems to have converted to a 9900 lb western buggy. It has about 205,000 miles. I have looked at the track bar bushings and they seem to be in good shape without any play... I have ordered a good set of shocks and steering damper which I am sure need to be replaced but what else in everyones experience at this mileage is a probable item(s) to need replacement, track bar bushings, stabilizer/bushings, leaf spring bushings, etc.??

Thanks for your help,
Aaron

alhughes

I forgot to mention that the ball joints were replaced about 35,000 miles ago with the MOOG brand.

high bid

check the control arm upper & lower bushings

SIXSLUG

Also, check your steering box for excessive play.

justme-

Check your sway bar bushings and end links- they wear real quick and will (from other threads) make a pronounced difference in handling.

alhughes

Replaced track bar bushing, shocks, steering damper, and sway bay bushings and ends...Made a world of difference! Need to check the control arm bushings. Steering box did not seem to have any extra play in it. Just an update. spent some serious money if you buy real parts though!

Astro

I'll be collecting the parts for a complete suspension overhaul on my 2wd here real soon. I've got new Ball Joints in the boxes, those will go in first, so as not to destroy my new front tires. Even with 124k original miles, the stock control arm bushings are showing their age. I'll be replacing all 4 shocks, control arm bushings, rear leaf spring bushings, sway bar bushings, and installing a steering stabilizer all at once when I have all the parts collected. Of course that also includes freshening up the front brakes with new hardware, as well as new wheel bearings, and going through the rear brakes too. The truck already feels fine, but the peace of mind knowing that I did everything at once and keeping track of how old each component is down the road will help to ensure proper maintenance.

VICIOUS FISHER

look into a DSS if you are looking for further improvements, google DSS, solidsteel biz, something like that. look at the install instructions. It ties the frame horns together and to the steering box. It will make a world of difference, at least it did for me. about 225 bucks last I saw. I got mine from PDR

alhughes

Well, I had my wife turning the steering from side to side while is was under the truck. (Things pass thru your mind at a time like that wondering the last time I might have made her mad!) The steering seemed tight until I was under there. I actually tightened up the allen screw about 4 turns. The steering was really really loose and and has a lot of play in the bearings in the output shaft. It actually has a pronounced knock when changing the direction of the steering. I have ordered a cardone to replace it and it will be here in couple of days. THanks for everyones help.

nickg

4 turns on the over center adjustment is too much, usually bearing pre-load is done first then overcenter(allen Key) is done usually 1/4 turn is plenty.
by cranking the allen key in you have meshed the gears so tight they will bind, and steering will likely not return to center when exiting a turn,

bearing pre-load can be done without removing the steering box or removing the pitman arm, just unhook the coupling at the steering box and slide out of the way, be sure before starting the wheels are straight ahead and after removing the steering coupling to lock the steering wheel so that you dont damage the clock spring, because of excessive turning of the steering wheel. back off the lock ring and turn the "plate in " usually finger tight is enough, if unsure follow the inst in the link.

oh yeah back the allen key back off before redoing the adjustments

http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/steeri...ear/Adjust.htm

nickg

opps disreguard my above post if the lower bearings are that loose. adjusting the box wont help. a DSS will help save your next steering box. if you put one on soon. I had a Cardone fail about 3 months after instal...lower bearing was toast. I was refused warranty because my truck is used and registered for commercial use, so I just got a bearing/seal kit from napa, and it has not leaked or had any bearing failure since(been a couple yrs since )