I have replaced all of the tie rods that showed any wear,new steering box,new intermeadate shaft,luke`s link,ball joints, front hub, my question is this doe`s antone know a really good front end shop that really knows what there doing in the St. Louis area. Front end still wanders after all this#$%$@%% Help THANKS

 

you didn't mention it, so i must ask - alignment?

 

O yes I had it aligned 3 times the last one said the right ball joint was out of specks so it needed to have a concentric spacer or something like that but he said it wasn`t that bad so I didn`t do it. I have had a problem with this thing for a long time but no one seams to know what to do, I live in a fairly small town, I just don`t think anyone here knows these trucks.

 

have you owned the truck since new? It's possible the frame is bent/twisted if it was in an accident. If it's 4wd a control arm could be bent OR misaligned (the little tab on the lower control arm that rotates to set camber).

 

yes darin I have had it since it was new,and yes it was in a slight accident. The dealer at the time said it was ok??? That`s why I would like to find someone besides the dealer that really knows what they are doing. I`m tired of spending money on this front end. Thanks

 

Assuming that all links and associated hardware are in good shape, and it sounds like you've
covered most everything the only thing left would be alignment. Most shops will take the factory settings as gospel and if they get within the 2 to 5 degree tolerance they call it good.
A truck set up with caster pulling one direction and camber pulling in another will wander, even tho they are in spec. Here is what was recomended by Chrysler tech and it cured my wandering. Left Wheel Right Wheel
Caster 3.2deg 3.5deg
Cross Caster -.3deg
Camber -.10 -.10
Toe - standard spec's or slightly toe'd out if towing a lot.
Your mileage may vary.

 

Wyndknot, thanks for the responce. I guess maybe I will go to the dealer again and give them one more try. I was hoping that someone would know someone besides a dealer (cheaper), but who knows what they are doing Thanks.

 

I would go to a reputable body shop and ask who they recommend to do alignments. I use a local tire store (family owned and operated) and have done for the past 25+ years ... they have an excellent reputation for aligning near anything!

 

If you don't mind the drive we got a shop over here in Springfield, IL that does a great job. He put's the truck to specs and then drives it to try it, anything he feels from there he adjust it 1 step at a time driving it between each step to check it. He does alot of the local big trucks and race vehicles that don't fit on traditional alignment racks. He is where all the local shops refer you to when they can't do it. PM me if your interested in more info.

 

99 cummins There sould be a PM for you Thanks

 

I took mine to a front end and alignment shop in Mountain Grove, Mo. (south of you). The guy does a lot of front end work, he drives a Dodge 3500 and I usually see several other trucks like that out front. He replaced one of my lower ball joints and gave me a pretty good deal. He might be able to at least point you in the right direction.

I can get you a number if you are interested.
PISTOL

 

I found an alignment shop by calling the local place that sells and installs a lot of lifts on all brands of trucks, took it where they do, and got it all set up. I figured where ever they send them must do a pretty good job, since they've been in business for quite a while and always seem to be expanding.