Went to the local front end alignment joint because the front tires showed some erratic wear and was told that all of the rod ends and ball joints are shot. They suggested I contact the dealer to see if this can be repaired under warranty. Anyone have any experience trying to get a 2001 with just over 100k miles repaired under warranty? Also, if the dealer won't do anything, what are the best options for replacement parts.<br><br>primepedaler

 

Over 100k miles I doubt anyone would do it as Warranty, even with an extended plan (they only went to 100k with my '99). With that kind of mileage on a 4x4 you (or original owner) probably got pretty much their money's worth out of the ball joints and tie rods. These diesel motors are heavy, and although the motor lasts a very long time, the suspension and other systems generally were out much sooner than the enigine - that's why most of us got a CTD, so that the motor would outlast the rest of the vehicle. How long the font ends, rear ends, springs, etc. last depends on what kind of use they see. Shop around a little, then select the shop you want to do the repairs. HTH.

 

yea, the warranty on the front end is 3 years 36,000 I think. no way you'll get warranty work. <br><br>but in your situation I wouldn't put stock stuff back in there anyway. There are a number of after market solutions that are way more robust than the OEM stuff in there. consider at least a DT or moog track bar. not sure about the tie rod ends, except that Luke's links have been getting good remarks of late. the steering stabalizer probably needs replacement as well and their are many choices there. Your steering box probably also has some play in the sector shaft --fix that with a $140 &quot;DSS&quot; stabalizer bar. Since there is no warranty protection for the steering box, you probably want to save on the $$ to replace that. <br><br>I'm not yet convinced that OEM ball joints are bad parts, so consider replacing those with standard replacement parts. anyone disagree with that? the tie rod ends and the track bar are the weaker points and need to be replaced with aftermarket parts. thats the way I read the situation anyway. <br><br>I'm in a little different situation than you are, as my truck is still under warranty so I'm going to go through a round of OEM replacements. you never know, DC may wake up some day and find that improving the replacement parts (especially the track bar) is cheeper than replacing lots of them. well, you can hope, cant you? <br><br>you front end experts please chime in here...

 

Take a close look at the tracking bar BEFORE you have the entire front suspension replaced.<br><br>If the tracking bar is loose, it will cause the same effects as your describing.<br><br>Start it up, have someone wiggle the steering and you look at the tracking bar. It is connected on the drivers side. If it moves at all the joint is worn.<br><br>Best and cheapest way to fix it is with a LUKES LINK.<br><br>He also makes parts for the tie rod ends.

 

I am in the same boat as you. 97 with 102k miles. I replaced the track bar (Moog for $140 from www.dodgepartstore.com) I have the upper and lower ball joints on the shelf ready to go in and am getting new tie rod ends in 2 weeks. All the parts on my truck were originals and I thought it was quite good to get that much mileage out of everything. I also have the DSS brace coming from Piers. Gotta call them today as it was supposed to ship last thursday.<br><br>Don Miller<br>97 X-cab 2500, 16 deg timed, 370 injectors, #8 plate, Scotty II with the hole, Custom Trans by Frank, dynoed 302 hp - 700 TQ 4/12/03.

 

Dodge isn't going to cover that but, it is a easy job to do. If you don't have the right tools you can rent them at you local Auto Zone. The job is easy.