My '01 2500 QC 4X4 has some issues. It has been wearing through breaks pretty quick, and I recently did the wheel cyl. upgrade. The ABS doesn't feel right. The front brakes need to be replaced, warped rotors and pads worn out. I have always tried to buy decent quality brakes, but they don't seem to last. I will be doing the big brake upgrade on the front. I also have a loose upper ball joint and one loose bearing set. Since I changed tires and wheels, I have the beginning of what seems to be death wobble. The luke's link pops and doesn't seem to tighten enough. The steering is pretty tight though. Also, since the transmission was replaced, the dash indicator is inaccurate. You have to go past the gear, and then come back to it.

I plan on getting XRF ball joints. With the lift, I was considering a Thuren track bar based on recommendations here. However, I am open to any affordable suggestions. I am also considering the 3rd Gen trackbar conversion kit.. I am being mobilized and my wife and son will have to drive this across the country a few times while I am gone. It gets a bit scary at 70-75 when I am driving.

#1. Any suggestions on locations and brands for brake pads and rotors that last, but work well. Bang for the buck. Also, where to order the 3rd Gen caliper bracket?

#2. Are there any alternatives to getting a whole new track bar? Also, any input on the Thuren Extreme Duty Steering?

#3. Where and what to get as far as bearing assemblies?

#4. Suggestions on fixing the dash indicator?

#5. Anything else that I can do to help tighten up the front end? It is easy to look around and see tons of ideas that help waste money (i.e. springs, shocks, sway control links . . . ). The lift coils the previous owner installed are very stiff. Yes, I have ridden and driven in many other Cummins trucks.

I know it's a lot of questions. Thanks for the help.

 

Don Thuren suggested that the BFG tires were the death wobble problem. Has anybody else had this issue? Are there any fixes other than getting rid of $1000 worth of tires? Thanks.

 

Well, alignment (caster!) and loose parts in the front end seem to be more of a contender for death wobble. Not true for every truck, some people can't seem to find anything wrong and are still plagued with it. Either way, fixing loose parts with quality replacements that should last a few years is a good start.

Thuren makes some of the best products for sure, but I know I can't afford them! I'd go with an adjustable 3rd gen track bar, not much to wear out in them. I can't comment on the lukes links, I've heard nothing but good things and I plan on trying them out next time a joint goes south.

For me a steering brace was the single best upgrade on a somewhat worn steering box. Keeps it from wandering at all at freeway speeds, by bracing the framerails and pitman arm shaft together.

I've had great luck with my timken bearing assemblies, I think they had them at autozone. Over 100k on them so far.

With the shift indicator, is it just the needle that's out or is the shifter itself out a bit? I know there is a way to adjust the needle, its a tiny cable that feeds off the handle in the column....I just forget how I did mine.

Good luck, its not impossible to have one that drives right!

 

I have heard that mentioned about those tires more than once, and have had first hand experience with two different BFG A/T equipped trucks exhibiting the death wobble (not my own). It's enough to make me shy away from those tires forever. If you already own them, it makes it a tough call. Maybe you could sell them or work out a trade for a different set. I would definitely make sure the steering and suspension were perfect before throwing all the blame at the tires though.

 

with the 4" lift did you get it realigned? I am pretty sure you will need a little more caster angle with the 4" lift I have seen it help with the lifted rigs

 

SERE,
My transmission indicator was WAY off when I bought my truck. I can't remember exactly what I did but I remember I poked around for about 5 mins under the steering column and the dash and it quickly became clear what to do. I seem to remember there was a nylon bolt or something like that, that had to be turned to shorten or lengthen the cable.
I realize that is a really vague answer. The point is, I remember it was quick and easy. Take a look and you should find it easily. If you can't, post back here and I will pull my truck out of the garage into the sunlight where I can see better and figure out what I did for you.