We are going to tackle some of the wear components. On the list is the Idler arm, pitman arm, center link, tie rod ends, the 1.5" spring spacers, the steering stabilizer, and the front and rear shocks. It's a '99 2wd 3500 DRW. I checked for play on the column, and it looks to be alright for now. What else should we look at replacing while we're in there? Any particular brands to stay away from? Autozone, NAPA, O'Reilly?

 

Theres some crappy parts around, Id try to stick with Moog myself. Our local Napa sells 2 lines of hard parts,ones pretty weak the other OK ands some of the parts with a lifetime guarantee. Ive had 2 front end shops tell me not to use Dana/spicer anymore. Who do you trust? If its made in a place you cant find on the map, stay away

 

I found Moog at www.thepartsbin.com, their prices seem to be okay, but warranties over the internet make me run for cover. NAPA or something, I can remove it, go exchange, come back and install. I'd rather do that twice than have to ship the stuff back and replace once.

 

All of our O'Reilleys carry Moog if you ask for them, they "Use" to be the best front end parts, don't know for sure anymore since everybody is oursourcing so much stuff nowdays.

 

no need to replace.. just to replace. if ball joints, tie rod ends etc are tight. shoot em full of grease and they will last next to forever. key is to keep ball joints full of grease. once they run dry, it's death.

if there's no grease zert, get a needle insert poke into boot and fill full of moly grease.

to check get both wheel off the ground. place a bar under tire and lift. good ball joints should have little to no play. pull tire side to side to check for movement.

 

Summit also carries Moog.....I wouldnt use anything else!

 

Moog seems to have stood the test of time for quality.