So last week I go in for an alignment. Found out my ball joints and track bar were bad. So I ordered up dynatrac ball joints and a DT pro fab trac bar. After installation of the new ball joints and trac bar and alignment I now have a very annoying wandering side to side motion in my lane with minimal input from steering. Granted the front end now seems tighter but now this wandering issue. What gives? Hell before I brought it in to the alignment shop I had no wandering issues it tracked sweet down the road. Now I'm thinking I should do the sway bar end links and add a DSS steering stabilizer. Anyone had a similar issue to this? Thanks.

 

What they set the caster to when they aligned it. It should be around 3.0 or higher.
Also make sure the track bar bolt is tight.

 

Trac bar and ball joints just installed today. I was told to keep an eye on the track bar bolts after a few hundred miles. So yes it is tight. No movement from the steering pitman either. Had my son rotate the steering wheel back and forth while I observed. I'm told the caster was within spec. Don't know if that was on the low side. I'm going to see if he can check it tomorrow and get the number.

 

I did some reading up on dynatrac ball joints. Apparently I might be experiencing what chopper bob had. Might just be tight and need some break in time.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ac+ball+joints

 

Mine never drives right unless the caster is at the high limites of spec. Within spec is to wide of a range.

 

Since my alignment guy just said it's within specs which is a broad range isn't good enough for me. I'm taking it back and having it set to the recommended Dodge Specs.
Left Wheel
Caster 3.2

Right Wheel
Caster 3.5

Cross caster -.3

Camber -.10 for Left and Right
Cross camber 0.0

Toe - .05 degree (1/16")

I will see if this helps. Next I might try the steering dampner. Maybe unbolt one end let it hang and see how it reacts. Shouldn't be difficult with a stock ride and stock tires.

 

PROBLEM SOLVED! Had it up on the rack at the alignment shop today. Asked if I could take a look at the front end. Looking around I found the passenger stabilizer bracket bent and the rancho steering stabilizer tweeked as well. The alignment guy overlooked that and missed it apparently. I think he was a little surprised that I found it. Took it off and drove it and is money again. Bent the bracket back and installing a new Rancho later this morning. Anyway all good again. Thanks for the help Mr. Bill.