Noobie visiting this site for my father. Our 99 3500 2wd 5-spd has ~203k on it, and quite a bit of steering play. What is the best place to start to relieve this. We are about to install a leveling kit on the front and I'm wondering what else we should replace while we're in there. Shocks are on that list. I looked into a Luke's Link, but i think it's only for the IFS 4WD's. I am almost certain my '99 is a solid front axle...I honestly haven't crawled under it yet.

Also, the right front speaker is not working anymore...i suspect i'ts just dead. I'm not interested in adding amps or a head unit, I just want to replace the speakers with a decent set. Crutchfield says that 5.25 or 6.5" will fit. Obviously i want to go with the 6.5, but will i require an adapter plate or anything?

I have not personally changed any fluids except oil, and i have no records for the truck. I've done 2 changes since i purchased it at 175k using Rotella T. What do you guys recommend? Is it too late to start changing the trans and differential fluids. I know you can kill an auto tranny by changing the fluid at a high mileage...is this true for teh NV4500 as well? I'd like it to shift a little bit smoother.

 

No offense, but at 203K, it is all getting worn in pretty good. Anything you replace is gonna help.

I just put a solid steel steering stabilizer on my truck along with a new idler arm assembly. It took out the majority of the play. I think that I still have play in the steering box, and it is on the list of items to get repaired soon. It was just getting really bad and I wanted to fix the worst parts first.

Next I plan on putting all new tie rod ends and new pitman arm, plus, bite the bullet and do the wheel bearings too. Majority of the parts will cost $235 plus whatever the wheel bearings are. I suspect that once I get that far I will end up having to do the ball joints too. Heck, once I am that far I might as well put all new bushings in too.

As you can see, with miles, things wear out. But, that front end is carrying a lot of weight. Mine has gone many miles. If I have to stick a few hundred dollars in it here and there, it will be ok. Once it is all paid off, I will be smiling a lot more . I don't drive the truck very much now, but when I do, I want it to be right.

 

If this is a 2wd you do not have a solid axle, and you DO have IFS. The only dodge 4x4s with IFS are 1/2 tons, I think.

Steering wander is a much easier fix on a 2wd. Look into ball joints, steering box from PSC (www.pscpowersteer.com) and a Solid Steel steering stabilizer (the DSS).

I'm sure you need new shocks, too-- try some bilstein 5100s (zinc finish, not yellow paint) with the HD valving...

Justin

 

Welcome to the site and now you can start saving for your very own CTD.

 

"Kill a tranny by changeing the fluid at high millage" ?

Who told you that?

Change your fluids is a good idea.

 

He has a nv-4500 so he needs to use castrol syntorque.

 

That's what happens to the BMW auto transmissions (GM units) if you change the fluid for the first time after about 150k or so. Manuals don't really have this problem.

 

That's the plan. I want a 2WD 24v 2500....but i love the look of the 4x4 2500. I dont really have any use for the 4x4. I won't sell the BMW for one, but i'd love to add a Dodge to the stable in the future. I drive the 3500 enough to hold me over for now.

 

i put 6.5" components in my doors of my 99 no problem. no adapttors needed if i recall....