I just ordered a bunch of parts to do a front end upgrade on my '05 Ram 3500:
-Dynatrac free-spin kit with Dynaloc manual hubs.
-Dynatrac ProSteer ball joints
-Power Train universal joints
-Mopar '08 steering linkage upgrade (tie-rods, damper, pitman arm, etc)

What else should I be doing while I have the front end apart ? ? ?
(note: my diff' & transfer case fluids are fresh)

On edit: I already have a Thuren trackbar and DSS steering stabilizer installed

Thanks in advance!
-Mark

 

I would do a track bar (thuren) and a steering box stabilizer

 

Adjustable control arms, upper and lower if you want all the good stuff.

Double opposed steering damper instead of a single.

 

A second on your house?

 

Um, yeah... you're not kidding, the Dynatrac stuff is spendy!
But my ball joints are totally and completely shot and I don't have much confidence in the longevity of the wheel/unit-bearings.
If the Dynatrac hubs and ball joints can actually outlast the stock ones (I'm guessing that with regular maintenance that I may never need to replace them), then in the long run it should save me money and downtime.
Add to that some improvement in handling, vibration, wear-n- tear on the front driveline and perhaps a small fuel economy bump and it becomes a pretty easy decision.
Oh, and I got a nice X-mas bonus this year
Happy New year!
-Mark

 

I've finally gotten all of my new front-end components installed. By the looks things, I think my timing was pretty good too... In addition to the rattling ball joints (which I knew about), I discovered that the passenger side unit bearing was in bad shape. It is nearly impossible to spin by hand and feels gritty; I have no idea how long it has been like that or how much longer it would have continued working. The driver's side bearing feels dry, but at least it spins. Anyway, I'm glad that I have serviceable bearings there now.

At Dynatrac's recomendation I went with U-joints from PowerTrain and while I was at it I put in a set of AutoZone Severe Duty brake pads (my original pads had 87K on them, a real testament to my PB exhaust brake!). Of course, I followed up with a front end alignment too.

The truck drives GREAT and the front end and steering feels better than new. The most noticeable thing is that the steering effort much easier, especially at slow speeds in tight spaces... this makes it feels like it has a reduced turning circle (I don't think that's actually the case). Also there's definitely reduction in driveline vibration. I've only driven a few hundred miles so far so I don't know if there will be any improvement in fuel economy... I can say that I have seen a 3-5 MPG jump on the overhead lie-o-meter but I don't have any idea if that will translate to a better number when I hand-calc'.

Here are a few pic's:

Dynatrac ProSteer ball joints installed.


My Vision wheels are zero-offset so the Dynaloc's just barely stick out wider than the tire.




'08 Mopar steering upgrade.

Cheers
-Mark

 

How are your Rancho 9000's holding up? I went through a few sets under warranty on my 04 and then went to Bilsteins. I have heard the 9000's are doing better now. I will be looking at what you did to your truck for my 07.5 this summer.

Did you wrench it all yourself? Get any pre-beer help from your friends?

 

Mine are the RS9000XL's... I picked them because I carry a truck camper and wanted to be able to adjust stiffness as needed to manage the additional weight. I also have the MyRide system. I haven't had any quality issues at all and overall I am very happy with the performance of the Ranchos.