About a week ago, I got a local shop to install a 6" BDS suspension lift, and put on some bigger tires and wheels. Since this, I have noticed that I have a high pitched squeal when I turn, however its mainly when the air conditioner is on. I thought it probably was the belt needing tightening, so I took it in. Also, when I changed the oil, I noticed that the power steering was leaking and that the bushings on the control arm were busted and flat as a pancake. I also spoke to this when I took it back to the shop. They said that the bushings and the power steering were a Dodge thing and that it needs to go to the dealer. They said there is no way that with the kit being on that short of time, that it could do that. My question is this, how do you take a modified truck with only 15K miles and say it is a manufactures problem? I know from past experiences that if anything that is aftermarket is even touching the part in question, it can void the warranty. To top it off, now there is a high pitched squeak when the truck is rolling. Maybe the fact that the bushings are gone? Anyone got any insight...Jamie

 

Sorry to hear about your issues. I have not had problems, but leaky power steering pumps on the 3rd gens have been something to watch for. I am not sure about the noise though. It's too bad that you didn't catch the leak a week ago, the dealer will no doubt use the lift as an excuse, although no it wouldn't change things in that time. Good luck when you take it in some dealers are pretty tolerant of mods while others will use any out they can.

 

It alll depends on the dealer. The conrol arm bushings should be a problem with whoever put on your lift because new busings came with the new control arms for your lift. good luck

 

When you play it puts manufacture and owner at odds with one another and for obvious reasons.

 

New control arms didn't come with the kit. I still have the stock control arm and the bushings (busted though). Jamie

 

Do you have pics of your lift. I would like to see how BDS 6" lift is without changing the control arms.... Thanks

 

Here's a 6" standard kit of their website.

BDS Suspension 6" Standard Lift

It has new control arms and bushings, like just about all the other lifts out there. Are you sure we're talking about the same thing? With 6 inches of lift on the control arms, your front axle would be pulled way back. Actually I don't know if you could even get the short arms back on with 6 inches...

 

Maybe I am wrong. Part I am talking about is located in the front of the truck and is the rods that help in turning the wheels. (I thought that was the control arm) If the bushings were gone, would it make a loud squeaking sound even when the wheels are not being turned? I am just trying to find this squeak, its loud as hell and bugging the crap outta me. Got me worried that maybe a freaking wheel might fall off or something...JK...Jamie

 

That's a tie rod. The control arms are what connects your axle to the frame. There are 4 of them on the back side of the axle.

 

Oh well, even though I sounded like an idiot, now I know. Will busted bushings on the tie rods make a squeaking sound? Thanx man...Jamie

 

I had a high pitched squeking when rolling it was my u-joints. Tie rods wont make it squek just loose steering

 

I agree. It's just gonna cause loose steering. It may cause a squeak qhen you turn but doubtful. I'm still running the factory tie rods at 102k and I don't have any squeaking problems. Even with a busted one.

 

Will a little grease fix the problem? I mean the truck has 16K on it and is a 2005. Also, (another stupid question) where are the U joints located? I really appreciate your help. Jamie

 

nevermind I found it. I'm not thinking that this is the problem though. Sounds more like something is loose instead of this. Yes there is a squeaking noise, however it sounds more like its coming from the front passenger side. I had the shop check it out (as far as suspension is concerned) and everything was good and tight. Any other suggestions as to possibilities? Thanx...Jamie

 

2nd gens also seem to have problems with the steering box. The lower bearing wears out in like 37 seconds then wobbles and destorys the seal. The fluid leaks out and the pump screams from low fluid. we have had this problem With a 2nd gen wew corrected it with a DSS from solid steel. I dont know if they make them for your year though. With a lift you are putting greating stress on that lower bearing from a harder angle on and the drop in the pitman arm. Check the fluid level in the power steering. May not be the problem but it never hurts.