I've had a shimmy in the steering for a while. Recently, it's gotten worse. Every once and a while I'll get death wobble if the conditions are right. I figured the alignment was just off. I took in in to a shop to get an alignment and told them about the shimmy,they called me to tell me that the checked out the front end and that the ball joints were bad.

They also said that all the tie rod ends were bad. I suspected this because they are real loose. Also the steering dampener is leaking. I've read about the new steering system and the recalls.

So my main question is, if I go to Napa or O'Reilly's and order TREs/steering system, will it be the new updated steering system? I don't want to replace the steering system only to have to replace it again soon.

Another question, are replacing balljoints the kind of thing that can be done in your own garage with hand tools? I've replaced ball joints in a dana 44 but never a truck this big.

Thanks.

 

Do a search here for ball joint replacement to see if you want to handle the job but it can be done at home with wrenches and a big hammer. Sometimes, getting the unit bearing out is the hardest part if you have a 4x4. You'll also need a ball joint press, no way to hammer press them like a U-joint. The one the auto parts store will loan you usually has a 6 inch jaw which is a PITA to use on these trucks. Try to find one with at least an 8 inch jaw and a large assortment of cups.
If a 4x4, change the front U-joints while you have it torn down.