I took my truck into Firestone for an alignment check ($19.99 charge) due to excessive front end drifting while driving down the highway. I thought maybe the alignment was messed up.
Didnt have a clue how this could happen with only 12K on the truck and have never banged
up the front end in any way. (Nor do I do any off roading of any kind) Truck sleeps a lot in the garage as its only for towing/camping for the most part, or helping someone haul something.
They told me it has excessive ball joint movement and the steering gear box had a rattle and movement/[play. I just made an appointment to have my dealer take a look at it next week.
They showed me the play in the steering gearbox and the excessive play in the upper/lower
ball joints. Anyone else have this problem or know about a TSB on the 03's. I assuming this
will be covered under warrenty. I also ordered a Rancho steering stablizer that I will install
next week-end.

Thanks

 

The Durango and Dakota's have issues with ball joints. I cant understand why DC does not have zerk fittings on the front end components so they can be greased. I just had my upper control arm replaced yesterday because it was squeeling really bad. 2 months before that they replaced the tie rod end on the same side. All this on a vehicle with just over 23k

 

I thought I saw zerks on the upper ball joint location. Could be wrong though.
Was your stuff covered under warrenty ? Did they align the front end ?

 

You've got me wondering now...

My truck pulls to the left something aweful. If I let go of the steering wheel I wouldn't be able to count to 3 before I would be in the ditch...

My truck only has 30K miles on it, so it could be an alignment is all it needs... Off to the dealer on Monday...

 

TSB lists

 

bmoeller
Thanks, I had already review this list of TSB's. I didnt see anything directly related.
I guess it goes to the dealer next week.

 

File a complaint with the NHTSA about the ball joints. That's what prompted DC to recall on the Dakotas and Durangos. Thats about the only way they will get something done on the Rams. Just tell it like it is - problems with steering caused by abnormal ball joint wear that DC will not warranty. Enough complaints and something might get done

 

03CTDCO
Yes, it was all covered under warrenty. They also aligned the front end. Seems fine now.

 

Took my truck in today to the dealership. They replaced the upper and lower ball joints,
aligned the front end, rotated the tires (all 4), and gave me a ride to and from work.
All under warrenty. I'm happy again. Thanks for all the input. Time to tow in the Rockies.

 

The more I read, the more it seems Im the only person on the planet that hasnt had a ball joint issue. whats the deal with that?
Scott

 

03CTDCO,

Did they happen to mention if this is a common problem? Or were your ball joints just a fluke? Thanks.

 

TexasCTD

Kinda hard to figure these service guys out. 1st, there is always someone new behind the counter everytime I go in (which is not that often), and none of these guys seem to know
anything but they try to BS with you. (I HATE that) The service guy isaid t should not happen
on a truck with 12K miles...I said no kidding, shouldn't happen to a truck with 70K miles either.
I asked him if he saw any other 2500/3500 trucks in for the same thing. He started to tell me
about the Dakota and Durango ball joint issues. I stopped him in his tracks and said I have a Ram 2500. He said "not many" come in with ball joint issues. I'm just glad they are replaced.
Trucks tracks straight again which will make towing a breeze again. I'm picking up a Rancho
steering stablizer today to replace the weak stock version. $45 bucks you cant go wrong.

 

"The more I read, the more it seems Im the only person on the planet that hasnt had a ball joint issue. whats the deal with that?
Scott"


No problem here.

 

03CTDCO,

Let us know how that Rancho stabilizer works out, ok. Thanks
May be adding that to my mod list.

 

Rancho RS5000 steering stablizer installed today. A quick drive indicates to me
the steering seems to track a little bit better than with the stock version.
Pictures in my Gallery