I crawled under the truck today to see all the parts I'm going to replace. I grabbed the drag link and twist it and the thing moves back and forth (think motorcycle throttle!). I don't know but I'm willing to say that isn't suppose to happen right?

Anyway, the seal is broken on the tie rod end at the pside tire. There is a slight tap in the up/down movement at the pitman arm joint. The steering shaft on the box even has a hair of play.


I've been planning to upgrade these last few weeks,m its just a matter of pulling all the funds together. The more I wait, the more I see on the truck the madder I get thinking Dodge should replaced these poopy parts on their dime. That probably won't happen though.

<sigh> So, guess the steering parts are dying huh?


Added:

Noticed the broken seal and grease. Also that gray rings spins around. Normal?



Then

 

Shorts,

The tie rod can rotate some normally because it's mounted with ball joints. The problem is it's too thin and weak, and it has a joint between the wheels. This can contribute to wobble and play in the steering.

Upgrade it to the '08 linkage, damper and pitman arm. While you're in there you might also change the track bar bushings or just get a whole new and stronger one.

These changes will make a big difference in the truck.

 

Thanks Raspy. I decided to take it to the dealer and see what conclusion they will come to on the front end as a whole, based on this specific issue (busted joint, wobbly link). I realized this morning that I hadn't actually given them the chance, instead I pursued the idea of an upgrade on my own these last few weeks.

We'll see what happens in a few hours. I had the truck in there a month ago for the H46 recall which they cleared. I guess you could say I'm putting the ball in their court. They've been great to us since we started going there this year. I owe them that opportunity before I assume what their course of action would be (projecting all this "my dealer sucks!" attitude that is prevalent, especially on recall or TSB issues). I hope I don't come back irate or disappointed in a few hours. Fingers crossed it'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

I wouldn't expect too much since the truck is four years old and it didn't actually break. If you told them it had death wobble and scared you, they might do the upgrade. But you did not mention that issue here and I don't think you should lie to them. Also, they might not help you since you have oversized tires.

 

Well no. I didn't and don't lie. Because I never stated how the truck drives in this post does not mean it didn't happen. Cause it has some symptoms and those were told to the service rep.

In any case I just got a call back and was told the parts do need to be replaced. And since the parts were changed I'd have to go with that. $1038 parts and labor. I've got to call him back now and let him know what I'd like to do. They can see what's on the truck as far as equipment goes. It's no mystery, they can read...I hope. lol Anyway, I've got their reply straight up so now.

Edit: Now negotiating Mopar Parts America price match. I still need a shop to install and align, they have my business (truck is already there) if they match or get close. We went over parts numbers and cost so it's going to the manager now.


Edit2: Woohoo! I gotta hand it to Grapevine Dodge, they did me right I'm looking forward to picking up the truck tomorrow.


I got a fair square deal and I appreciate that. We also had a discussion about how they get their parts pricing and how customers like me get our parts pricing and the discrepancy that exists between the two (both reputable, provable sources). On top of that it looks like they will also dig into their chain of supply and basically say "What the heck?" in the regards to costs. I think that will enable them to save some money as well as be more competitive as a service department. I hope so. They've made me very satisfied this far and it looks like they care about what they're doing. Can't fault them for looking at every aspect of the bottom line. Them taking a new look at their costs is nice to see. As a fellow business owner I applaud Grapevine Dodge for taking a fair, honest approach. Thank you gentleman.

 

Shorts
Can you list all the PN's and prices for us ? I'm thinking its time for my truck as well.
Thanks

 

http://www.moparpartsamerica.com/spl...?siteid=214583

$214.14 - 52122362AE Steering linkage
3.45 - 6505623AA (3) Nuts for attaching linkage
0.70 - 6502835 (2) Nuts for attaching steering damper
2.30 - 6502473 (1) Bolt for attaching steering damper
49.73 - 68039930AA '08.5 Pitman Arm
96.96 - 52122370AB Steering damper



You need the pitman for this linkage unless you already have a dropped pitman for a lift kit. This new pitman sits at a slight different angle so it moves the bolt out of the way of the linkage under compression.


A new steering damper is also necessary. Old ones won't fit. It can be this Mopar part, or Carli, Thoren, etc. Whichever you go with be certain it is for the 09 steering kit.



My dealer had the parts in stock so I did not need the damper nuts & bolts. If you order yourself get the hardware.

 

Thanks Shorts.. I appreciate the list. Do you happened to know what the PNs are for the damper U-bolts and nuts & washers
Thanks

 

Not too certain of those are separate pieces of or they come with the linkage. Sorry

 

You'll love the new linkage. When I got mine I just ordered the linkage, the pitman arm and the damper. All the necessary hardware came along too.

The tricky part is that this is not a kit. You must order the individual parts and the pitman arm must be part of it.

 

Does the '08 linkage, damper and pitman arm fit an 04.5?

 

Yes. The "AE" steering linkage fits 3rd Gen trucks.

 

Just got the truck back. It drives better!






Now the bumps I feel are actually suspension and not the steering wheel knocking me around. These new parts are HUGE compared to what was on there before. The pitman looks better in silver than rust. I didn't cruise hwy (rush hour, DFW traffic ) but from my normal city route the change is noticeable. There is still a slight play in the steering wheel I believe coming from the steering box itself (there is a hint of shaft play). But the bumpsteer and feedback is gone.

A hint for anyone approaching your dealer, take your Mopar Parts America parts price list and ask if they would consider matching. It doesn't hurt to ask.


Now, to take care of those end links, I have MaxxLinks sitting on the couch here. Should be pretty easy right? Unbolt old, loosen sway bar, install new...?

 

Be curious to know if you can tell any difference when you get the end links changed. Been thinking about some new ones myself. Please post your findings. I've got some new trackbar bushings that I'm hoping to get in this weekend.

 

Me too. I'm wondering if I should drive the truck for a week to get the feel before I install the end links.


For the install, do I need to get the truck off the ground? My driveway is sloped pretty good.