1998 Dodge 1500 Front End Help

[AZCoues]

I was exposed to this forum by a good friend just recently and am already amazed about the depth and width of knowledge.

I have a 98 1500 Ram that needs new tie rods, joints, etc. Let me start by saying that I am not a mechanic in the smallest sense of the word (I can do brake pads). I am going to take my truck in to my mechanic and would like to direct him to use the proper parts for my rig.

I primarily use the rig for hunting purposes in the AZ Desert and it does get used. The truck has a modest lift (tire size 285/75/16). The previous tie rods only lasted for 15,000 miles and the national chain that installed them won't stand behind their warranty, so I want to upgrade.

Any guidance would be very helpful.

Thanks

 

[Rot Box]

Welcome to the forum :bike_rider:

I don't know what the best brand for those components is, but I do know which ones I'll NEVER buy again. Anything from Autozone/Checker/O'rielly and Moog.... Especially Moog. I've been buying Napa's Premium parts lately and have nothing but good to say about them. You may want to look into one of the aftermarket trac-bar upgrades for that rig as well. Good luck,

Andrew

 

[AZCoues]

Thanks for the guidance. I really appreciate it.

 

[TexGX]

AZCoues,

Glad to see you on the forum. You may want to post up some pictures so everyone can see the problem. It might be something else or help with ideas.

TexGX

 

[Revco]

I've always had luck with MOOG parts on all my previous trucks and cars, but NAPA parts are used when I can't find MOOG stuff. 94+ Dodges (especially the 4x4's) are plagued with a weak mount location for the steering box and balljoint problems. A lift and bigger tires will make those components wear out much faster, as will any off highway driving.

A track bar kit is a good upgrade to cure the premature balljoint wear, and a DSS will help keep the steering gear box from flexing. You can get those from www.solidsteel.biz, and I think BD makes copies of the solidsteel originals.

I used the Solid Steel DSS on my old '97 Dodge 3500 Dually (2wd) and it really helped make the truck feel better on the road. Since mine was 2wd the trackbar didn't apply, but I replaced the worn out original Ball joints and Tie Rod Ends at 156k miles and installed the DSS at 160k miles. I had the truck on the alignment rack a week before I sold it at 216k miles and the alignment guy told me that everything felt like it was a brand new truck and no adjustments were needed since the last alignment was done at 160k miles.

Let me also suggest getting a "Lifetime Alignment", especially if you intend to keep the truck for several years.

 

[Stoney126]

What brand TRE's were you using? What Makes you think you need New ones? What problems are you having?