So I have just been looking around this site, thinking to myself, Where do I find info about my tie rod end. I found what I needed then went and re inspected my truck. I have only had this truck since FEB. I noticed that the suspension and steering are clunky!! HOLY SMOKES I have problems! BOTH U JOINTS ARE DEVASTATED!!!!! So Yesterday I was thinking, yeah just replace one tie rod end, then it went to replace all 4, plus one on the track bar, to Replace all 4 (because it's easy) and replace the u joints. Plus, someone here at the apt complex is smoking something delicious on the grill and I'm stuck inside on this computer LOL!!

Do you want to see a video of how bad a u joint is??Email me and I will send it to you. It doesnt look like I can post a link to a video, or I don't know how. Also with as much movement as you will see in the video, are the ball joints toast too?? Help please. I have some expensive repairs to make.

pictures of tie rod end and u joint included for your viewing pleasure

The tie rod ends I can do myself, can I do the u joints myself? they are only $15 a piece. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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2001 ram 1500 4wd 5.2lv8

 

Its all pretyt easy so I'm sure you can handle it all.

The tie rods are expensive because some genius at Chrysler decided to make them all once piece. So for a new tie rod and draglink your looking at probably $150 at least. Balljoints can be cheap but if you get MOOG's they're like $100 a peice. Like you said the u-joints are cheap so do it, same as changing a driveshaft joint.

"Special" tools you'll need:

A Pickle Fork (Or a big hammer since the TRE's are already shot, just pound them out. However sometimes they are SO stuck that even a 8 lb suldge doesn'e break them free, also you'll need it to get the knuckle off)

Ball Joint Press (For both Ball Joints AND U-Joint removal)

1 11/16" Socket to get the unit bearing nut off.

Slide Hammer with hub attachment. (Sometimes you can get the unit bearings off with out a puller, but a slide hammer with the hub attachment makes it really easy and usually doesn't destroy the assembly itself)

 

i cant count how many times ive done those u-joints i done know what it is with my truck but i get 20to 50k ber set

u joints are pritty easy
follow this DIY but once the wheel barings are off take the axle out very carefully (if you scarr the acle seals you have a very big job) change the ujoint then put axle back on then re asemble everything

 

are there any websites that would have a diagram of what I am taking apart? I have been looking for days for something with a diagram. I read blueprints all day so anything to show me what I'm doing will boost my confidence. Plus I have some experience modding out volkwagen passats! I know my way around the garage a lil bit. Well enough to know that if your coil compression tool breaks the spring from your strut will fly across the garage at mach speed and damage everything it hits, including shin bones!!![8D]

 

look for the "merry christmas thread" its got an 01 service manual

here is the link
https://dodgeforum.com/m_340929/tm.htm

 

Well I got the U joints replace and that made a huge difference. Now the only thing bugging me is still the looseness of the front suspension.

It seems really shaky but everything looks tight and I took a look at everything when I had thetruck up doing the u joints. When I brake, I get a little popping noise as if the whole front axle is shifting foward, plus it still feels like something wrong when I am on the highway. No real way to describe it except I get the little pops when braking and it just feels loose.


I can feel it in the wheel and the pedals mostly.

Could this be the shocks?

By the way. My u joints were completely disintegrated. Good thing I didnt use 4wd, cuz the pin bearings were missing out of two caps on one side.

 

when you brake does your your pedal pulsate and you get a shake in the steering wheel? could be warped rotors. The axle popping could be your track bar going bad (this locates your axle side to side). also look at your bearings if you haven't done so. Also your balljoints. Lift the truck slightly off the ground get a large prybar and pry on the bottom of the tire trying to move the tire up and down, if there is any movement then have some one see which ball joint is bad (if not all four). also make sure your control arms are tight, and look at the mounts on the frame and axle and make sure they are not cracked, (i've seen it once).shake the tire and 12 o clock and 6 o clock if any movement most likely bearing. shake at 3 and 9, since you replaced all tie rods look at your steering box for some slop...oh yea, and you did get an alignment after all this right?