Hey guys/gals just bought a used 98 ram sport 4+4.. The truck has 80K on it so thinking it might be time to do some maintenance.
1st: Truck seems to shake a little only at certain speeds. Any idea? And what to replace?
2nd: Steering doesnt seem up to par so thinking of just replacing ALL the bushings. Will that help?? Thanks

 

check tire balance/wear if they arn't new tires.

the check ball joints

 

Tires are Bran new and im guessing when the dealer mounted them that they were balanced as well.
Seems to shake at like 65 & 75. Any other speed and it goes away..

 

Check the tires even though they're new (sometimes they throw a weight), shocks (usually creat a hop though, not a shake), trac bar, tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel hubs, and alignment. It sounds like a lot to check, but it only take about 10-15 minutes to check all those things.

 

hey man, both rams 2nd gen my family has had needed front end work...at 72k my moms 95 4x4 need various front end work such as tierod, ball joints, things like that

my dodge 2000 4X4 with 58k needed a tierod when i bought it..that helped both of us in the same areas you are having problems with

 

easy way to check the ball joints is to do the following:

grab the top of the wheel and pull towards you the push back kinda like a jerking motion....you won't hurt it...if i gives any signifigant movement then your ***** are wore....

jack it up and see if there is a lot of movement in the direction it should't be

i had a 91 model 4WD and that's how a guy checked it when he was going to buy it. he worked at a tire place that did alignments....

the only other problem is ......well......you need to sit down for this.......

transmission

 

The tranny shifts and drives good. I looked at the front end more extstensively (it was dark when i bought it) and i could see what looks like some new bushings in a couple of steering parts. Guess i will have a shop check it out and let them tell me what i need to replace and then do it myself.

The tranny? Are dodges known for going out?

 

nah i didn't know what else to say

 

Yah, Dodge tranny's have some shame to their name. Mine's been rock solid though... I just recommend good maintenance to keep it strong.

~Amanda

 

dude you got the White clone of my truck cept mines a '96

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