Have a 1996 Dodge as above with 3" lift 35" tires. Just replaced the small tie rod and 4" inch drop pitman arm. Got a Wheel Alignment done after as the steering had lots of play and was pulling to the Right side. That's all good now but just wondering about the U-joints and the big Tie Rod. Would anyone suggest getting this done?How can you tell that they need replacing from driving?

Fairly new to this Dodge so any suggestions is well taken.

Thanks,

Bill

 

with u-joints you get a sort of skip/jump when they are bad. as for tie rods. i would recommend replacing them for they will cause more play in the steering wheel

 

ok as for the " big tie rod" known by many as an inner tie rod ( the little one is an outter tie rod) correct me if im wrong guys... but if you grab hold of that with your hand, and it moves... its either gone or real close... one thing you can do is sit under the basic front of the truck, and have a buddy move yoru wheel just ever so much back and forth,,, you should notice the tie rods moving, but where that attachs to the spindle should move too, if it doesnt, its bad... alot of times, if you replace one, you replace both because from normal wear and tear, the other one isnt to far from being gone... if you have play in the steering wheel, tell us, there is a nut on the steering box, i havent heard anyone here complain about it, but three of the dodges around here have the same problem... let me know, ill take pics of it and show so you know exactly what im talking about

as for ujoints... there are ALOT of ujoints on the under side of any truck... so you have to be more specific, but the skipping is a good indication..

 

As far as checking a tie rod, I would get a pickle fork or wrecking bar and use it as a lever to see how much up and down play is in the ball/socket. If more than one or two are bad I'd replace them all, just a matter of time.
I'd also go to a 99 3500 1 ton crossover design. Much better feel and the toe in doesn't change as the suspension cycles.
Look for red colored dust or staining around the U joint caps, thats the needle bearings being ground up inside from lack of grease. Front axle joints squeal, squeak or clatter when the axle is engaged.

 

Thanks for all your comments on my U-Joint/Tie Rod issue.

Bill

 

u could also just lean in over the tire and wiggle the u joint back and forth to see if you have any play. or just lay down under the truck and wiggle it. shouldnt have any play in them