2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Front End Alignment...Somethings Up.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 27, 2009 | 05:45 PM
  #1  
MaresMotorsports's Avatar
MaresMotorsports
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Angry Front End Alignment...Somethings Up.

Went trail riding with the girlfriend.
Another truck came hauling *** around a corner, I swerved and put my truck in a rut on the right side.

Now driving down the street, it turns just fine when I go left, but there's a lot of play to the right. I have to turn the wheel almost 1/4 of the way right before the truck turns.

Also, my friend who went up with us says my truck's dog walking now.

I'm guessing I knocked the front axle to the left a little?
any way to quick fix without taking it to get an alignment?
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2009 | 05:59 PM
  #2  
BigDodge99's Avatar
BigDodge99
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Default

If you moved your axle you have something seriously wrong. Something is bent.
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2009 | 07:23 PM
  #3  
CSXfan's Avatar
CSXfan
All Star
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Michigan
Default

Sounds like a track bar problem
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2009 | 07:24 PM
  #4  
Twisted Metal's Avatar
Twisted Metal
Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
From: Paulsboro New Jersey
Default

Off the top of my head I would say check track bar, tie rod ends, drag link, pitman arm. The pitman arm to see if it "jumped" spline.
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 02:30 AM
  #5  
MaresMotorsports's Avatar
MaresMotorsports
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Default

So I got it up on a lift at my work, nothing looks bent. However, I'm guessing it's a tie rod because the wheels are toed out a little bit now.

I'll have to go through it in the morning.
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 08:46 AM
  #6  
Sheriff420's Avatar
Sheriff420
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,055
Likes: 7
From: Lee County, North Carolina
Default

the only thing i can think that would make it dog track would be if the track bar got knocked loose or bent.

when i put coil spacers on my truck the axle shifted toward the drivers side because i had the track bar disconnected.
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 09:32 AM
  #7  
zman17's Avatar
zman17
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Default

Control arms could be bent.
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 11:40 AM
  #8  
sungod's Avatar
sungod
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Fairfax VA
Default

Find a shop that will check your alignment for free. Many will because they usually can convince you to pay for the alignment. The alignment check is the only real way to see if something is wrong unless you can clearly see something bent.
 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2009 | 01:27 PM
  #9  
MaresMotorsports's Avatar
MaresMotorsports
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Default

Alright, so I've figured out that I believe it's a track bar.
I had a co-worker take a look at my truck while it was on a rack at my work.

He's more familiar with older chevy's, so is unsure.
but he said he thinks sometimes you can adjust them.

We couldn't see anything, but is there a way to adjust it, or could I have a bent track bar?
 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2009 | 01:30 PM
  #10  
Sheriff420's Avatar
Sheriff420
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,055
Likes: 7
From: Lee County, North Carolina
Default

you can adjust it if you have an aftermarket adjustable track bar. otherwise, no.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:55 PM.