I have a 98 1500 QC 2WD 318 ci 134k miles and the front end has a slight wobble and when I turn to the left there is a pop turning to and then returning from the LH turn. I had the bearings inspected and repacked and was told that the bearings were still like new. Even though it doesn't pull either direction, I also got a front end alignment and was told everything was good. It is causing the tread to wear in a checkerboard pattern all across the tire. I am assuming that it is probably a ball joint problem. Strange thing is after I replaced the left tire at the time the bearings were packed, the right tire started (it had not up til then) wearing unevenly in the checkerboard pattern. I was thinking of replacing all the ball joints and tie rods. Does anyone know if this is a common issue and is there a specific ball joint/tie rod that would be most suspect? I pull a heavy tractor and building materials over a rough dirt road and through small washes and the popping noise occurs over the rough patches even if the wheels aren't turned.

 

How are your shocks?

Popping is most probably dry balljoints. If they have grease fittings, hit 'em.

 

I have permanent sealed ball joints. No zerks to grease them. Shocks are stock but not leaking yet.

 

I'm thinking at 134k miles it wouldn't hurt to just replace the ball joints and tie rods for maintenance. I found a reasonable oem set online but it states it's for 94-96 Ram 1500s. Is there a difference between those years and my 98?

 

Don't know about interchange...... However, if your shocks are original, and you have 134K miles..... they are toast. Shocks don't last that long. Leaking or no..... put some new ones on the front at the very least.