4x4 1999 Ram

When you watch the front axle (vehicle started) and you turn the wheels left and right, the front axle moves just a little to the left and right. Is this normal, should their be a little play when steering or is the axle to be 100% rigid and not move at all?

When the wheel is turned, I can see the dana44 move just a little to the left and right.

I have a bad ball joint that is making some noise when turning, I was looking for the noise and witnessed this.

 

Not normal, you need a new trac bar.

 

That sucks, that's the 2nd track bar in 3 years... I can see the ball joint on the track bar move in and out where it bolts to the frame, good call. Hope that's all it is - hard to believe the entire front axles stability rides on one ball joint (track bar) lol.

 

Check your track bar, they are supposed to keep your front axle where it belongs but they wear out on all 2nd gens

 

What brand have you been buying? Get a MOOG if that's not what you have.

 

moog is just over $100 at rockauto.com

 

I think it was a TRW, the Moog was just a little more if I remember correctly.