Well it's time to toss some money at the truck. Ram 2000 1500 4wd with 103,000 miles. I know I need one upper ball joint by the tire wear on the inside of the drivers front. I have no idea what the current aliment numbers are since the ball joint test was a shake test. My local tire center quoted me $278.39 for part, install and alignment. I think I will pass on that offer.

My plan is to replace the upper and lower ball joints on each side. While I have it apart I plan on replacing the bushings in the control arms and the sway bars.

Should I replace anything else while I am tearing it apart? Tie Rod end? Any suggestions on ball joint brand (Moog is what I was planning on) or bushing grade ( Professional Grade; Control Arm Bushing Kit; 2 Bushings - Flanged Silentbloc from Rock Auto)? What about body bushings, am i due? I don't want poly! I am also going to re-secure the inner fenders since some of the plastic rivets have worn off and they are starting to make noise.

Thanks in advance, I know there are a lot of questions buried in there!

 

i would use moog ball joints. they offer an eliptical one that allows alignment correction. if you get that be sure you set it at zero unless you know that its out a specific amount.

i don't know about control arm bushings. i haven't changed mine yet.

i replaced my plastic rivets with 1/4 inch bolts about 3/4 inch long, nuts, washers.

 

I spent $385.13 at the local shop for 2 bottom ball joints, 2 front shocks, tire rotation, alignment, and labor (2.5hrs @ 45/hr).

 

Prices don't sound bad to me. I got a quote for upper and lower ball joints driver side only $400. Ouch!

 

Are the elliptical ball joints recommended to correct alignment of any current or future issues? I like the bolt idea in the inner fenders, they won't wear out like the plastic rivets.

Has anyone replaced the control arm bushings?

 

I went ahead and replaced the control arms with units shown in the links below, when I did the front end rebuild on my '96 Ram 2500 4x4:
http://www.spohn.net/shop/1994-1999-...2500-3500.html

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1994-1999-...2500-3500.html

They do use a poly style bushing that is greaseable via grease fittings built into the arms. I have no issues with them and the truck handles and rides great (not harshly) with them on there.

Might also want to take a close look at your track bar, too. I upgraded to this model, which required a custom bracket:

http://www.solidsteel.biz/datb.htm (Track Bar)

http://www.solidsteel.biz/tbk.htm (Bracket)

 

Thanks for the info AtomicDog. Was there much ride improvement with those changes?

I've heard good things about these: 1994-2002 Dodge Steering Stabilizer (4x4)

http://sourceautomotive.biz/1994-200...ilizer4x4.aspx

Anyone else use them?

 

That's the frame brace.

You can also get the Rock Solid Ram steering fix, which replaces a bushing in the steering shaft and eliminates any excess play.

 

I rebuilt my entire front end to eliminate a death-wobble issue and to fix/replace worn out parts. In my case, the only parts that were not worn were the outer tie rod ends. I also replaced the wheel bearings and the U-joints behind the wheel bearings. Once I performed the front end rebuild and installed new tires (285/75/16), the truck rides like a new one. I also installed the steering stabilizer noted in your link. It will provide a bit of longevity to the Borgeson steering box I installed as part of the rebuild. I plan to keep this truck for quite some time and wanted a rock-solid/reliable front suspension. The track bar setup on '94-'01 Ram trucks is a known area for problems, so by going to the track bar+bracket setup, this mimics the track bar design used in the later model trucks.

BTW, be sure to shop around for your parts. I purchased the same steering stabilizer kit from these folks off eBay for much less $$$. These folks were great to work with - when I swapped to the Borgeson steering box, I found that my stabilizer bar no longer fit and they had a different kit for the Borgeson box on a Dodge Ram:
http://www.custom-diesel.com/dodge-p...-borgeson.html

http://www.custom-diesel.com/dodge-p...tabilizer.html

 

My whole front end was shot tire rods inner and outers sway links upper and lower control arms I did it all myself for less then 500.00 bucks brand new control arms for upper and bottom both sides to me it was easier doing that then pressing out ball joints and bushings