I have a 1996 Dodge 1500 5.9L, 185k

At slow speeds (also at hwy speeds - just more prominent at slow speed) you can feel the front end suspension "moving around" ie. Lots of play in the steering wheel. Lots of on-center play especially.

I know that I need new brakes on the front end (shimmy when braking too) - I have the parts but, I'd like to get everything done at once.

What bushings should I replace in the front end to make it feel like new?

Thanks,
Chris K.
Austin, TX

 

Look at your end link bushings, sway bar bushing, track bar ball joint and bushing, steering stabilizer, and inner and outer tie rod ball joints.

I have 216,000 mile on my Ram and I replaced all of the above except for the Tie Rods, Steering shaft, and the Steering pump and it tightened up the front end a lot. I still have a bit of play and the truck seems to wander. It also has a clunking from what sounds/feels like to below the pedals when going slow.

 

is your truck 2x4 or 4x4?

 

2 x 4

 

do what CopperDesigno mentioned, then when you go to get an alignment, you can have a few extra deg of caster put in. this will help it track straight which will also help with shaking.