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.

Steering or Suspension problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-09-2017, 11:39 PM
MoparFanatic21's Avatar
MoparFanatic21
MoparFanatic21 is offline
Legend
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Received 306 Likes on 298 Posts
Default Steering or Suspension problems

01 2500 5.9 with 1500 axles. I'm going to try to explain what I experience. Driving down the road I get wander and a shake (not death wobble) at about 45? And up also have lose steering (more lose them a girl with beads on bourbon street. If the truck is at a standstill and you turn the wheel either direction you get a clunk. I had a buddy turn the wheel and I inspected the driver's tie rod and track bar they tested good. Passenger has new tie rode an the steering box is new along with the tie rod that goes to that. I am stumped. It rides rough (I don't mind that) but you feel every bump to like the suspension has no travel.
 
  #2  
Old 08-10-2017, 06:37 AM
Moparite's Avatar
Moparite
Moparite is offline
Grand Champion
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 6,021
Likes: 0
Received 347 Likes on 327 Posts
Default

01 2500 5.9 with 1500 axles.
Why? What about the wheel bearings ball joints?
 
  #3  
Old 08-10-2017, 08:26 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,739
Likes: 0
Received 3,174 Likes on 2,927 Posts
Default

Which springs are on there?
 
  #4  
Old 08-10-2017, 09:38 AM
MoparFanatic21's Avatar
MoparFanatic21
MoparFanatic21 is offline
Legend
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Received 306 Likes on 298 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by HeyYou
Which springs are on there?
Leafs are 1500 as they are 2.5" and 5 pack. Front I'm guessing by saying 1500 also
 
  #5  
Old 08-10-2017, 09:58 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,739
Likes: 0
Received 3,174 Likes on 2,927 Posts
Default

Well, my 3/4 ton, with all of it's stiff-springed glory, rides like a truck..... I am intimately familiar with every little bump and pebble between my house, and the nearest town. I think the 98 rides stiffer than my 96 did. (and it was a 3/4 ton also.) Put a few thousand pounds in the bed though, and it rides like a Cadillac.

As for your steering...... Inspect EVERYTHING that moves. (and some stuff that doesn't.....) I have found that the 'stock replacement' steering boxes usually are worse off than what you are replacing. The 'reman' process only changes out bearings (sometimes) and seals. They rarely address the worn parts in them.

Also need to check the control arm bushings, and the track bar, (both ends.)
 
  #6  
Old 08-10-2017, 10:08 AM
MoparFanatic21's Avatar
MoparFanatic21
MoparFanatic21 is offline
Legend
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Received 306 Likes on 298 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by HeyYou
Well, my 3/4 ton, with all of it's stiff-springed glory, rides like a truck..... I am intimately familiar with every little bump and pebble between my house, and the nearest town. I think the 98 rides stiffer than my 96 did. (and it was a 3/4 ton also.) Put a few thousand pounds in the bed though, and it rides like a Cadillac.

As for your steering...... Inspect EVERYTHING that moves. (and some stuff that doesn't.....) I have found that the 'stock replacement' steering boxes usually are worse off than what you are replacing. The 'reman' process only changes out bearings (sometimes) and seals. They rarely address the worn parts in them.

Also need to check the control arm bushings, and the track bar, (both ends.)
I accompanied the loose steering (dead from 12 to 3) to the steering box. Even when loaded the front end is to bumpy even for a truck. I inspected the control arm bushings and the track bar they are all good. I'll try to post a video of the "clunk"
 
  #7  
Old 08-10-2017, 10:14 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,739
Likes: 0
Received 3,174 Likes on 2,927 Posts
Default

The clunk may be in the steering column, check out the Rock Solid Ram Steering Fix.
 
  #8  
Old 08-10-2017, 10:41 AM
MoparFanatic21's Avatar
MoparFanatic21
MoparFanatic21 is offline
Legend
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Received 306 Likes on 298 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by HeyYou
The clunk may be in the steering column, check out the Rock Solid Ram Steering Fix.
Do you have a link? Also instead of me steering another thread I have a question idk what year the computer is in my truck but it has a 96 engine harness and dash harness. I have the 01 engine harness and dash harness that this truck is supposed to have will they work with the commuter if it's a 96?
 
  #9  
Old 08-10-2017, 10:44 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,739
Likes: 0
Received 3,174 Likes on 2,927 Posts
Default

Link.

No, it won't. A LOT changed in 98 with how the PCM communicates with the cluster. If you wanted to reinstall the 01 wiring, you would need a PCM that understands it.
 
  #10  
Old 08-10-2017, 10:50 AM
MoparFanatic21's Avatar
MoparFanatic21
MoparFanatic21 is offline
Legend
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Received 306 Likes on 298 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by HeyYou
Link.

No, it won't. A LOT changed in 98 with how the PCM communicates with the cluster. If you wanted to reinstall the 01 wiring, you would need a PCM that understands it.
Got a link on good reputable used pcms? Would I need to change the tranny harness? Basically I'm asking what do I need to buy to give me my 01 day back because I f***ing hate this 96 cup holders 😂
 



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:35 AM.