I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L V8 and I am trying to order outer tie rod ends from rock auto but all of them look the same. My question is are the outer tie rod ends the same on both sides?

 

Which style steering linkage do you have, inverted Y, or T steering?

 

Not thread stealing, but question for HeyYou. I have a 2008 1500 crew cab SLT. Needs left outer tie rod (dealership recommends aftermarket TRW left outer tie rod JTE1454 - (made in India). I've heard MOOG quality has suffered, and looked at mevotech, proforged, carli (wow$$), and others, but it's way confusing. Dealership said uppers and lowers also should be replaced, getting sloppy. Tie rod clunks...right one replaced before I got the truck at 23k, now has 62k.
Recommendations?
Thanks
Robert

 

Don't know what I have regarding steering linkage, need to find out (maybe the TRW part number I referenced tells you something? Thanks

 

The steering linkage on the 08 trucks is radically different than the second gen trucks....... You have independent front suspension, 2nd gen 4x4s have a solid axle......

As for steering components..... it's really a crap shoot, they are ALL made off-shore somewhere, and quality varies dramatically even within the same brand. Some folks still swear by Moog, and others swear at them...... G-Comp are actually made here in the states.... no idea as to their quality or if they make parts to fit your truck. TRW used to have a good rep, no idea how they are now. XRF is another brand with mixed reviews...... I think, for the most part, its simply luck of the draw.

 

Thanks very much...I guess it's time for a crap-shoot!!!