Started fixing up my old high school truck for a hunting rig. Let it sit for a couple years after it got the infamous death wobble. So far, I already did the basic tune up stuff (oil change, brakes, spark plugs and rotor, thermostat and water pump, etc.). Also put in new front hub assemblys. I installed:
- Rough Country 3in lift and steering stabilizer
- Move front and rear bumper w/ light bar and pods
- new headlights, taillights, and 3rd brake light
- 33s on some Fuel rims

As usual, steering is still pretty sloppy, but I also need to put in new ball joints and replace or tighten the trac bar, and maybe replace the tie rods and sway bar links. Looking for some good stock or aftermarket products for those as well. My headlights are terribly dim still (probably doesn’t help that I have a pre runner that blocks some of it lol), so maybe wanting to also put some LEDs in the headlights to improve brightness. I have the light bars and stuff so it isn’t a big issue rn. Also need to fix the parking brake line.

But looking for any other suggestions on improving the ride quality, especially steering and for off-roaring, as well as the performance. Thanks!

 

XRF reportedly makes some decent front end parts. Moog has two different lines, the higher quality fellers are more expensive, if you can find them..... Might consider doing a third gen track bar conversion, it has bushings on both ends, instead of a ball joint on one end, makes death wobble FAR less likely.

Steering boxes are notorious for being worthless.... Redhead, Bluetop, and there is another one that makes replacements, that are reportedly better quality.

Have you fixed the plenum yet???

Moving this to 2nd Gen Ram section for ya.

 

You can greatly improve headlight output by installing the sport style headlight housings and installing a relayed headlight harness to supply it with the voltage needed to run the 4 headlight bulb setup.

As for death wobble, I experienced that dreadful experience just after I purchased my used truck. The best way to get rid of death wobble is to go over the front end components and replace any that are worn out. Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings and front U-joints should get extra attention. The 3rd gen trackbar and bracket upgrade is also a great improvement. You can also plan on replacing the steering box to improve the truck's steering. The issue is finding a good replacement option...

 

If you can I'd do the 3rd Gen track bar and get a box from Cancraft.

For general reliability, check front axle u-joints because IME they're always bad.

 

I installed the Redhead steering gear plus DB Diesel stabilizing bar for my 98 1500 2wd. Worked like a charm.

 

I run 35's and have no problem. I replaced, the steering with a 3rd/4th Gen T bar drag link, new bushings for control arms and sway bar, and aftermarket 3rd Gen track bar, single steering stabalizer, and new shocks. The truck goes straight down the roads, zero wanderitis. Also what AtomicDog covers. The truck only has 91K on it. 24+ years dries things out. There are new tie rod ends for the steering knuckles and pitman arm on the new drag link.