So ive always read that the 3rd gens have some weak front end parts. Im thinking of replacing the shocks since im adding the rough country lift kit. While im at it, my mechanic told me hes having issues removing a shock bolt from the control arm and has tried everything to get it off. Sadly, to remove it he will ultimate have to re-bush the control arms. Looking at whats going to happen, i figure i might as well strengthen the front end. Any front shock recommendations and what parts (which brand) should I replace to strengthen the front end? Thanks in advance.

 

Tons of threads on the subject. Do a little searching. Tie rod ends, sway bar bushings and end links, ball joints are all suspect on these trucks. You have struts in the front. Your choices are Monroe, Rancho or KYB. Rancho will be the stiffest, followed by Monroe then KYB is more like OEM.

 

I'm currently replacing all 4 Arms, inner and outter tie rod, sway bar links and A cv shaft. ALl those parts should be looked at prior to a lift as a lift can make those problems go worse. I hope you're sticking to a 2.5 or less if you have 4x4. I live in western Washington, all of my bolts came loose easily with a big wrench, I have 145k on mine.

 

Mine only has 63k and its a 2WD. So i've read that the brand most people suggest is Moog? Is that still true? I've searched on ebay and found several different brands. Are there particular brands that are better than others? Do you have any links to the parts you bought? Thanks.

 

Rock auto. Moog.

 

Advance Auto for Moog with one of their 15% discounts is always good too

 

A web search and "click through" can get ya 25% sometimes.

 

Is this a pretty good package? http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-Dodge-D...551de0&vxp=mtr

They're all moog parts. Any other things you'd suggest to ad? I'm going to be changing the struts too. I keep reading people also upgrade the upper strut mount. Is that necessary?

 

Im sorry, but those are not moog tie rod ends. I just bought mine and mine are moog and mine are quite a bit different. Just because it has the same part number as moog, doesnt mean it really is the same part.

This is the es3571 moog tie rod end. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/s...G06AP&usqp=CAY

The listing also doesnt say what K620006 it is. There is a CK620006 and a RK620006. Basicly same part. The RK is their new level of entry level parts, they are called "r-series" THey are about 50 a piece on rock auto. They are nowhere near the quality of their normal Problem solver line (normally around 100$)which is what has been around for years. THe problem solver is the CK. There will be a difference in quality in product as one is 100 and the other is 50. To the best of my knowledge, they dont look any different. Just thought you would like this info before you buy ebay parts that dont have a brand name on them. Autozone and oreillies uses the same part numbers as moog sometimes even if they are different brands and quality, so what says ebay wont do the same? Plus, where it says the brand on the listing, it doesnt say moog, it says DAP.

 

Okay, so just placed an order... I got lucky on quite a few parts as they were on clearance. So heres what I ordered:

2x Rancho RS5757 front shocks/struts
2x Moog Front Upper Control Arms Front (left & right) Complete with bushings and ball joints
2x Moog Front Lower Ball joints
2x Moog Front Outer Tie Rod Ends
2x Moog Front Steering Inner Tie Rod Rack Ends
2x Moog Stabilizer Sway Bar Links
2x Moog Front Upper Strut Mounts
1x Moog Sway Bar Bushing Kit
2x Monroe Lower Control Arm Bushing kit w/ bolt

I think this should definitely bolster the front end. Am I missing anything else? Also, my mechanic says it looks he'll have to cut off the bottom shock/strut bolt to remove the shock/strut as it is seized and "welded itself in there", hence the monroe LCA bushing kit w/ bolt. Thanks everyone for your help. Looking at all the research, it looks like i'll be happy with those Ranchos. I'll have the newer Rough Country shocks in the back w/ the rest of RC kit.