20" Wheels= 28k Death of Tie Rod End Link?

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Aug 4, 2010 | 01:38 PM
  #1  
Hello to all DF members. It's been awhile.Trying to finish my degree and new job have kept me busy. Anyways back in March of this year I parted ways with my 05 Ram (4.7 QCSB 2wd Two Tone Red/Silver), and traded it for a 2008 Ram (Hemi QCSB 4x4 Big Horn Edition, Cool Vanilla). The new Ram had 19k miles on it when I got it. I had a little electrical issue with it(driverside window would roll down when it wanted, no dome light), but it was a warranty fix nothing major. Now after 28K the tie rod end link has gone out. Noticed a rumbling sound after each bump I hit in the road so I figured it was that or a ball joint fail. Dealer has it now working on the issue. Questions: Is this normal? Could it be caused by having those rough riding 20" wheels? I was considering buying 17" or 18" wheels and going with more rubber.
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Aug 4, 2010 | 01:54 PM
  #2  
20s are not the issue, I'd get the alignment checked out to make sure everything is squared away.
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Aug 4, 2010 | 02:19 PM
  #3  
It seemed like the alignment was fine. Didn't pull at all. Could still be part of the issue though. Surely they'll align it when the put the new one on. I guess I'm not really use to the wheels and tires on this truck. I work for the USACE and the Corps use Base model 3rd gen Ram QC/SB 4x4 with 17" wheels and they ride a lot better than my truck does. I'm currently located in Kentucky and the way the roads are around here its not conducive to have over sized wheels with a low profile tire.
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Aug 4, 2010 | 02:55 PM
  #4  
Low profiles tend to create a harsher ride but that is not due to the 20s. I've got 20s on mine and went with a 275/55-20 (33s) size tire and my ride is the same as it was with the stock 17s.
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Aug 4, 2010 | 02:56 PM
  #5  
It's a common issue with the Rams. It has nothing to do with the 20's.
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Aug 4, 2010 | 03:31 PM
  #6  
The added weight of the 20s would wear on tie rod ends, ball and U joints faster than 17s, but NOT THAT MUCH FASTER. Would have materialized with 17s also, you just might have gotten by a couple thousand miles longer...
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Aug 4, 2010 | 03:46 PM
  #7  
I have a 2008 and just rolled 50K miles......

I have just now started noticing some noise in the front end, so I am guessing its the tie rod ends....apparently it varies on the truck.
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Aug 4, 2010 | 04:04 PM
  #8  
Simply just a bad part and needs replacing. It happens
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Aug 4, 2010 | 04:15 PM
  #9  
I have 20's with a high profile tire on my truck and have had no issues at all. Im thinking its just something that happens...
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Aug 4, 2010 | 05:37 PM
  #10  
Checked my brakes the other week and noticed my right front tie rod had some play to it. I initially bought the extened warranty when I bought the truck and took it to the stealership. I was initially thinking I was gonna have to fight with them to put a new tie rod end on. Suprisingly, they came back and told me that they would replace both and do an alignment. But was still surprised since I only have about 40 K on it. Anyway, it handles a little better now.
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