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.

 

20s are not the issue, I'd get the alignment checked out to make sure everything is squared away.

 

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.

 

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.

 

It's a common issue with the Rams. It has nothing to do with the 20's.

 

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...

 

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.

 

Simply just a bad part and needs replacing. It happens

 

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...

 

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.