My new-to-me 2005 Ram 1500 2wd SLT 5.7L (130k) needs a front end refresh. The KYB shocks are still solid and a new steering rack was put in at 85k. Too many noises and knocking coming from the front end -- sealed ball joints are a joke - I injected them with grease but that only seems to buy me a week or two. Below is a list of the parts I was planning to replace.

Any comments or suggestions? There is far too much noise and knocking as it is now.

1. Moog sway bar links
2. Moog 'problem solver' sway bar bushings
3. Moog CK7424 upper control arms with pre-pressed bushings
4. Moog K7411 lower ball joints
5. Tie rod ends seem ok
6. then follow up with a Pro alignment

thanks,
Chris

PS. & FYI. One thing I quickly noticed when inspecting the undercarriage is how poorly the brake lines were routed to the rear end on the driver's side...they were lightly sheathed but they ran over far too many square edges and moving parts -- I quickly re-sheathed them with a thicker material and used all-weather tie wraps in a few places as well.

 

Hey Chris,
I have an 06' 1500 Mega Cab and I have decided to do the same as well. Just got the upper control arms, now ordering more parts. I will tell you that I had my outer tie rods replaced about a year ago, BUT when I install these new parts, I am replacing the outer tie rods as well. I am also replacing the springs and lower control arms. I considered the bushing and ball joints separately, but thought of the time saver issue, the lifetime warranty on the CK parts, and decided to go with new parts. It's a job, but I expect the truck to handle so much better. Oh, I installed Bilstein shocks.