I am replacing some parts on my 1998 1500. The shop said I have to replace my pitman arm and tie rod because my alignment is out of tolerance.( you need an alignment done to register a lifted vehicle in hawaii, its dumb) I was looking at the new pitman arm I bought and cant really see a way it would need to be replaced unless it was in half. how can I tell if it needs to be replaced. Also my tie rod needs to be replaced but would replacing the boots fix the problem of them moving too much.

 

Welcome to DF! Check out the 2nd gen Ram section. They will be able to help you out.

 

Pitman arm should not need to be replace, unless something really stupid happened. (and it would be obvious.) Just replacing the boots won't make any difference at all. Need to replace the worn parts.

 

the best way to tell what is worn out is to put the front end on jack stands and have a buddy shake the tires back and forth while you are looking at the tie rod ends. if there is any play it will be really obvious. and once they go there is nothing you can do but replace them

 

thanks yall