Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: MuleySniper on September 07, 2014, 07:03:46 PM
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I bought my truck new in 2007. Ram 2500 diesel. Right away I lifted it 6" and have been turning 37's threw here entire 70,000 mile life. Last year the factory axle u joints took a crap so I replaced them with Dana Spicers. Within the last few months I've replaced the tie rod ends. Lately I have been noticing a vibration at low speeds (10-15 mph) Ive jacked the front end up, checked the wheel bearings which seem good, a tiny bit of play on the passenger side but not bad. The vibrations seems to be coming from the drivers side but who knows for sure I'm the only one listening with my window down. Tonight I crawled back under and I notice there is evident play in the track bar. Google search turns out that it may be what is causing it. Now I researched just replacing the bushings for like $20 but I am also finding other aftermarket upgrades. Complete new DOM steel bigger better track bars, steering box stabilizers and what not. Quite a bit more money obviously. Has anyone had any experience with this? I know they refer the symptom as death wobble but basically that is a derivative of multiple front end issues. I plan on keeping the truck for a number of years so when I fix it I am always game for an upgrade but if in the long run if the aftermarket options aren't all what they claim to be I'd like to save the cash. Opinions would be great.
Thanks
MS
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I had that issue in my 1 ton Ford. I swapped everything over to MOOG parts and got new shocks...seemed to work.
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When I had 35's on my 2004 2500 diesel I noticed my drive line u joints and front end parts wore way faster than I thought they should. I went back to stock size option 265's this year and had all my front end rebuilt. So I guess we will see if that helps the early wear I had. :twocents:
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi40.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe223%2Flongrides1%2Fimagejpg1_zpsb20f414e.jpg&hash=66e86f3a68fe756556aec1bcd617c8aaf174ffee) (http://s40.photobucket.com/user/longrides1/media/imagejpg1_zpsb20f414e.jpg.html)
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Ultimately what Id like to do is a Warn manual hub conversion in the front but dang they don't give that kit away.
MS
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Be sure to check your ball joints too.
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Be sure to check your ball joints too.
X2, 70k with 37's probably toast if they haven't been done.
I had a 01 2500 ext cab long bed Cummins on 35's that I put a DT adjustable trac bar, DSS steering box support and a quick ratio box. All those made a dramatic difference in the way that truck drove but I did all the upgrades at once so I couldn't tell you which one made the most difference. For sure worth the effort if your keeping it long term if you ask me.
Also if you can feel any slop in either side bearing unit, provided its not the ball joint your feeling. I would say the life of that bearing unit is essentially over.
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I just did my front brakes and when I had it apart I couldn't find any slop but maybe I should check again. The track bar has a fair amount of slop. A few months ago I replaced the tie rod ends so in doing so I wonder if it has more affect on the track bar now.
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How are the shocks?
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They're bilsteins. They seem fine. I was really listening to it today and it seems like a vibration. Literally only lasts about three or four seconds and only when going like 10-15 mph
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Get use to it. It's a ram thing. There front-end is horrible. Been messing with mine for years. Sorry.
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I would recommend putting out the extra coin for a complete track bar. The majority of bushing replacement jobs fail quickly.
At least your wobble is happening at low speeds, not 60-70mph.
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Yeah I'm leaning toward an aftermarket track bar. Anybody recommend a particular one?
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Look into Thuren and BD Performance. The Moogs seem to only be lasting around 30,000 but they cost a lot less.
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Look into Thuren and BD Performance. The Moogs seem to only be lasting around 30,000 but they cost a lot less.
Carli has an adjustable trac bar also. Aftermarket will run about $350.
OEM is under $200 from Rock Auto
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Cool thanks. The Thuren looks good. I'll look at the BD and Carli too
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Don't forget these guys http://www.dtprofab.com/TRAC-BARS-STEERING_c_26.html. (http://www.dtprofab.com/TRAC-BARS-STEERING_c_26.html.)
I had DT's trac bar on my 2nd gen with 5.5" of lift and 35's for 80,000 miles and didn't have a single issue with it. Worth a look IMHO.
I agree these trucks have front end issues but they can be resolved.
