Need advice: front end suspension help

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usocazy

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Hi folks - I'm thinking on attacking my front end. I have an 04 Ram 2500 2WD and the ride has been jarring, to say the least, for the entire time I've owned it (just over 5 years now).

Work I've done in the past:
  • Upper Control Arms
  • Sway bar links
  • Shocks

Truck has over 178K miles and the lower control arm bushings look pretty shot.

I watched several YouTube videos on getting at the LCA bushings and they all required pulling out the hub assembly.

I don't think the hub assembly U joints have been replaced so I'm thinking on doing that while I have the assembly out.

I found this "package" thru 1A Auto Part https://www.1aauto.com/2002-05-dodge-ram-1500-truck-steering-and-suspension-kit/i/1asfk00647?f=594437&y=2004&utm_campaign=gb_csv_br&utm_content=SFK&gclid=Cj0KEQiA5bvEBRCM6vypnc7QgMkBEiQAUZftQK6lJM1QylWoKYqDfOo1Ru6_5y7UxM1rBm4b5LG1ZU8aAjhG8P8HAQ

I'm wondering:
  • Is the package deal any good (as far as what's included for the price)?
  • What else should I consider doing while I have the front end torn apart?
  • Upper Control Arms were replaced less than 50K miles ago, bushings look good. Should I replace these too while I have the truck apart?
  • Any special things I should consider or be concerned about when doing this job?

Thanks for all your advice!
 

usaf2006

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If your upper arms are that new I wouldn't change them. Get new lower arms if you can. Trust me, the bushings are a *****.

Do you have E rated tires at high pressure? That would make the ride rough too.
 
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usaf2006

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Oh also, check the sway bar bushings, and links again while you're at it.
 

Lil_Ram

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Your hub assembly shouldn't have u joints if it's 2WD since it's a wishbone not a solid axle system. So that shouldn't be a problem. And like USAF said just do the whole thing and probably go ahead and get new bolts cause most people have horror stories trying to get those out.


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usocazy

usocazy

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If your upper arms are that new I wouldn't change them. Get new lower arms if you can. Trust me, the bushings are a *****.



New LCA with new bushing? Don't think I've come across that setup, everything I've seen has just been the ball joints that need to be pressed out then new in.
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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usocazy

usocazy

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Will Bilstein shocks by themselves level a stock front end?


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tak1973

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I have a 2004 2500 Hemi but it's a 4x4. I have E rated tires aired down to about 45 psi for normal, everyday use. The biggest improvement I saw was by spending the extra money for the Rancho adjustable shocks. They made a huge difference. I run them on setting '3'. Good luck.
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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And like USAF said just do the whole thing and probably go ahead and get new bolts cause most people have horror stories trying to get those out.


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What's a good site to get new bolts? Rock Auto? Any others?
 

Lil_Ram

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I'm not sure where everyone gets them probably rock auto though


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HemiLonestar

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Rockauto mevotech kit, I just did this coupla months ago
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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So since I'm gonna be in the front end, I was considering doing my rack and pinion as well. The one I have leaks just a bit - enough to stain the seals but not drip or pool.

Found this on eBay: 2WD ONLY Complete Power Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly + All 4 Inner & Outer Tie Rod Ends https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A1EL4DQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SoEKyb6554BE1

What should I look out for or consider when replacing the rack and pinion?


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usocazy

usocazy

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Do you have E rated tires at high pressure? That would make the ride rough too.


Yes, I have Firestone E rated tired that have hydrogen in them. Got them at Costco so any rotation they refill them to spec. Maybe "spec" is too firm?

What do you inflate your E rated tires to?
 

usaf2006

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I'd do probably 35 psi still, unless if I'm towing or hauling heavy, then I'd do a bit more.
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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Rockauto mevotech kit, I just did this coupla months ago



I couldn't find anything on Rockauto called a mevotech kit for my truck. I'm not finding that site to be very user friendly. What did they run ya?

I did find a LCA bolt on lmctruck.com but they wanted $23/bolt, $9 for a washer and $3 for a nut. [emoji15]
 

HemiLonestar

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Look under make, model, year, engine then down to suspension or front suspension. Look for just kit, the company name won't be on there until you actually get to the parts listing.
 
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