Ramforums

**Hollabakzach23** · 12-06-2011, 03:01 PM

Register to remove these ads. It's free!

Hey guys and gals! Name's Zach and I just recently bought a 1998 dodge ram single cab short bed in the sort of electric blue color. I came over from the f150 world so please try to not hold that against me. It only has 105k on the clock so hopefully she still has some life left in her.

When my mechanic looked at it yesterday he said I would need a few things being that it is a 13 year old truck. He said first I should take care of some front suspension work such as the tie rods on both sides so I plan on doing that and getting it aligned as soon as I'm done with that. Was wondering if anyone had any advice or tips to share when replacing all those parts and if they knew of any websites to get ahold of these parts for cheap because my only options in town are autozone

He then said the cat has been gutted he believes and some sort of newer quiet flow muffler has been installed which was fine because I plan on gutting it and running strait pipes possibly anyway unless someone has any suggestions for what to run with a gutted cat?

Next we have a tiny power steering leak but he said it was nothing to lose sleep over and to watch the fluid levels but are there any common places they leak from I should check out?

Then he said at first start up when it has been sitting the rear brakes are real touchy like as soon as I tap on the brakes it feels as if they lock up and the whole truck stops but once it is warm there are no issues with that. Didnt know if anyone could touch on that?

And finally he said there is a grinding noise coming from the rear end like it needs to be replaced? I feel it's just a noise with the exhaust but I haven't had time to really inspect it myself with my work and class schedule the last couple days.

Sorry for the long introduction guys but I think it was easier to just put it in one thread! If anyone can help out in anyway feel free! Thanks for having me!ImageUploadedByTapatalk1323201684.509745.jpg

**WhiteExpress** · 12-06-2011, 03:17 PM

Welcome to Ram Forum!

Please for the sake of readability start a new paragraph every once in a while!

If you have a 4x4, be sure to replace the trac bar *unless it's recently been replaced* that causes the vast majority of steering issues on these trucks. I personally ran the setup from DT Protofab (Google them). The adjustable Trac Bar as well as the Steering Box Brace. I had a mild lift kit, so I wanted an adjustable trac bar. The install was fairly straight forward, and the results where amazing.

For the exhaust, I ran a gutted cat on my '00 Ram without any issue. It does lead to far more 'drone' from the exhaust than any other modification I've ever made. I had my post cat O2 sensor zip tied up to the cross member and only on a very rare occasion would I throw a code, which I cleared and didn't experience further issues.

"Not worrying" about any leak is poor advise. Nothing should leak. A small leak will almost always lead to a larger leak, which can then become catastrophic failure. Not saying to immediately fix it, but find the problem, and implement the solution. "Checking the fluid" is not a solution, it's a band-aid.

As for the brakes, I'd take the drums apart, and replace every darned component in them. Then Gen II Ram's have had issues with the self adjusters not functioning properly. Make sure you use good silicone on the rub surfaces, as well as on the self adjusters to assure they smoothly function. Also make sure you don't have a leaking axle seal. They are 'relatively' easy to replace if they are leaking. (Don't replace the rear brakes before addressing a leaking wheel seal)

Good Luck, and again Welcome to RF!

**rambob** · 12-06-2011, 03:21 PM

try some power steering stop leak. (one of the only times I suggest stop leak products)

my brakes are the same way in the morning at the first stop sign. I chalk it up to moisture, but idk. maybe a small wheel cyl leak, but it doesnt show

**Badger** · 12-06-2011, 03:26 PM

Welcome to RF! Good to see another 2nd gen! I have noticed your brake issue on my truck as well from time to time, also on my Durango. But only when it gets below freezing the night before. I have addressed it as the fluid being cold as the problem went away once I was warmed up.

Autozone is one place to get your parts, but check out our vendor pages towards the bottom of the hone page all are great companies. While you're there check out Hell Bent Steel for a steering stabilizer, you'll be glad you did.

**Hollabakzach23** · 12-06-2011, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by WhiteExpress

Welcome to Ram Forum!

Please for the sake of readability start a new paragraph every once in a while!

If you have a 4x4, be sure to replace the trac bar *unless it's recently been replaced* that causes the vast majority of steering issues on these trucks. I personally ran the setup from DT Protofab (Google them). The adjustable Trac Bar as well as the Steering Box Brace. I had a mild lift kit, so I wanted an adjustable trac bar. The install was fairly straight forward, and the results where amazing.

For the exhaust, I ran a gutted cat on my '00 Ram without any issue. It does lead to far more 'drone' from the exhaust than any other modification I've ever made. I had my post cat O2 sensor zip tied up to the cross member and only on a very rare occasion would I throw a code, which I cleared and didn't experience further issues.

"Not worrying" about any leak is poor advise. Nothing should leak. A small leak will almost always lead to a larger leak, which can then become catastrophic failure. Not saying to immediately fix it, but find the problem, and implement the solution. "Checking the fluid" is not a solution, it's a band-aid.

As for the brakes, I'd take the drums apart, and replace every darned component in them. Then Gen II Ram's have had issues with the self adjusters not functioning properly. Make sure you use good silicone on the rub surfaces, as well as on the self adjusters to assure they smoothly function. Also make sure you don't have a leaking axle seal. They are 'relatively' easy to replace if they are leaking. (Don't replace the rear brakes before addressing a leaking wheel seal)

Good Luck, and again Welcome to RF!

I realized as soon as I hit send I should have organized that a little better I apologize for that. In a bit of hurry before class.

It is 4x4 and have most of the service records and only the ball joints are up to date. So I am going to look into the trac bar along with the rest of my steering components. What exactly would make the wheel move so freely without turning the truck? I noticed my sisters stratus does the same thing it's just not as loose as my truck.

I've not thrown any codes with my exhaust so I will keep the cat as it I an decide what I'm going to run down the road.

I sort of thought the same thing with the fluid but then I figured maybe he only told me that since I hav bigger issues to address first. Once I have a few minutes of down time I will try to track down the leak and go from there.

Thanks for the heads up on the brakes too I'll be sure to try and look further into them as well!

Thanks for your help right off the bat!

**Hollabakzach23** · 12-06-2011, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by rambob

try some power steering stop leak. (one of the only times I suggest stop leak products)

my brakes are the same way in the morning at the first stop sign. I chalk it up to moisture, but idk. maybe a small wheel cyl leak, but it doesnt show

Does that stuff work and won't mess anything up like other stop leak products? Will I have to drain my power steering fluid and refill it with the stop leak stuff? If so how do I go about draining it?

Thanks for that on the brakes I don't get it but maybe I'll look into it after I get some more important stuff taken care of!

**Hollabakzach23** · 12-06-2011, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by Badger

Welcome to RF! Good to see another 2nd gen! I have noticed your brake issue on my truck as well from time to time, also on my Durango. But only when it gets below freezing the night before. I have addressed it as the fluid being cold as the problem went away once I was warmed up.

Autozone is one place to get your parts, but check out our vendor pages towards the bottom of the hone page all are great companies. While you're there check out Hell Bent Steel for a steering stabilizer, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks man I love the style of the 2nd gens especially mine. Nice and small lol.

It's getting pretty cold here and I just bought it from a dealer who had it sitting awhile before so maybe it will go away, maybe I'll be replacing them. We will see. Glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem.

I will check out the vendors for sure I figured if I could get some nice suspension parts for a little more but better quality I would just order them and have something to do over Christmas break! A buddy of mine ran a rough country one on his f250 so of course he swears by that but I was looking at a hbs leveling kit for this so I may just have to go that route.

**wermbang** · 12-06-2011, 04:36 PM

Welcome to the site.

Rockauto a vendor here should carry most of the stock parts you are looking at replacing too

**Hollabakzach23** · 12-06-2011, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by wermbang

Welcome to the site.

Rockauto a vendor here should carry most of the stock parts you are looking at replacing too

Thanks man! Once I get to my computer tonight I will check out the vendor section!

**rambob** · 12-06-2011, 05:07 PM

Register to remove these ads. It's free!

I have a lot of steering wheel play also. there is a thread in the 2nd gen part about tightening a screw that is said to help. I haven't tried it yet.

once you replace the tierods and stuff, if it is still bad, you realistically should replace the steering gear box (probably the thing leaking) it is about $160 at the local part stores. easy to replace. like 4 bolts total

sadly, I have gotten used to the steering.

Fully Driven Auto Network
GM Truck Forum Ford Raptor Forum Chevy Tahoe Forum Chevy Cobalt Forum Chevy Camaro Forum Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum	Ford Truck Forum 88-98 GM Truck Forum 73-87 Gm Truck Forum Ford Expedition Forum Chevy Equinox Forum Chevy Cruze Forum	Jeep Liberty Forum Jeep Forum Dodge Ram SRT10 Forum Chrysler 200 Forum Scion xD Forum Scion xB Forum	Dodge Challenger Forum SRT Forum Nissan Titan Forum Buick Enclave Forum Cadillac Forum Cadillac XTS Forum

Ramforums

New to dodge! Couple questions.