New truck, have some questions

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

Hello everyone!!

I just traded my highly modified pontiac grand prix GTP for a 1996 dodge 1500. It has a 6" suspension lift and a 4" body lift.

Truck is a beast, I'm a big fan of it, but the steering is pretty damn sloppy. Now, I've done some research on the forums about the sloppy steering, and some say the steering gear box should be adjusted. I'll try that, but if that doesn't work out, what else should I be looking at?

I've been a gear head for most of my life, but this is my first dive into the 4wd world.

I'll post some pictures later.

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

Here are some pictures:

ramburger · Aug 19, 2015

sick truck duder!
look up steering box brace as well, very common aftermarket part for not that expensive
take that body lift down to 2"
though i doubt its a 4" and prob a 3", its not safe.

what size rubber?

Johnn123 · Aug 19, 2015

Nice truck and welcome to Rf.

Your steering is going to be incredibly sloppy regardless what you do. I can't believe it still has half ton axles under it. You should look into swapping axles for 3/4 ton axles and the 08.5 t-steering upgrade for that beast. I imagine its still probably got 3.55 gears as well, what size are the tires?

Merc225hp · Aug 19, 2015

So 6" drop pitman arm, redhead steering box, DOR steering box brace {the only brace to use if you dont want to crack your frame).

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

honestly guys, the truck is a bit too big for me. How much work is it to remove the body lift?

Also, those 40" are ready for replacement, what size should I go with, with that current suspension setup?

I want a truck I can have fun with, but not be all over the road with!!!! I'm not looking to replace any parts like axles unless they break, then I'll upgrade.

Johnn123 · Aug 19, 2015

Harleygtp said:
honestly guys, the truck is a bit too big for me. How much work is it to remove the body lift?

Also, those 40" are ready for replacement, what size should I go with, with that current suspension setup?

I want a truck I can have fun with, but not be all over the road with!!!! I'm not looking to replace any parts like axles unless they break, then I'll upgrade.

Omg 40" tires on half ton axles.....

The body lift shouldn't be hard to remove, its just spacers between the frame and body mounting points. The only other things is there may be an extension on the steering that will need to be removed, the trans linkage should also have an extension. Pull that body lift off and put 35" tires on it. Those half ton axles I'm surprised HAVENT broken with those 40" tires on it. Half ton axles are a joke for big tires, I dont care what anyone says. Having said that if you're on stock 3.55 gears the trans won't last long regardless. Best to find a set of bigger axles and gear those then drop em in. Welcome to the world of lifted trucks hahah.

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

So with the body lift kit out, do I need to replace it with stock hardware?

Also, will 35" tires fit under the stock body mount setup?

Johnn123 · Aug 19, 2015

Harleygtp said:
So with the body lift kit out, do I need to replace it with stock hardware?

Also, will 35" tires fit under the stock body mount setup?

Yes you'll need to acquire stock hardware.

Yes they will clear fine with the the 6" lift. You sure its a 6"? Most are 5".

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

I'm just going off what the guy told me, might be 5", where can i measure to check?

Should I shop ebay for original body mounts? Or should I put in a smaller kit?

Now that you're questioning the suspension lift, how can I measure the body lift also?

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

Will this work to swap out the body lift?

Energy Suspension 5 4113G Truck Body Mount Bushing Kit with Hardware Brand New | eBay

Merc225hp · Aug 19, 2015

Johnn123 has it down.

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

So where can I find stock body mounts?

Merc225hp · Aug 19, 2015

Auto wrecker, dealer, maybe energy suspension.

Csanders1992 · Aug 19, 2015

I wouldn't think you'd need new body bushing unless they are worn out. Body lifts don't replace them. You'll just need factory length bolts

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Merc225hp · Aug 19, 2015

Csanders1992 said:
I wouldn't think you'd need new body bushing unless they are worn out. Body lifts don't replace them. You'll just need factory length bolts

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Say what? Explain?

Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

Merc, will that energy suspension kit I found on ebay work?

Post#11

Johnn123 · Aug 19, 2015

Harleygtp said:
I'm just going off what the guy told me, might be 5", where can i measure to check?

Should I shop ebay for original body mounts? Or should I put in a smaller kit?

Now that you're questioning the suspension lift, how can I measure the body lift also?

Do you know what brand it is? Thats the easiest way. I'm assuming 5" I'm not aware of any 6" suspension lifts for 2nd gens.

Wherever is cheapest. Go to a wrecker and ask em is my opinion.

Get a tape measure and measure the spacer between the frame mount and body. Again I'm unaware of a 4" body lift so I'm assuming its a 3" which is most common.

Merc225hp said:
Auto wrecker, dealer, maybe energy suspension.

This.

Csanders1992 said:
I wouldn't think you'd need new body bushing unless they are worn out. Body lifts don't replace them. You'll just need factory length bolts

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X2 uh what?

BBartow · Aug 19, 2015

I've been wanting to take off my body lift as well. Just going to be a pita

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Harleygtp · Aug 19, 2015

I just ordered some 35's, after I put those on I'll remove the body lift kit.

New truck, have some questions

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