Front End Woes

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2003MOPAR

Senior Member
Joined
May 1, 2012
Posts
104
Reaction score
13
Location
NORCAL
Ram Year
2003
Engine
4.7
Hi everyone. I would like some suggestions on a DIY project I have in mind. I have a 2003 with 75K miles on it and the usual things are starting to wear out. Top of my list is the rack & pinion. I think I can do this repair in my driveway with limited need for specialized tools. I think.

What I would like to know is are there any "special" tools required? I have yet to look at a repair manual so I know that would answer my question. But what fun would that be? I'd like to give you guys the opportunity to weigh-in and offer suggestions before I start banging my knuckles on the undercarriage.

2003, 4.7L, Standard Cab, Short bed.
 

SilverStreak88

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2015
Posts
3,950
Reaction score
1,608
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
2007
Engine
5.7 Eco Gasser
Just need a good socket set, a ball joint separator for the outer tie rods and some patients. Probably Allen Keys as well for the steering shaft at the gear box.
 

HemiLonestar

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Jun 1, 2012
Posts
5,991
Reaction score
2,952
Location
MD
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7 hemi
At 75k you're needing to do this? I just now did my front end and my R&P is still good at over 160,000.
 

pajeepman

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2015
Posts
249
Reaction score
52
Location
SE PA
Ram Year
2003
Engine
5.9 magnum
Bought my '03 in December 2015 with 85k on it. It needed a rack then, still needs it. Leaks and has hardly any steering when very cold until I cycle the steering wheel back and forth a little bit a few times. Looks easy to do.

Sent from my SM-J320P using Tapatalk
 

axshon

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2016
Posts
10
Reaction score
7
Ram Year
2003
Engine
4.7
Getting ready to do my 03 1500 QC. I'll be replacing the PS pump, high pressure line and adding a filter to the return line first. If the leak and noise clears up (I don't think it will) I'll install the R&P from a donor truck and moog tie rod ends which I already have. The only thing that concerns me is the torque on the mounting bolts. Looks to be either 235 ft/lb which will be harder on my shoulder than I'd like to think about. I had to use a 30" crescent wrench on the back nut to get it off the donor...
 
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