2001 Ram 4x4 Sport Restoration

[Spike95]

@ Spike95, your post just saved me $50,000. I bought my 1999 Ram 1500 Sport, brand new. It has been my daily driver and as such, was often neglected. I retired this year and decided to buy a new truck...Sticker shock. As I was weighing the pros and cons of buying a new truck or completely rebuilding my 1999, I came across your thread. The issues you are dealing with are the same as mine. As my build has just begun, I will be following the forum for any additional information.

That’s a great looking truck. Definitely worth the effort to restore.

 

[Spike95]

Just an update. After about a year and a half, the upper ball joint on my Rareparts adjustable track bar has started clunking. I think part of the problem is that I’ve had a leaking power steering pump that drips right over it and has probably been messing with the grease in the joint. I’ve needed to replace the pump, but just haven’t had a lot of free time lately. I think the other problem is that having the ball joint at that angle (with 2” lift) is putting more stress on it. Oh well…. So now I’ve got a 3rd gen track bar conversion kit on the way. Much more expensive ($535), but I’ll never have to worry about that ball joint crapping on me again.

 

[Chiefsweat]

Where did you get the 3rd Gen track bar conversion?

 

[Spike95]

Where did you get the 3rd Gen track bar conversion?

2nd to 3rd Gen Dodge 2500/3500 Track bar Retrofit Kit

Retrofit kit to allow a 3rd generation dodge trackbar to fit on a 2nd generation 2500 or 3500 dodge truck.

puredieselpower.com

Sorry I missed your comment, hence the slow response.

 

[Spike95]

Latest upgrades…
I did a bunch of sound deadening under the carpet, on the back wall, the B pillars, and the ceiling. Also got my headliner and visors reupholstered.

 

[Spike95]

Here’s a shot with the new 3rd Gen style adjustable track bar. The kit was completely bolt on, so no problem for people that aren’t up to welding. I enjoy welding, but I prefer not to modify anything that can’t be easily undone on my truck. On that note, I must say that the welds were impeccable on the bracket in the kit.

 

[Spike95]

I finally got to drive the truck on the freeway today for the first time since reinstalling the interior. The road noise and exhaust drone are definitely noticeably quieter. The wind noise is still about the same. I think there’s probably not much escaping that. I measured with my phone about 49 decibels parked and idling, and about 70 decibels at 75mph. I have a better mic that I’ll hook up to it and do some more specific measurements soon.