Front end redo

[Azmf]

Hi everyone! Thanks for the add. Mine is a '98 12v, 5spd, 4x4, quad cab. I am looking to redo the front ball joints, wheel bearing/hubs, drag link, axle u joints, etc.. Pretty much the whole front end. Can I get some recommendations on quality parts, what you guys use? I don't want cheap China stuff. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tank Guy]

I have the same truck in standard rear wheel drive that I ordered from Dodge back in 97 and picked up in January of 98. All of my suspension components are the original factory parts that came with the truck and all of them continue to perform well, so clearly those factory parts were well made. Because of this, whenever possible I prefer to use factory parts. If you don't have a parts manual for your truck, then make a list of what you need and take it to your local Dodge dealership. They may actually have some of what you need in stock, but they can also search the dealer network and locate needed parts all over the country. At the very least they can provide you with the factory part numbers, and with those numbers you can search other sources. Having those factory part numbers can make a huge difference when searching for parts for older cars and trucks. For example, I think you'd be surprised how many new old stock factory parts get listed on eBay. Also, many quality aftermarket parts will have cross references to the part numbers they are intended to be suitable replacements for, which helps take the guess work out of your search.

 

[Mopar~Man]

Rock Auto for my 2001 DODGE Ram 2wd Laramie long box that I bought new and has about 70k miles on it. I've bought some upper/lower joints but haven't put them in yet. Suspension is still original except I did change pitman arm a few years ago, and during that the lower seal on the steering gear. Original front rotors too. Leather interior, power seats, dealer ordered at the time.

 

[Mop]

Look at Mevotech parts.

 

[Evan02]

I did the 2008+ plus steering on my 02. Takes alittle work to install but is well worth it.
For balljoints i run spicer. Try to never use knurled ball joints. They will mess up bores they press into..

My 2008 steering kit is moog and has been on for about 6 years with no issues with big tires and lots of gravel roads hauling fire wood.

Unit bearings im running duralast gold. My oe bearings went out at 200 for driver side then 250 passenger. Truck now has 390k on it.

Truck has had 35 and 37s on it for the last 10 years on oe 3rd gen wheels
If your on small tires i wouldnt worry about parts lasting

I did fab a heim track bar to get rid of the tie rod end track bar. I cut frame side off and fabbed heim bracket from scratch
ivecalso made a few heim track bars for 3rd gens to replace oe style bushing track bar. Ive had heims run 8 years and some only last 3 months.
My truck was eating the oe tie rod end style track bars like candy. Last set of heims is going on 8 years

I gave up on chrysler and cummins parts about 5 years ago seems nothing last or is made here anymore.

Had my truck for 17 years some stuff is coming up again.