Newbie - what is this?

[usocazy]

Hi - I'm new to the forum and a novice mechanic. I have been trying to identify what this part is that connects to my front stabilizer bar. Took a picture and the Chilton's doesn't specify what it is.

Mine are shot - the stabilizer bar and these parts move when I apply hand pressure and the front end rattles like no one's business when I hit a hole, speed bump, etc...

I appreciate any help you can provide.

Jeff

 

[chuck]

Welcome to the forum! I'm sure someone that knows what the part is will be chiming in soon!

 

[HolyRamBatman]

Welcome to RF.
The vertical bar is you stabilizer end links.
The horizontal bar is your tie rod end link.
Hope this helps.

 

[usocazy]

Welcome to RF.
The vertical bar is you stabilizer end links.
The horizontal bar is your tie rod end link.
Hope this helps.

Thanks HolyRamBatman - are the stabilizer end links as easy to remove as they look? Jack up the vehicle, place on jack stands and remove the bolts holding the end links in place?

 

[HemiLonestar]

Don't have to jack it up to unbolt those. There is thread floating around here with links for factory service & parts manuals that may come in handy.

 

[Code106]

Stabilizer links are easy to replace. just cost wise they can get expensive. but the more expensive ones are worth it. my stock ones were shot about two years ago, so i bought some cheap ones ($32 each) from napa. about 6 months later those were shot too. so i bought the better ones ($52 each) from napa which had lifetime warranty and greaseable fittings in the joints. the cheap ones did not. every once in a while ill notice a noise from the front end, then i just put some grease in them and boom the noise is gone. so i would recommend ones with greaseable fittings.

 

[HolyRamBatman]

Thanks HolyRamBatman - are the stabilizer end links as easy to remove as they look? Jack up the vehicle, place on jack stands and remove the bolts holding the end links in place?

As stated above these things are EASY. Just get good ones NOT cheap.

 

[darrenk]

Just get good ones NOT cheap.

^^^x2

 

[usocazy]

Hey - can anyone verify for me if the "muffin shaped" item to bottom left of the stabilizer end link (in my picture) is the bump stop? Is the part number 52106576AA (BUMPER, JounceRight or Left)?

Whatever that thing is is deteriorated and I need to replace it.

Any ideas how easy or difficult it is to remove and install new ones?

Thanks.

 

[Trupiano]

If you do change them out, change the bushings with poly-eurothane bushings. should stiffen up the front end a bit for you.

They're way easy to change. I replaced my front sway bar on my 05 with an upgraded one and poly bushings. Think it took maybe 30 mins in all.

 

[HolyRamBatman]

Hey - can anyone verify for me if the "muffin shaped" item to bottom left of the stabilizer end link (in my picture) is the bump stop? Is the part number 52106576AA (BUMPER, JounceRight or Left)?

Whatever that thing is is deteriorated and I need to replace it.

Any ideas how easy or difficult it is to remove and install new ones?

Thanks.

I don't see a "muffin" in your pic but that's a good description of it. It is called a jounce bumper. Not sure of the part number. Should be just one nut that holds it on.

 

[LS5DodgeRam]

Hey - can anyone verify for me if the "muffin shaped" item to bottom left of the stabilizer end link (in my picture) is the bump stop? Is the part number 52106576AA (BUMPER, JounceRight or Left)?

Whatever that thing is is deteriorated and I need to replace it.

Any ideas how easy or difficult it is to remove and install new ones?

Thanks.

Bump stops are on the frame, so that piece looks like the area the lower ball joint is in. i need to replace my lower ball joint really bad! they squeak horribly, and for the time being i spray the Lubricating oil in it from liquid wrench... destroyed the squeak but need to keep applying!

I like the company moog, if you are replacing the parts, then moog may not be a bad way to go

 

[usocazy]

I'll try and post a better picture this weekend when I have the front end apart. The bump stops/jounces/whatever they are called are only about half the size they should be. They've been deteriorated in half by wear & tear and age.

I cannot find this part in the Dodge Ram Parts Manual either (picture or number).

Really wish I could figure out what the factory calls these things. Autozone was no help either.

 

[usocazy]

Got the bump stops replaced...

So I decided to kick in and get the factory OEM bump stops since Autozone couldn't get a OEM equivalent item. These jokers cost me about $30 a piece but all I had to do was spray some silicone on the bottom and pop them in place. No cutting away of the cup, drilling into the lower control arm, etc...to install other aftermarket bump stops. Besides, I didn't want to wait to order something else.

These are before photos and what the old bump stops look like against the new ones.

 

[indybp57]

If you're refering to that thing with the rubber bushings, thats the stabilizer (or sway bar) link. Should be able to get those at just about any autoparts store. Easy to replace. Take both sides loose and you should be able to swing the bar up enough to get the new ones in. Torque the nuts enough to compress the bushings to about the same diameter as the washers.