Stock 4th Gen steering linkage

[R.D.J.]

Hello all,

Just wanted to inquire and ask if anyone has had to replace their steering linkage due to wear on their trucks?

I have a few fleet customers with more than a few 4th and 5th gen Ram HD, and some of these trucks have half a million kilometers on the stock non greaseable steering linkage. I dont think we've actually replaced a piece of steering linkage on these trucks. Some ball joints have been replaced, but much much less than the 3rd gen trucks.

The 4th gen trucks seem to have much larger components than the 3rd gen, and I wonder if that is the sole reason for them lasting much longer? I wonder who supplies the steering linkage to RAM factory?

 

[hemihustlin]

I believe its TRW
seems to be part of ZF now these days but that makes sense that they would continue to use it

TRW Truck Steering - Service Literature | Steering Gears

Service Manuals and Procedures for Steering Gears

www.trwaftermarket.com

 

[nlambert182]

I rebuilt the entire front end on my 2012 2500 at 53k miles, but it was used as an oil field truck and spent life until I got it on rough gravel roads. My 2016 had over 130k when I sold it and the front end was still tight. I have very minimal play (within spec) on my 2018 2500 at 126k miles, but nothing I'm concerned about. They seem to hold up pretty well.

 

[mtofell]

I can't recall ever reading about problems with the steering linkage on here. Honestly, the suspension, steering, etc. of these trucks seems pretty reliable as I don't see many posts. I'm at 135K and have had zero issues with anything on that sort. Mechanically, things are a different story.... two tranny rebuilds and an engine.

In comparison, my 2006 Chevy 2500 was a nightmare with front end parts... I swear every other oil change I was replacing a hub or some steering component.

 

[R.D.J.]

As much as some folks complain about "new" things not being as good as the old ones, this is definitely an anomaly against that theory.

The ball joints and steering linkage on the 2014 and up trucks are a good deal larger than the previous years. Even the front driveshaft on 4X4 models is much larger 1410 series driveline. I'm aware this isn't the case on the 2019 and up models.

This is a nice change from the 2nd gen and 3rd gen trucks.