This is a little info I learned a while back about Dodges. (It will be of special interest to NJ Hillbilly:-)) I am not sure if it will pertain to 4WD models or not; And it just might behoove Ford and GM owners to check. A few months ago I noticed my truck wanted to drift to the right ever so slightly. Since I seldom run the interstates with it, I kind of attributed it to the crown in the roads. That and the fact I continually check my tires for pressure, feathering and cupping besides having them rotated and my brakes checked whenever it's serviced. (5000 miles.) I figured since we've put 20,000 miles on it this last year it was time for a front-end check.
I took it to a frame and front end shop and was advised (and shown) that the right front lower ball joint was totally gone. I got an estimate for the repair because the time warranty had expired in December 2003, and it had 36700 miles, so all warranties were off. Cost estimate was $312 using an aftermarket ball joint, $615 using Dodge OEM.
I had him order the aftermarket part and left. I decided to go to my local Dodge dealer and at least let them know of my displeasure since I'd already had a bitter experience with Chrysler Corp. in '88 on a 5th Ave.
I took scale tickets showing weights with and w/out trailer lest they say I overloaded it etc.. I got the service manager and general manager together and explained my problem. I expected them to tell me to file it in my "Tough Stuff" file. The service manager took the truck in and checked it out and allowed as how it was bad, but that was all. I told them to be that bad it had to be deteriorating before the warranty was off. He did add that he would talk to his division manager, and I left.
A couple days later he called me an asked me to bring the truck over; They were replacing the support arm. I asked at what cost. He said none.
After further investigation, I find that is a weak point on Dodge trucks. And the only grease fitting under there is on the steering idler arm.
I'm not sure if this is of interest to anybody, but it might save you some bucks if you're close to warranty time on your vehicle. I might add that if you do go to After-market parts, make sure they're Moog. They're about the best front-end parts available, and they have grease fittings.
'01 Dodge 2500 Laramie SLT LB Quad cab diesel. Auto, 3.55. 15K Reese.'03 Montana
2955RL. Moving To Montana package.
I bought a Cummins engine, it just came wrapped in a Dodge.
http://www.pmtchips.com/product.asp?...D1000&dept_id=
Edited by - Bob Pasternak on 05/12/2004 12:33:03 PM
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