Noobie visiting this site for my father. Our 99 3500 2wd 5-spd has ~203k on it, and
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Noobie visiting this site for my father. Our 99 3500 2wd 5-spd has ~203k on it, and
Noobie visiting this site for my father. Our 99 3500 2wd 5-spd has ~203k on it, and quite a bit of steering play. What is the best place to start to relieve this. We are about to install a leveling kit on the front and I'm wondering what else we should replace while we're in there. Shocks are on that list. I looked into a Luke's Link, but i think it's only for the IFS 4WD's. I am almost certain my '99 is a solid front axle...I honestly haven't crawled under it yet.
Also, the right front speaker is not working anymore...i suspect i'ts just dead. I'm not interested in adding amps or a head unit, I just want to replace the speakers with a decent set. Crutchfield says that 5.25 or 6.5" will fit. Obviously i want to go with the 6.5, but will i require an adapter plate or anything?
I have not personally changed any fluids except oil, and i have no records for the truck. I've done 2 changes since i purchased it at 175k using Rotella T. What do you guys recommend? Is it too late to start changing the trans and differential fluids. I know you can kill an auto tranny by changing the fluid at a high mileage...is this true for teh NV4500 as well? I'd like it to shift a little bit smoother.
Also, the right front speaker is not working anymore...i suspect i'ts just dead. I'm not interested in adding amps or a head unit, I just want to replace the speakers with a decent set. Crutchfield says that 5.25 or 6.5" will fit. Obviously i want to go with the 6.5, but will i require an adapter plate or anything?
I have not personally changed any fluids except oil, and i have no records for the truck. I've done 2 changes since i purchased it at 175k using Rotella T. What do you guys recommend? Is it too late to start changing the trans and differential fluids. I know you can kill an auto tranny by changing the fluid at a high mileage...is this true for teh NV4500 as well? I'd like it to shift a little bit smoother.
#2
No offense, but at 203K, it is all getting worn in pretty good. Anything you replace is gonna help.
I just put a solid steel steering stabilizer on my truck along with a new idler arm assembly. It took out the majority of the play. I think that I still have play in the steering box, and it is on the list of items to get repaired soon. It was just getting really bad and I wanted to fix the worst parts first.
Next I plan on putting all new tie rod ends and new pitman arm, plus, bite the bullet and do the wheel bearings too. Majority of the parts will cost $235 plus whatever the wheel bearings are. I suspect that once I get that far I will end up having to do the ball joints too. Heck, once I am that far I might as well put all new bushings in too.
As you can see, with miles, things wear out. But, that front end is carrying a lot of weight. Mine has gone many miles. If I have to stick a few hundred dollars in it here and there, it will be ok. Once it is all paid off, I will be smiling a lot more . I don't drive the truck very much now, but when I do, I want it to be right.
I just put a solid steel steering stabilizer on my truck along with a new idler arm assembly. It took out the majority of the play. I think that I still have play in the steering box, and it is on the list of items to get repaired soon. It was just getting really bad and I wanted to fix the worst parts first.
Next I plan on putting all new tie rod ends and new pitman arm, plus, bite the bullet and do the wheel bearings too. Majority of the parts will cost $235 plus whatever the wheel bearings are. I suspect that once I get that far I will end up having to do the ball joints too. Heck, once I am that far I might as well put all new bushings in too.
As you can see, with miles, things wear out. But, that front end is carrying a lot of weight. Mine has gone many miles. If I have to stick a few hundred dollars in it here and there, it will be ok. Once it is all paid off, I will be smiling a lot more . I don't drive the truck very much now, but when I do, I want it to be right.
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If this is a 2wd you do not have a solid axle, and you DO have IFS. The only dodge 4x4s with IFS are 1/2 tons, I think.
Steering wander is a much easier fix on a 2wd. Look into ball joints, steering box from PSC (www.pscpowersteer.com) and a Solid Steel steering stabilizer (the DSS).
I'm sure you need new shocks, too-- try some bilstein 5100s (zinc finish, not yellow paint) with the HD valving...
Justin
Steering wander is a much easier fix on a 2wd. Look into ball joints, steering box from PSC (www.pscpowersteer.com) and a Solid Steel steering stabilizer (the DSS).
I'm sure you need new shocks, too-- try some bilstein 5100s (zinc finish, not yellow paint) with the HD valving...
Justin
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That's what happens to the BMW auto transmissions (GM units) if you change the fluid for the first time after about 150k or so. Manuals don't really have this problem.
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That's the plan. I want a 2WD 24v 2500....but i love the look of the 4x4 2500. I dont really have any use for the 4x4. I won't sell the BMW for one, but i'd love to add a Dodge to the stable in the future. I drive the 3500 enough to hold me over for now.
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