I'm buying an 04 2500 diesel 4x4. I heard that there were issues with the traction bar (front suspension) on 03 models. When did Dodge swithch to the newer (better) bars for 04?

Also, how much of a difference in fuel milage does the 3.73 get as opposed to the 4.10 gears (both 6speed manual) No load at 70mph?

 

I think you mean track bar? There are no traction bars on stock CTD. Some people have expreesed the need for an ajustable track bar, but I have not seen the need yet. Mine aligns perfectly and drives straigth.

 

The track bar is part of the suspension. I thought all Ram's w/solid axle have one? Maybe I'm wrong.

Was yours aligned properly from the factory? The one I want to purchase feels like it has a pull, and the steering wheel is off center. Would the dealer check the alignment before I purchase?

 

Yes, make them align it. Mine has no pull and it one of the straightest trucks I have ever driven. You called it a traction bar in your first post. Traction bars and track bars are different...

Yes, Dodge 3rd Gen CTD have TRACK bars. They are not adjustable in length. My truck is lifted and a off set bracket was used to return the track bar to the proper geometry.

 

I did mean the Track bar. I heard that there were issues with them in 02 and 03. Sometime in 03 they were upgraded with a new part. Is the new part used in early 04's? The one I'm considering is built in 9/03.

Thanks

 

The track bar issues were on 2nd gen trucks (mostly 2000-2002) 03s and up drive like a dream. Some have a "pulling to the right" problem, usually cured with a good alignment.