Tires and front end rebuild kit 2007 Ram 3500

[carlw32]

So we are getting ready to start our trip next month from TX to TN to OH then to CA and then AK. We will be taking our time to get to CA and then stay for 6 weeks while I attend some training for 6 weeks then we will make our way to AK in May June timeframe. Only a couple more maintenance issues to take care of on the truck, the tires and front end rebuild. Any recommendation for tires and front end rebuild kit? I have looked at the Carli kit looks pretty good and the Moog kit as well and the Carli just looks better qaulity and comes with a track bar. Not sure on the tire which brand to look at Gooyear, Firestone? Thanks in advance for your suggestions/advice

[carlw32]

I am going to do the steering upgrade and the track bar bushings and get an alignment seems the best way to go. Thank you for all the advice and tires will come soon as well.

[transamz9]

Take it to a shop and let them put the truck on an alignment rack. They can check to see if you will need offset ball joints before you replace them. Like someone else said, don't use MOOG. They have problems on the Rams because of design. Also check the front hub bearings. They are common on the 4x4 Rams for getting dry.

[rhagfo]

Tires, I just put a set on Michelin M/S2+ on my 2001 Ram and they are great!

[ib516]

Oh, poly track bar bushings are cheap, easy to replace, and a good upgrade.

[carlw32]

Well I had a 2nd Gen with the slop and death wobble I replaced the track bar and that did away with the death wobble and some of the slop. My current truck just has some play in the steering which is not fun especially when towing and there is a tear in one of the tie rod ends boots and the passenger side tire is wearing more on the outside than the inside. And looking everything appears original so with almost 200K on the clock I am very confident that tire rod ends and track bar at least need to be replaced especially before a long trip like this. Don"t know about you I would like to have that nice tight steering before a long trip. This not something I am guessing at I have done my research I just wanted to know should I do a complete front end rebuild or the steering upgrade plus track bar minus ball joints and wanted opinions from others that may have had the same issue.

[ScottG]

Just curious, what makes you think the front end needs a rebuild?

[ib516]

Tires are a personal choice, there are many good brands.

As for the front end, one option would be to use the new front end kit the dealer offers. It comes as an assembly, all in one box. You will need a new pitman arm and steering damper though. That kit has tie rods, drag link, etc all together.

I put this kit on my 2007 3500. It is noticeably beefier than the OE parts. Same stuff as they use on a 4500/5500.

LINK with part #

[ScottG]

Carli is the best but costly. Dynatrack is very good for the money and would probably be my choice.
For Dodge trucks, Moog is the worst, esp the adjustable ball joints - don't use them under any circumstances.
Are you sure it needs BJ's? They are often misdiagnosed even by dealer techs. They think any movement is bad and that is wrong. Even brand new factory parts have tiny movement. There are specs for this.
If your doing tie rods and everything then look into the 08 upgrade. It has better geometry and longer life.