I have a 1996 Ram 2500. It was stolen in November and problems have been appearing since. I replaced my hub assembly on the passenger side (it was in VERY bad condition) and the one on the driver side has a touch of play. The latest problem appearing is that if I hit a bump just so while going over 60 KM/H the whole front end starts to shake and clunk and bounce. I've checked and everything seems tight. I've had a couple people suggest the steering box.. I just want suggestions before I throw money at it. has anyone ever had a similar problem?
Is this a 4x4? If so, the track bar is a common cause of this problem. It may seem tight, but any play at all in the ball joint at the frame mount (driver's side) will cause your symptoms.
You can either replace the bar, or rebuild the joint with a product called Luke's Link. A Google search on that will turn up plenty of information.
It sounds more like a worn part than what I am about to describe but if everything is tight as you say, try this. With the truck running bounce the front end, get a good motion going (yea, I know a bit tough with stiff springs... much easier with car). Watch the steering wheel. If it moves, you have a bump steer problem, meaning something is bent.
Exactly what is bent can be determined through a diagnostic wheel alignment. Your best choice here is a collision repair shop that does its own wheel alignments. Because of their experience, collision repair shops are more likely to be aware of the indications of bent parts. Because of their experience, mechanical repair shops tend to think in terms of worn parts and ignore the signs of bent parts.
If you end up going to a mechanical repair shop, you might have to be a bit proactive. They often think exclusively in terms of caster/camber/toe but bent parts are going to show up when measurements of toe on turns, steering axis inclination, and included angle are wrong when the other items measure correctly. So you should ask to look at the measurements yourself and be sure all the measurements are correct.
Having said this, I think its more likely you have a worn part.
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