98 1500 4x 4 "what to look for"

[golden]

My 82 Dodge is tired and I've been looking at a 98 15004x with 100,000mi.
owner says steering and maybe "outer bearing" problem. What else shoud I look for, and how big a deal is "outer bearing" replace? Thanks any info.

[WILL]

Don't know what to look for but if it is front wheel bearings, they are a unit bearing and are replaced as a set. I have also read to watch for the panhard rod.

[RemyDodge]

I own a 1998 1500 4x4 quad cab sport. Im the original owner and just crossed 100,000 miles. I wouldnt be too concerned about the track bar...even if its bad you can replace it yourself in half an hour and its about $250 from the dealer.

The front wheel bearings are, as will said, a unit assembly. these can be quite pricy, at about $125 for the standard or $200 for the 4 wheel ABS trucks. Thats PER SIDE.

Shift the transfer case while driving >15mph from 2hi to 4 hi and be sure there is no grinding. If there is, the synchro is worn. Mine has been this way for 50,000 miles. no big deal, just shift it at under 10mph from now on. Be sure the 4wd engages. Try to turn the truck and make sure you can feel the added resistance. Front u-joints are pricy labor wise if you cant do them yourself. The rear axle is another common problem. Im on my third. when shifting from P or D to R, you will probably hear a CLUNK, particularly if the differential is a limited slip. you can check the label on the underside of the hood to find out. Thats normal, but listen while driving fro any bearing noise.

Also check the tires. see if any are wearing abnormally. the outside edges of the front tires seem to wear fast, even more so if the alignment is out slightly.

Overall, I've been very happy with the truck. It was my first new vehicle, bought it when i was 19, and its served me very well. I've taken EXTREMELY good care of it, and it shows. Well maintained, i expect mine to see at least another 100,000 miles relative trouble free.

Thats about all I can think of for now. Post any other questions you might have!

[golden]

Thanks folks, for the info. I have also been told that the Auto trans is a weak point but I think that is most common with the Cummins.
My 82 Dodge has a 727 auto and I have plowed with it for 15yrs and hope to continue that use. The winter salt has made it pretty rusty and hard to keep road legal, but what a dependable truck it has been.
Thanks again

[RemyDodge]

I havent had any problems with the trans, but due to a bad throttle position sensor, $80, it caused the TC to eat its clutch on a cross-country trip. They wouldnt warranty the new one unless the trans was rebuilt too for fear of contamination...so i had it rebuilt then, but it was working fine.

I own a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4, ext cab long bed, and I haven't had any problems with the Dodge that I haven't put there. The truck was bought with 119000 miles on it, I'm sitting at about 127000 now, the tranny's fine...the problem with the auto tranny, was that people were trying to tow with it in overdrive. You can't tow with the 46re in overdrive, that'll tear up the gears.
Depending on where you live, the cheapest you'll find the hub assy with abs, is probably around 200, and I've seen them for up to 450 a piece. However, if you're not concerned about the abs system, you can pull your relay out, and use the non abs hubs to replace the abs hubs...they're the exact same except for the abs wire.
To pull them out, you need to take the tire off, the brake caliper, and rotor off. Then, you have to take the center retaining nut, it's a 1 and 11/16 socket. You'll have to get a 3/4 in drive socket, and get a half in adapter for it. Once that's off, there's three bolts in the back you pull off, and when that's done, take a flat head screwdriver, pry the hub assy loose from the axle, or at least try to make a gap with the screwdriver. If you use a gear puller, the hub assy will come off easy, but you have to make sure the hub assy was already somewhat loose, or you'll split the hub assy...if you're just taking it off to replace it, don't worry about it, and just yank it off. Installation is the reverse of dissassembly.

[golden]

Just wanted to refresh this question. I have purchased a 1998 2500 Ram and would welcome any more info on general probs to look for. Thanks

[golden]

Searching for info on Trottle position sensor and found this post I started before I bought the truck.
How does the throttle position sensor destroy the TC , (transfer case? Torque converter?) jerking?.