If you've got death wobble, play, wander or other steering issues, this steering kit is the way to fix it, and fix it right. We've used our years of experience with our own trucks and building customer trucks to compile this collection of the absolutely best steering parts for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Ram 2500 and 3500 Hemi gas and Cummins diesel trucks.
For years, 03-09 third gen Ram steering has been treated like a mystery. If you've been trying to track down the cause of your issues, give this video a watch for a full diagnostic how to on locating the source of your play.
Armed with that information, you can replace exactly what's needed without wasting money. We offer all these items individually, but wanted to also offer an easy to buy kit that includes everything you need. Have a question? Call or email us so we can help!We don't expect most customers to buy everything on this list in one go, but the option is there. This video walks through all the options if you're more of a visual learner. if you prefer reading, read below:
We own these trucks and compiled this list of the best parts based on our own experiences, and what we personally use. Simply select what you need, and know that the parts selection shown is the best quality around.
STEERING:
MOPAR 2008.5 DODGE HD STEERING UPGRADE (MOPAR-52122362AL-01)
OR
Synergy HD Steering
OR
Apex HD Steering
We offer three steering linkage choices depending on your needs.
Mopar HD T style linkage is the easiest drop in option for these trucks. It corrects the toe angle change and other flaws found on the factory Y style linkage, and uses heavier duty joints. This steering also allows for the most stabilizer options, including the Carli dual opposing setup.
The next option is Synergy HD steering, which uses a T style configuration, heavy duty linkage, and easily replaceable metal on metal joints. Synergy linkage is ONLY compatible with low mount stabilizers.
The final option is Apex. This option uses heavy duty linkage, metal on metal joints, and has a lifetime warranty on both the linkage and joints which is unprecedented in this market. This linkage does require adding clamps to run stabilizers, so just select the necessary clamps for the stabilizers you choose
If your truck currently has Y style steering and you're moving to this T-style Mopar, Synergy or Apex, you will need the pitman arm listed in the options. Here is a reference photo:
These three ball joints get our pick for being the best, and longest lasting joints on the market for these trucks. Made in North America, all three options are a huge upgrade over stock, or anything you'd get at a normal parts store. If you're wanting to do ball joints for the last time, these are the way go to. Carli's ball joints come with a lifetime warranty, and EMF/ Dynatrac joints are re-buildable in the truck. If you've had lot of knurled/splined joints pressed into your truck, the EMF and Dynatrac oversized joints are the way to go. In terms of build quality, we'd rank these joints in the order of Carli, EMF, then Dynatrac as a best, better, great lineup, but you really can't go wrong.
TRACK BAR:
CARLI SUSPENSION ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR
OR
THUREN ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR
Both Carli and Thuren use a very similar axle side heim joint on their track bar. The frame side is where things differ. Thuren uses a delrin bushing, which is basically a high density polymer or almost plastic like material pressed into a cup welded to the bar. Carli uses a fully encapsulated, gusseted, and braced cup, and inside that cup is a proprietary spherical joint with a uniball center. Both are the two best brands on the market, so you're getting a quality product either way.
STEERING STABILIZER:
CARLI STAINLESS LOW MOUNT STEERING STABILIZER
OR
CARLI SUSPENSION HIGH MOUNT STEERING STABILIZER (NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SYNERGY)
OR
CARLI DUAL OPPOSING STABILIZER SYSTEM WITH DIFF GUARD (NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SYNERGY)
OR
FOX 2.0 LOW MOUNT STEERING STABILIZER
OR
ICON 2.0 LOW MOUNT STEERING STABILZER
Steering stabilizers play a key role in fighting feedback from the road. Does your wheel get ripped out of your hands when hitting a one sided pot hole? Changes are you need a better stabilizer. Unlike most options that use normal shocks that are the right length, Carli stabilizers are specifically designed and tuned for steering applications. They also feature a nitrogen pressure adjustment to dial in the driving feel of your truck and fight tire pull. The low mount is a bolt in, factory position replacement. The high mount is great as a high clearance option when used alone, and mounts off the drag link so it's tucked up out of harm's way.
If you want the best of the best, use the dual opposing setup which combines the high mount and low mount in opposite directions so that you have the most damping force possible to fight feedback, and the best possible adjustment range and handling. The opposing setup also pre-loads all the joints of the steering to reduce slop and improve feel. No other stabilizer setup on the market goes this far, but the results speak for themselves. This option also includes Carli's diff guard that's shown in the photos. Please note that the high mount will not work if you have a drop pitman arm on the truck. The Fox 2.0 and Icon options mount in the factory location and are prefect for customers wanting a more basic setup without skimping on quality. Both are a fantastic bang for the buck, and reduce steering feedback without breaking the bank.
EMF BUSHINGS:
These $20 bushings are the cherry on top of your front end re-build, and eliminate the play often found in the upper column joint of the steering. They're probably the best $20 you'll ever spend! if you're buying anything in this kit, these bushings are a no brainer add on. Please note that they are included with any EMF ball joints.
Steering boxes are a common wear item on these trucks, so we offer proven replacements from PSC and Redhead. PSC is a new box based on the Mopar Big Box design, and has ungraded internals and a larger shaft. It's a NEW box, so there's no core charge. The Redhead box options offer a more budget friendly alternative, and are rebuilt factory boxes. As a result, there is a core charge that will be refunded once you send your box in for them to re-build and replenish their inventory. If you want a new and heavy duty factory box, go with the Mopar Big Box.
The Redhead Steering Box option includes a $300 core charge. This will be refunded to you upon the return of your original core.
STEERING BOX BRACE:
SYNERGY OR BAD AXE BOX BRACES
Steering box braces are a bolt on item that adds rigidity and support to the sector shaft of your steering box. While not a necessity, they will reduce play from a worn box and help support the output bearings on a new box to prevent wear. The options here depend on which box you're using, so choose according to what box you plan to run the brace with.
Cjc is great and will be buying from them again. Customer service was great.
M
Mike Welsh
06 Ram 2500
Major improvement in stability since I installed. It’s only been about three weeks so time will tell as to durability
G
Garrett Cole
100% Recommend
I liked how the package was customizable, allowed me to order everything I specifically needed to not only fix, but also upgrade tons of front end issues on my 2007 Dodge Ram 3500.
J
James Gordon
Ultimate 3rd Gen 3500 Steering Upgrade
Wow, what a difference in drivability. I bought this truck new in Oct 2002. It has never handled better. Wish I had made this upgrade earlier.
