Diesel truck owners love to add aftermarket options to their vehicles, including larger tires, lift kits and power programmers. These upgrades change factory specifications and can lead to unusual problems with the truck. Steering geometry, ride height and suspension response is all changed by adding one or all of these features. The Dodge 2500 comes with a Dana 60 front-axle front coil springs and a weak factory track bar. The track bar is responsible for keeping the front axle centered under vehicle during driving.
Front-end problems can come from any one of the bushings becoming deteriorated. Bushings are used in joints where metal would meet metal but instead is cushioned by polycarbonate rubber to reduce friction and wear.
Consider upgrading suspension components when using oversize tires or changing steering components. Adding steering dampeners, hydraulic steering boxes or hydraulic rams can help maintain steering capabilities while running larger tires.
Replacing the factory track bar with a larger, adjustable track bar can prevent driving problems like front-end shaking, misaligned steering geometry and uneven tire wear. Aftermarket companies like Don Thuren Fabrication, BD Diesel and Kore Performance manufacture track bars to eliminate problems with modified vehicles.
A dual-steering stabilizer can help add control to the steering and help add stability during unstable road conditions. Stabilizers work like pistons by pressing the axle back into perfect alignment and eliminating bumps and wobbles from the axles and wheels.
The steering geometry is set up from the factory for specific tire sizes and components. Once you change any part of the steering, you will always have to adjust other components to realign the geometry. Consider the other parts that will also need to be changed when buying aftermarket upgrades.
