suspension lift questions (fixed the steering)

[90Ram]

Good morning,
Being a complete nubie to 4X4 I've got some suspension lift questions. It's a 1990 Dodge Ram P/U (purchased last Sept) with a rough country 4"
lift that was on the truck when purchased. With the sloppy weather the last few days I've noticed the steering is real unpredictable. I've replaced the steering coupler last month due to the normal slop found in the Dodge.
Also put new tie rod ends on. I'm getting the front end aligned this morning.
So here's the questions:

1. Does the lift kit cause instability with steering?
2. The lift has riser blocks in the rear mounted on top of the stock blocks, and they move when changing truck direction. Should they be welded together?
3. Anybody local want to give this nubie their experienced view after looking at the truck?

Thanks in advance for the help, Brad

[Gubni]

1. Does the lift kit cause instability with steering?
2. The lift has riser blocks in the rear mounted on top of the stock blocks, and they move when changing truck direction. Should they be welded together?
3. Anybody local want to give this nubie their experienced view after looking at the truck?

Thanks in advance for the help, Brad

1. Yes and no. It causes other parts to wear quicker, but if all other parts are in good condition your steering will be tight.

2. Yes they should.

3. Look in the vendors section for a new shop called Tangent Design. They should be able to help you figure out where your problem is and what to do to fix it. If I had to take a guess I'd say it's in your steering gearbox, but testing is the only real way to find out.

[Gordon]

1 - See what they detect during the alignment. A lift will throw the caster/camber off, which most likely will alter steering response.

2 - There should be no "walking" of lift block (s), and one block should be used.

3 - I'm not real local to you, although I'd be happy to look. I'm sure some folks closer to you will chime in.

As with any vehicle, modified or not, routine inspections, bolt tightening, etc, etc, should be done. A rig that is modified and wheeled requires much more attentive inspections. You also need to know how the rig is going to react. Mods do make handling different, and as long as you understand and are aware of it, you can operate it safely. When mods get past a point, a rig should be designated "trail only", but a 4" lift on a FS truck should not be that far.

Keep us posted after your alignment.

[TiredIronGRB]

My 97 Dodge has coil spring suspension in the front which uses a track bar, the track bar bushings can wear out and make the front end loose.

[BillM]

Like everyone has said, make sure they inspect EVERYTHING in the front suspension for wear. If this Dodge is a 1500 I am going to bet it is IFS and not a straight axle. I live in Fall Branch just up from Greeneville. You are welcome to bring it by and we can look to see if there is anything really noticeable wrong. Can't promise anything though.

[tjrockcrawler]

I thought Rams were SA, I had a '99 1500 that was.
:?:

[BillM]

I didn't think anyone made a 1/2 ton 4x4 with a straight axle anymore. Maybe I was wrong.

[tjrockcrawler]

A google search turned up this URL:

http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/axle/axlespecs.html

According to this its a D44...I could be wrong though.

sorry for the hijack

[MikeL1346]

I thought Rams were SA, I had a '99 1500 that was.
:?:

Yeah the"full size" Dodges had the SA till 03-04 ish then I think they went to IFS. Dodge made a "midsize" (can't remember the name" for a couple years and it was IFS.

[TiredIronGRB]

I thought Rams were SA, I had a '99 1500 that was.
:?:

Mine is a SA...on coils.

[90Ram]

Just got in, they found the toe in adjustments were way off specs. Drives like a totally different truck. I'm going to check out getting solid blocks for the rear. Thanks for the replies.....

[tjrockcrawler]

Glad you got it fixed.

[MikeL1346]

Glad you got it fixed.

X 2

[Dino1967]

Just got in, they found the toe in adjustments were way off specs. Drives like a totally different truck. I'm going to check out getting solid blocks for the rear. Thanks for the replies.....you guys think the blocks could be welded together and be safe if thats the case i could do that here at home
how tall are the blocks
might be safe to get a helper spring and get the blocks out ive got some new ones ill never use decided against it
what do you all think

[partsjockey]

Dodges were solid with leaves up front till 94when they went to coils till 01. 1/2 ton from 02 up are IFS. The only solid axle truck in a 1/2 ton anymore is the Mega Cab Dodge.