control Arms..steering components

[ak_petey]

I am looking at building or buying a set of control arms. I have a few options and ideas, and was hoping to get some input.
This is going on my 2003 cummins 4 door short bed.
it is a daily driver, I have a set of leveling springs on it that "adjusted" the axle position (swung it back a little). which is the reason I need to build new control new arms.
Lately the truck has been wandering a little. one of my sway bar links did break.. so I disconnected the other to even it out. I probably also need to replace some of the steering components (tie rods, drag link joints) but I figured I would do it all in one shot.
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I am planning on going with an energy suspension kit for the front bushings.
I am looking into new steering (08.5 and up) dodge steering upgrade/fix components.
I am looking at building new or buying new control arms.

not sure on the steering.. as the parts are very expensive. looking for a good quality part that has a warranty and performs well. MOOG is really expensive. but lifetime warranty. currently looking for after market support for my dodge.

Control arms. Havent quite made up my mind yet.
I do know that I want to have adjustable control arms. I was looking at possibly building arms out of 1.5" inner diameter/ .25 wall tubing and using a Creeper joint (at frame mount) and a metal cloak joint (at axle mount)

I am building these to be .5 to 1 inch longer than stock. I would like to be able to adjust them when alignments are due. but I did find these on line here in fairbanks. They are Carli.. but $500?? im thinking about all the cool stuff like bills to pay instead of that route!

Carli arms:
http://fairbanks.craigslist.org/pts/3409317843.html

Creeper joints (trailgear):
http://www.trail-gear.com/creeper-joints

Metal Cloaks Duroflex joints:
http://www.metalcloak.com/Jeep-Suspensio...-s/235.htm

[ak_petey]

building the arms will be no problem. I can weld in bungs after cutting the tube to length. I like the DuroFlex joints because of the dampening quality. I like the creeper joints because of the rebuild-ability and flex.

[ak_petey]

the cost of the duro joints are $59 each.
the cost of the creeper joints are $42.90 each
with shipping I will be lucky to get them here for 450 if I can convince the companies to ship them via flat rate.
Then I will have to worry about buying the tube steel.

I could spend the money and make my own and come out to about what the Carli arms are going to cost. the benefit is I will have adjustable control arms.

[ak_petey]

or go with a set of control arms from skyjacker that use poly urethane bushings. at about 150 for lower and 150 for uppers...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sja-dul252

[ak_petey]

a set of skyjacker arms with poly bushings will cost me about 300.
I could build my own but I would need to have an alignment machine to make sure the axles caster is within specs. before welding them up completely.

[88XJ]

I don't mess with my DD. I would suggest to buy pre-made, it's Guaranteed to work.

[akram]

You are best off buying a set that was made for it. As you seen the cost savings isn't hardly any for parts. Then it turns into none once you factor in the time to build them and work to get it right. As for the steering upgrade to the later style with knuckle to knuckle tie rod. It's not going to be cheap. If you want to do it right you have to spend money.

[ak_petey]

this is what I found from KLM:
http://www.klmstore.com/Mopar-09-Steerin.../3500.aspx

and holy crap. spendy. ..
http://www.topguncustomz.com/p-8318-03-0...acket.aspx

[ak_petey]

some more:
http://www.straptperformance.com/product...e-Upgrade/



or from mopar pt # 5212262AF
52122362AF-steering linkage
68039930AA-pitman arm
52122370AB-dampner
6505623AA-x3 nuts needed

http://www.factorymoparparts.com/52122362ag.html
$247(for just the tie rod and drag link) + and...130 in shipping! ugh...

[AKMark]

Another solution, remove the leveling kit, save time and money on something you didn't need to begin with.

[ak_petey]

I would but my stock springs and the old track bar were damaged in the house fire. adding up the cost of the parts from the leveling kit... basically I could have ordered a complete kit and come out the same. If I could start over I would have left it. but thats just me. cant leave enough alone. Im learning. when I turn 30 i will wise up. I promise :myself:

I (finally) had Amanda shake the steering wheel while I inspected the steering components for wear and parts to order. just the drag link needs to be replaced, ordered the parts up from moparwholesale.com. (about 240 including shipping)

I also was able to order up a set of skyjacker control arms from summit. the uppers are fixed, the lowers are adjustable. (300) I can rebuild the ends of the control arms very easily too! and they are greasable.