If your 2nd gen has 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 absolute best steering parts for 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 second gen Cummins and gas engine trucks
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. We own these trucks and compiled this list of 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. The base price will show as $0.00 and then change as items are added as you build your personal front end upgrade kit.
BEFORE ordering, we recommend watching this video that walks through how to do an at home front diagnostic. If you have play, wandering or death wobble in your steering, this how to will show you how to find it, so you know exactly what parts need to be replaced and don't waste money on things you don't need.
The Ultimate 2nd Gen Steering Package Allows You To Choose From the Following:
Steering:
Synergy Manufacturing 1994-1999 or 2000-2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Steering was specifically designed for the 2nd gen platform, and has two versions to address different year changes. While many online will tell you that "Mopar/Moog 08+ 3rd or 4th gen steering fits" it doesn't have the correct geometry or joint taper, and is designed for the wider 3rd and 4th gen axles so it has to be cut down. Since Synergy was specifically deigned around 2nd gens, we think it's the best bolt on set up available, and has all the correct geometry, joints and fitment.
Synergy linkage also has increased tubing diameters/wall thickness over stock, and metal on metal rod ends for the drag link and tie rod. Each joint is easily and individually replaceable as well, which is a huge plus over the OEM steering which must be pitched if the joints wear. Please note, 1998-1999 trucks that originally came with the factory HD T-Style Steering (Where a straight tie rod connects to both knuckles) must use the pitman arm from 1994-1997 trucks, part number: K440003. This pitman arm can be purchased from any auto parts store.
Ball Joints:
-EMF ball joints
OR
-Dynatrac Ball joints
These two options are our top pick for 2nd gen ball joints with the longest lifespan and build quality possible. EMF ball joints are made in Canada and given the US exchange rate, present an exceptional value for the build quality! They are re-buildable in the truck as well. Dynatrac is more expensive, but offers fantastic quality, easy rebuilds, and trouble free steering. Both are fantastic choices.
Track Bar:
-DT Pro Fab Track Bar
OR
-Thuren Track Bar
Track bars are one of the most critical parts to control your 2nd gens front end, steering, and fix the notorious 2nd gen wander. The factory track bar has an extremely sub par design, so we offer these two alternatives that eliminate the poor factory frame side joint design and bracket. Please note that BOTH track bars here work from 0-3" of lift. If you need something for a taller lift, we recommend the 4-6" lift version of the DT Pro Fab track bar which can be ordered here.
Both are high quality track bars, but there's a few key differences. DT Pro Fab offers better 94-98 compatibility (see fitment note below). In terms of fitment, Thuren only requires you do drill out the axle side mounting bolt hole to a larger diameter, while DT Pro Fab requires a couple holes to be drilled for the frame side bracket. In terms of the bar, DT Pro fab uses a bushing at both ends, while Thuren uses a heim joint on the axle and a bushing on the frame side. The final difference is that the Thuren bar must be length adjusted off the truck, while DT Pro Fab uses a central adjuster so length can be fine tuned on the truck.
94-98 truck fitment note: These trucks come with what's called the cobra style axle side sway bar mount (see final photo in this listing for example). If you're running a taller coil from Carli, Thuren, or another brand, you must flip the sway bar on 94-98 trucks and run longer sway bar end links. This flipped sway bar orientation is NOT compatible with the Thuren track bar, which leaves two options: You can either run the DT Pro fab track bar which is compatible with all year models, sway bars configurations, and generations with no issues or modifications necessary. If you're set on the Thuren track bar but have a 94-98 truck with level height coils, you can cut off the cobra style mounts and weld on these Dt Pro fab conversion tabs to run a 98.5+ factory or Thuren sway bar. Without this change, your cobra style sway bar will hit the Thuren frame side bracket when flipped. If you have a stock height 94-98 truck you're good to go with either track bar.
Steering Stabilizer:
-Bilstein 5100
-Fox 2.0
OR
-Carli Low Mount
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? Chances are you need a better stabilizer. The 5100 is the lowest priced option, and offers better performance than the OEM unit. The Fox 2.0 steps that up with an aluminum body, larger piston, and more control. The Carli low mount takes things even further with increased damping over stock, a stainless body for ultimate durability, and nitrogen pressure adjustment to account for tire pull.
Steering Box:
Steering boxes are a common wear item on these trucks, so we offer PSC and Redhead boxes as a proven replacement. PSC and Redhead are the industry leaders in steering boxes, and their bolt in factory replacement boxes are a fantastic option to freshen up the front end. With 2nd gens being classic vehicle age, it's safe to say the original boxes are long overdue for a replacement! We offer PSC as the premium option, new box as it has upgraded internals and a larger shaft. Redhead serves as a more budget friendly, rebuild OEM box option. Both are solid choices so let your budget be the guide.
**The Redhead Steering Box option includes a core charge and $100 Shipping. The core charge will be refunded to you upon the return of your original core. PSC is a new box, so there is no core charge.
Steering Box Brace:
The Synergy Box brace supports the front frame rails of the truck from moving with steering box Input, and helps to support the steering box shaft and bearings from load during steering. Whether you're trying to preserve a new box or support an old one to prevent further wear, this is a nice addition for 2nd gen steering, but isn't as vital as other parts like the track bar or linkage. Think of it as the cherry on top.
Still need help deciding? This video walks through every option in the kit:
Customer Reviews
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 that now has ~150k miles on it. The steering had gotten progressively worse to where it had about a quarter turn play in the steering wheel. I ordered and installed the CJC 2nd Gen upgrade package about a month ago and man what a difference. It’s like driving a new truck. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. That said, my lessons learned were 1) be aware that the ori equipment may be next to impossible to remove. Pitment arm was seized to tight I broke a puller trying to get it off. Finally had to use a blow torch to heat it red hot then bash it with a pickle fork and sledgehammer. 2) the ball joints were not easy for me as an amateur DIY guy. 3) one of my axle seals started leaking when I pulled the axle out so I had to have those replaced. They were original so not surprising, but unexpected. 4) make sure the shop you use for alignment knows what they’re doing. I had to go to two different shops. The first one couldn’t center the steering wheel and the turn radius was terrible. The second shop was able to sort everything out. 5) something happened with the abs so it was kicking on every time I applied the brakes. The second shop said they had to replace the passenger side knuckle for it to work, so that was another unexpected cost. Overall though I love the way it handles! (Now I’m eyeballing the Carli commuter suspension kit). :)
This kit paired with a red top gearbox made this truck real tight, very solid setup.
It is the best upgrade ever done on our truck. I was nervous about my husband spending this much money. But it was worth every dollar. I am know comfortable and confident to pull our travel trailer because the steering is so much tighter and predictable.
Finally completed the front end rebuild and the truck drives better than I’ve ever experienced in the 17 years I’ve owned it. I went with the Synergy steering linkage, Thuren/King steering stabilizer, Thuren track bar, redhead steering box, and EMF ball joints. I already had a steering box stabilizer. Enjoy driving the truck again and would recommend any one/all of these parts for a HUGE improvement for a more safe, solid and tight front end.
4 years ago I put the Carli Commuter package with the progressive leaf and coil springs with Fox 2.0 shocks and the DT profab track bar the truck looked much better but leveled out with 18 inch wheels and larger tires but still wandered on the road. It's wandering days are now over! I just installed a Redhead steering box, Carli control arms, Thuren sway bar, Synergy steering links and EMF ball joints. What a difference, it's like a new truck, it rides better takes bumps much better has a significantly tighter turning radius now because my larger tires don't rub on the control arms. And most importantly, it stays in my lane, and goes where I point it, in a much crisper fashion. Note: The bushings in the DT profab were shot after 4 years so I ordered a rebuild kit for the final piece of the puzzle.
