Front end concerns

[johnnycharger]

Hi  All
I noticed the last time out that my charger started to "wander". It wasn't horrible but it was noticeable. I jacked up the front end and see that there is slop in all of these tie rods/ball joints (or what ever the appropriate names are). I want to replace them with either moog or pst. I am not sure which are better...but what is the urgency?  If I pack them with grease are they ok? IS THERE A VALID RISK THAT THEY COULD BREAK AND I WOULD LOSE STEERING??

[johnnycharger]

Here they are

[303 Mopar]

Make sure everything is torqued properly first.  You should be able to see the bushings condition (torn, cracked, etc).  Re-greasing everything won't help if your bushings are worn out.  If you do decide to replace them, I would recommend a Moog front end kit (made in the USA).  PST's bushings are from overseas.   

[myk]

If you're that concerned I would have it looked at right away.  Even if you could refurbish the front end yourself you'll still need to take it somewhere to get it aligned.  Don't take a chance with your suspension-there's too much riding on it...

[HPP]

You noticed it last time out, so this is a new condition or is it something that is just getting worse?  How long have you had the car? What tires and alignment do you have?

To answer the items in your picture;
1 & 6 are outer tie rod ends.
2 & 5 are inner tie rod ends.
3 is the idler arm.
4 is the pitman arm.
Ball joints at the top and bottom of the spindles and attach to the upper and lower control arms respectively.

There are grease points in all of these, but like posted above, make sure everything is tight and in good condition. This would include bushings as well as the  joints. If you can see any visible play in these items, then they are at the point of needing replacement and just a greasing won't help. Moog is okay, as is TRW, although nearly everyone has at least some offshore manufacturing so there is a chance of getting imports even with brand names now. I've had good luck with PST myself.

[johnnycharger]

Hi Guys
thanks for the help with this. The wandering is a new issue. I have had the car since 1998 but it was parked for 10 years. I have averaged about 200 miles a year or so for the last couple of years. It was my last time out when I noticed the wandering.  I put it on the stands and grabbed the top and bottom of the driver's side tire and then the sides of it and found no slop. Then the top and bottom of passengers side-no slop. When I move the side to side of the tire I can see all of these joints "flexing"  and the wheel moves a slight bit.
I do not know what the alignment is set to and the tires are the cheapest junk that can be bought new.

[johnnycharger]

Thanks Guys. I really appreciate the help. Now I know what parts to look for.

[johnnycharger]

So... the idler arm definitely has the most play. Any recommendations on a good replacement? upgrade?

[myk]

You can buy a pitman from anywhere-PST, parts stores, eBay and whatnot.  Personally, I'm looking into the fast ratio pitman and idler from PST and Hotchkis...

[johnnycharger]

Cool. I have heard about the fast ratio ones in the past but I thought they didn't work with headers. Do you have headers? Do you know if this is accurate info?
also do the fast ratio set ups work with 99%stock everything else?

[johnnycharger]

Well....good news. My awesome wife has blessed me with the go ahead to get it rebuilt. Now I just need to pick the kit. I don't want to go extreme but a some upgrade can be good. I see that PST has rubber as well as polygraphite. Both look good. I will be looking at the moog as well. I don't want to brake the bank but I do want decent stuff.. 
opinions?

[b5blue]

Just go to Autozone and get Moog. No shipping costs and lifetime warr. on the works. Carefully check the parts at the counter for quality control before even paying. 

[b5blue]

Ya know I just remembered, you can buy repop UCAs that have bushings and ball joints installed for about the cost of parts and tools to replace...  

[myk]

Cool. I have heard about the fast ratio ones in the past but I thought they didn't work with headers. Do you have headers? Do you know if this is accurate info?
also do the fast ratio set ups work with 99%stock everything else?

Yeah if you're running headers the fast ratio stuff probably won't fit.  Otherwise it's a bolt in process.

Just my opinion, but if you're replacing UCA's try going for ones with offset bushings installed.  Your alignment will get more caster dialed in and you'll reduce or eliminate bump steer that is common on these cars.  If you want to throw money at your car you can buy the tubular ones from Hotchkis; it's over kill for a street car but hey, I didn't buy a Mopar because I'm a bargain hunter, lol...