1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Braking issues

[dumboctv]

I am currently working on my 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. It has the cummins motor. I am having a problem locating a break problem. When yo go to stop you get what I call the death shack because the steering wheel along with the complete truck shack almost uncontrolably. I have replace the front rotors with the Heavy duty drilled and slotted rotors and heavy duty calaipers and pads. I have also done a complet overhaul on the rear brakes by replacing the brake hardware shoes and drums all with heavy duty parts. When I say heavy duty I mean the same equeptment used in Emergancy trucks. I know that I have a bent axle in the rear. Could that cuase the problem or should I look into replasing the break booster? The break boost on this truck also control the power steering pressur. I am open to any suggestions.

please help I am a Newby to the forum.

[scoutinkeith]

is it a 2x4 or a 4x4?

in either case, seing as how you replaced the rotors already, I'd give the front end a good once over. check ball joints, wheel bearings, and all of the steering linkage.

to check the steering, have someone turn the steering wheel side to side, wile you look at all of the steering joints to see if there is any play in them. and to check the ball joints and wheel bearings, jack the front end up, and grab the tire at the 12-0-clock and 6-o-clock positions, and try to move it, if there is play, have someone move it wile you look on the back side to see if the play is from the ball joints or wheel bearings.

if it's a 4x4, you'll also want to check the track bar when you are checking the steering joints. the ball joint (frame end) on the 4x4 track bars wear out a lot, and can let the axle move side to side.

also, if it's been a wile, it couldn't hurt to have the alignment checked.

[fredjacksonsan]

ScoutinKeith is right; check front end for any worn parts.

Also, your bent rear axle will cause many problems down the line, and may be at fault for some or a lot of the vibration you're experiencing.

[cow man]

when you get it figured out please let me know.i have the same problem!

[hot64goat]

REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC STEERING STABILIZER (THE SHOCK ABSORBER THING ON LINKAGE) I know from experiance without a doubt this is your problem!!!

[blank316]

I had a similar problem with my 99, it ended up being a melted abs sensor