One problem related to steering idler arm has been reported for the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
There was a loud clunking noise in the front over bumps. I had it inspected and was told the sway bar where it mounts to the frame horn on the passenger side was rusted through. Also, the idler arm bracket is in danger of falling off because of the severe rust problem. The drivers side frame horn where the gearbox mounts has a large rust hole also. I had the complete frame inspected for rust. There are rust holes in the frame where the transmission support is mounted to the frame on left and right sides. Is this truck even safe to drive in this rusty condition? it has 146,000 miles on it. . I believe there are many other Dodge veichles out there with the same issues. A class action lawsuit is in order.