Four problems related to front suspension lower control arm have been reported for the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Noticed reduced directional stability, braking degradation and vehicle pulled under braking conditions. This lead me to take vehicle in for service. While on the vehicle rack it was discovered that both lower control arms had cracked in the exact same location on both sides. Additionally, cracks were discovered due to what appeared to be poor welds on the front axle. On 01-16-2006, I authorized the following work to be done at my own expense: 1) replacement of cracked lower control arms and welding of the cracked front axle recall 00v007000). Replacement control arms were reinforced in the area that failed on both stock oem control arms. The replacement arms where almost twice as heavy as the originals. With this information, I contacted Dodge daimler/Chrysler to explain the situation and requested a reimbursement for the parts replaced. Chrysler denied the request and said that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the above listed issues. All repair work has been completed and I have the original lower control arms available upon request. Pictures of the both parts are also available upon request.
The contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 00v007000 concerning front suspension control arm: lower arm. This vehicle is experiencing the same problems as indicated in the recall, but is not included in the recall due to VIN. No recall repairs have been done at this time.
Front lower control arms are rubbing against both drivers and passenger side tires causing premature wear and damage to the tires. This is evident during regular vehicle maintenance inspections. Both tires have visible wear and control arms have visible tire contact points. This problem was initially noticed during vehicles first tire rotation.
While traveling at highway speed of 55 mph passenger's rear wheel with every thing, except the dust pan from the axle came off the vehicle. No injury reported. Consumer asked dealer what made the wheel com eoff. Delaer's reply was that nothing was wrong with the brakes. Prior to the recall (00v-007) the wheel broke off from the axle and the vehicle went out of control resulting in accident.