Best Steering Upgrades for Ram 1500 (2019–2024): Complete Buyer’s Guide
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Best Steering for Ram 1500 (2019–2024): What You Need to Know
If you own a 2019–2024 Ram 1500, you already know it’s one of the most capable half-ton trucks on the road. But even a great truck can feel vague, heavy, or unpredictable when its steering components start to wear — or when the factory setup just doesn’t meet your driving demands. Whether you’re chasing tighter handling on the highway, smoother off-road articulation, or simply replacing worn-out parts, finding the best steering for Ram 1500 can make a night-and-day difference behind the wheel. This guide breaks down the top options, what to look for, and how to make the right call for your build.
Quick Comparison Table: Top Ram 1500 Steering Options
| Product | Type | Best For | Difficulty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moog Tie Rod End Set | Tie Rod Ends | OE Replacement | Moderate | $60–$120 |
| ACDelco Steering Rack | Rack & Pinion | Full Rebuild | Advanced | $250–$450 |
| Detroit Axle Outer Tie Rods | Tie Rod Ends | Budget Replacement | Moderate | $40–$80 |
| Borgeson Steering Shaft | Steering Shaft | Performance/Vibration Fix | Moderate | $120–$220 |
| SuperPro Steering Rack Bushings | Rack Bushings | Lifted / Off-Road Trucks | Easy–Moderate | $30–$70 |
| Dorman Steering Column | Steering Column | Column Failure / Repair | Advanced | $180–$380 |
Top Steering Picks for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500
1. Moog Tie Rod End Set — Best Overall OE Replacement
Moog has been the gold standard in steering and suspension for decades, and their tie rod ends for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 live up to the reputation. Built with a pre-greased, self-lubricating bearing design, these rods eliminate the guesswork of regular maintenance while delivering OE-matching fitment every time.
Check Price on Moog Tie Rod Ends for Ram 1500
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✅ Pros:
- Excellent OE fitment for 2019–2024 Ram 1500
- Pre-greased, self-lubricating design for long service life
- Wide availability at most major retailers
- Backed by Moog’s limited lifetime warranty
❌ Cons:
- Slightly higher price than budget alternatives
- Alignment required after installation
2. ACDelco Steering Rack — Best for Complete Rack Replacement
When your Ram 1500 develops a groaning, leaking, or unresponsive steering rack, a full rack-and-pinion replacement is sometimes the cleanest fix. ACDelco’s remanufactured units are built to GM/Stellantis specs and are a popular choice for shops and serious DIYers who want reliability without the OEM dealer price tag.
Shop ACDelco Steering Rack for Ram 1500
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✅ Pros:
- Remanufactured to OEM specifications
- Includes mounting hardware in most kits
- Cost-effective vs. OEM dealer parts
❌ Cons:
- Labor-intensive installation — not a beginner job
- Requires fluid flush and alignment post-install
3. Detroit Axle Outer Tie Rods — Best Budget Pick
If you’re looking for a reliable, wallet-friendly option to pass inspection or get your Ram back on the road fast, Detroit Axle delivers solid value. These outer tie rod ends are designed as direct replacements for 2019–2024 Ram 1500 models and ship as complete assemblies for faster install.
View Detroit Axle Tie Rods for Ram 1500
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✅ Pros:
- Very competitive price point
- Ships as ready-to-install assemblies
- Adequate for daily drivers and commuter use
❌ Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy towing or off-road stress
- Shorter warranty than premium brands
4. Borgeson Steering Shaft — Best for Performance & Vibration Reduction
Many 2019–2024 Ram 1500 owners report a subtle but annoying vibration or looseness through the steering wheel — especially on lifted trucks or those running larger tires. A Borgeson heavy-duty steering shaft replaces the collapsible factory shaft with a stiffer, more direct-feel unit that significantly reduces slop and road vibration transmission.
Get the Borgeson Steering Shaft for Ram 1500
[CTA_BUTTON:borgeson-shaft-ram1500:Borgeson Steering Shaft]
✅ Pros:
- Noticeably improves steering feel and precision
- Great for lifted trucks with alignment changes
- Made in the USA with high-quality materials
❌ Cons:
- Overkill for stock, unmolified daily drivers
- Slightly more complex install than bolt-on parts
5. SuperPro Steering Rack Bushings — Best for Lifted & Off-Road Builds
If your Ram 1500 is lifted 2–4 inches or sees regular off-road use, swapping in polyurethane rack bushings from SuperPro is a smart, low-cost upgrade. Factory rubber bushings deteriorate quickly under additional stress from a lift, causing steering wander. SuperPro’s poly units resist compression and last far longer under demanding conditions.
Order SuperPro Rack Bushings for Ram 1500
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✅ Pros:
- Polyurethane construction outperforms rubber
- Affordable upgrade with noticeable results
- Ideal for lifted or performance-oriented builds
❌ Cons:
- Poly bushings can transmit slightly more road noise vs. rubber
- Requires grease application during install
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Steering Parts for Your Ram 1500
Identify Your Problem First
Before buying anything, diagnose the issue. Common symptoms and their likely causes:
- Wandering or vague steering: Worn tie rod ends or loose rack bushings
- Steering wheel vibration: Worn steering shaft U-joints or imbalanced tires
- Groaning when turning: Low power steering fluid, failing rack, or pump issues
- Clunking noise: Loose or worn inner/outer tie rods
- Pulling to one side: Alignment issue or uneven tie rod wear
OEM vs. Aftermarket Steering Parts
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts guarantee fitment but come at a premium. Aftermarket options like Moog, Detroit Axle, and Borgeson often match or exceed OEM quality at a lower price — making them the smart choice for most Ram 1500 owners.
Consider Your Build
Are you running a stock Ram 1500, or have you lifted it and added larger tires? Lifted trucks place significantly more stress on steering components, which means you’ll want parts rated for that added load. Budget picks that are fine on a stock truck may fail prematurely on a 3-inch lifted build.
Don’t Forget the Alignment
Any time you replace tie rods, rack components, or suspension parts, a 4-wheel alignment is mandatory. Budget $80–$150 for this service after your install — skipping it will cause uneven tire wear and unsafe handling.
Brief Install Overview
Most steering component replacements on the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 require these tools:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Torque wrench
- Pickle fork or tie rod separator
- Basic socket set (metric and standard)
- Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or equivalent for rusted hardware)
Tie rod replacement is a 1–2 hour job for an intermediate DIYer. Steering rack replacement is a 3–5 hour job better suited to experienced mechanics. Steering shaft replacement typically takes 1–2 hours with basic tools. Always torque fasteners to spec and get an alignment after any steering work.
FAQ: Steering for 2019–2024 Ram 1500
How do I know if my Ram 1500’s tie rods are bad?
Common signs include a clunking noise when turning or going over bumps, uneven tire wear on the front axle, wandering or vague steering feel, and play in the steering wheel. You can also do a manual check by grabbing the front tire at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions and trying to wiggle it — excessive play indicates worn tie rod ends.
Does the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 have electric or hydraulic power steering?
The 2019–2024 Ram 1500 (DT generation) uses an electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system — a hybrid design that uses an electric motor to drive a hydraulic pump. This differs from purely electric systems (EPS) and purely hydraulic systems. This means fluid maintenance still matters, but the system is more fuel-efficient than traditional hydraulic setups.
Can I replace tie rod ends on my Ram 1500 at home?
Yes, outer tie rod end replacement is a manageable DIY job for someone with basic mechanical skills and tools. Inner tie rod replacement is more involved and may require a special inner tie rod tool. Either way, you’ll need a professional wheel alignment after the repair.
How often should steering components be inspected on a Ram 1500?
Ram recommends inspecting front-end steering and suspension components at every oil change or at minimum once per year. If you tow, haul heavy loads, or drive off-road, inspect these components every 15,000–20,000 miles. Catching wear early prevents more expensive repairs down the road.
Will steering upgrades void my Ram 1500 warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty simply because you installed aftermarket parts. However, if an aftermarket steering component causes a specific failure, that particular repair may not be covered. Always keep receipts and documentation of parts used when making modifications.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best Steering Upgrade for Your Ram 1500?
The right answer depends on your specific situation:
- For most stock Ram 1500 owners dealing with wear or play: Moog Tie Rod Ends are the safest, most reliable choice with the best long-term value.
- For budget-minded owners needing a quick fix: Detroit Axle Tie Rods get the job done without breaking the bank.
- For lifted or off-road builds: Pair Moog or Moog-grade tie rods with SuperPro polyurethane rack bushings and a Borgeson steering shaft for a noticeably sharper, more connected feel.
- For severe rack failure: Go with an ACDelco remanufactured rack for peace of mind and OEM-matching performance.
No matter what path you choose, investing in quality steering parts for your 2019–2024 Ram 1500 is one of the best safety and performance decisions you can make. A truck that steers confidently — whether you’re merging on the highway, towing a trailer, or crawling a trail — is a truck you can trust.
Ready to shop? Browse all steering components for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 at dtpparts.com and find the right part for your build today.