hey folks,
new to owning a ram. i have a 99 1500 5.9l sport 4x4, 265-16 tires. bought it from my nephew, he had it about 3 years. the steering feels real stiff (he says it's always been that way). it's not so stiff like the pump isn't working, just hard to steer with 1 finger. way harder than my f250 and my wifes minivan. i'm thinking maybe the steering damper is shot (i'm gonna take it off today and see if it's any better) , i'm also gonna do a grease job . i'll post my results. any help / input would be appreciated.
there's also a slight ping under heavy acceleratiuon. i've seen a few other posts about that. any tips for a newbee ? thanks , jerry

 

well, it's not the damper. took it out and left it out - feels the same. also gave everything a lube.
tire pressure good. maybe just the way it is. any input/help is appreciated. jerry

 

I own two rams and both have stiff steering. I have never driven one that doesnt. My friends f350 turns real easy.. so I would say ur pretty normal

 

thanks dontdodgeitramit, i'll live with it. i appreciate your reply. jerry

 

Hi Jerry,

I was recently experiencing the same type of symptoms with my '99 5.2L. I went one step colder on the plugs, got new wires, brass distributor cap/rotor, and replaced the coil. I've put on approx. 2500 miles since I did all that stuff, and the pinging has stopped 100%. I did extensive research on it and I'm guessing it's the plugs that helped w/ the pinging. For my 5.2L I went with the Autolite 3923's ~ but you have to see what is the comprable plug for your 5.9L

Here's a link to my thread when I was researching the same issue
https://dodgeforum.com/m_1101886/tm.htm

Hope it helps...

 

The ping under acceleration could be a few things...I'd start with a tune up first.. always a good idea when you aquire a used truck.. this may also give you some clues to whats going on with the truck... fouled plugs..corrosion...there are some very common things with these Rams that you should read up on..( see my list of Mods...some were "fixes" ...ie.. the plenumupgrade )pinging could be just a tune up.. or.. a plenum leak.....many things.. even when they are tuned and in good shape.. pinging can be a nuisance.. ( I myself run a cooler plug...) You'll have lots of help here once you start reading some clues.. since its new to you, I highly recommend giving it a good once over.. check your plenum.. ( a very common problem..) search for the "death flash" on here...vacuum leaks are a very common gremlin as well.. everyone here will help ya out!! Welcome!