My truck is a 1997 2500 4x4 it wonders all over the road. I researched this sight and found how to tighten the gear box up. I did that and it helped slightely, but truck is still all over the road. I havent done very much steering work before. I looked at the tie rods and found that there is no play tire to tire, but you can twist the crap out of them front to rear of truck. The stabilazer-shock in the front moves right along with the tie rod very easly. Should they move this way??? Im thinking they are shot, but wanted some more opinions from someone with these trucks before i spend money i don not need to. Any and all feed back is greatly appriciated. THANKS!!!!!!!

 

I think the steering gearbox. Mine is a 99 4X4, and my mechanic thought the gear box was loose at first. Don't buy a reman, cause I did to save money. I then got one from a junkyard and it was much better than the one I just bought!

 

Trac bar. Watch the ball joint end of it while someone else rocks the steering wheel side to side. If it moves, it's junk. You can buy a new bar, or instal a lukes link that is an adjustable, permanent solution.

And just in case, the trac bar is the bar that runs from the passenger side of the axle housing to the driver side frame rail. The top where it attaches to the frame is the joint that fails.

 

What is your opinions on the way that the tie rod twists?

 

Ck the trac bar for movement and ck the ball joints too.

 

not to ninja or anything but my tie rods are done should i get those luke links or do i have to buy new ends?

 

Great idea for the trac bar (too bad I have a MOOG on mine)! LOL I wouldn't bother with it for the tie rods though. They are not a cronic problem like the trac bar.

 

I checked the track bar and it moves a good 1/4in. at the joint on the drivers sidewhen steering wheel is turned. What is a good replacement brand or could someone give me more info on the adjustible track bar. This truck only has 62,000 miles, but it came from factorl with snow plow I don't know about the first 3 years of its life. If I replace it with oem what is the likely hood of me having to replace it again down the road? thanks.

 

A 1/4" means its bad, but I think steering box is gone at this point(It's a 97 after all).Mine is a 98 and when the trac bar goes you can tell cuz you can feel the whole body in front move. When I replace it the body doesn't move and it's alot better but it still has a mind of it's own becausethe box is all done. How far can you turn the steering wheel back and forth without the engine running?

 

Yes, 1/4in. play means it is bad. Just checked the wheel it only moves about 1/8 in. before the tires move. Any insite on good brands on the Track bar I should go with.