Well, I've searched using the search tool, but I haven't found anything that is similiar to what I'm experiencing.
I just picked up a 99 2500 4x4 5.9, and it has power steering but if I'm at a stoplight and taking either a left or right turn, once I make the turn and wait for the steering wheel to come back to the middle, it doesn't go all the way back, it stops (or slows down) about a quarter of the way to the middle and then I have to do it manually. Or if I'm driving straight and turn a little left or right, the steering wheel will just stay there instead of going back to the middle like it should. The truck also wanders around a little, not sure if that could be the same source of problem. Fyi, it has a new steering stabilizer too.

Any info is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

Konrad

 

I think that problem is in your steering box and the valves are going out. But don't quote me on that.

 

Check the alignment. Sounds like your caster could be to low. On a solid front axle caster is not adjustable, but you can adjust the axle which will in effect adjust caster. Beyond that you can look at adjustable ball joints.

 

Could also be the tie rods, bj,s , steering stabilizer and /or trac bar since it's wandering. They all need to be checked before you throw any money at it.

 

Definately, if any of these are getting tight or freezing up the wheels won't go all the way back. There is a caster adjustment(by way of a cam bolt) on the lower control arms, but once they are set from the factory, they rarely ever need to be moved. Unless someone has done some front end work on it and didn't put it back where it was.

 

if the steering box is adjusted too tight it'll do that. tightening up the box will remove the play in the steering wheel, but if you go too far, it fail to return to center.

 

Thanks for the replies. I looked under neath the front end today and greased the fittings on the steering components. I think the upper and lower ball joints are sealed and the steering stabilizer is new. I did notice three fairly new cotter pins. Maybe someone was down there already. Is there any way to narrow down to what it could be? Also, which bolt on the lower control arm is the one to adjust the caster?

 

How do I loosed it or re adjust the steering box?

 

I agree , here's the adjustment , you just need to back it off instead of tightening . http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm

It's the over-the-center adjustment your after BTW

 

Thanks, this sounds exactly what is going on if it was over tightened. I also just found a similar thread in the DIY sticky. I'll give this a try tomorrow. Thanks for the info!