Hi Guys! I'm new to the site, and a new Dodge truck owner. I have a 98 Ram 1500 that has been lifted a total of 5". It was like this when I got it, and the steering was horribly sloppy. After a little research, I determined that it needed the bushing in the trac bar replaced, but I ended up replacing the whole bar. Took care of it completely and it's steering beautifully. I still have another issue that I haven't been able to rectify. The steering wheel is probably 45 degrees off of center. So when the wheels are running straight, the the steering wheel is positioned like I was turning the corner. I should mention that it was like that BEFORE I replaced the trac bar. I know there is a small sleeve type of piece with a place holder for the two that I could loosen and possibly turn it to adjust the wheel placement, but I am afraid of totaly screwing up the allignment. I spent *******ly every single spare dollar to get this beast, and I can't afford to pay a shop to adjust it, so I'm trying to do this myself. If anyone could help, it would ge gratefully appreciated. Thanks for reading, and my apologies for the looong post.

 

Yep, just loosen the clamps on the sleeve and adjust the wheel till its straight. It will not change the alignment.
And welcome to DF! Get some pics up of your ride!

 

Thanks Olyelr! Just so I'm clear on this. I would loosen up both clamps, and the third clamp that has the long flat tab that appears to be there to keep the other two clamps in line. Once they are loose, I don't need to adjust that sleeve, but I adjust the wheel instead, which would no move the tires, and when the steering wheel is straight, I then tighten all the clamps? It seems that the sleeve is over a threaded piece on each end, and I thought I would have to somehow spin the sleeve itself. I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I'll be if I can get that steering wheel back in line. I will definitely be posting some pictures of the truck tomorrow. I'm as proud as a father with a newborn baby!

 

Awesome truck by the way! Yellow is my number one car/truck color, but don't tell my blue beast I said that.

 

park your truck, and put the steering wheel in the position that its in when your are driving straight, loosen the clamp with the bar and slide it out of the way, loosen the other two clamps and turn the turnbuckle untill your wheel is straight, (might need a pipe wrench to turn), then tighten clamps and you are done

 

Thanks for the detailed explanation Dodgetrucker! Can't wait to get out there in the morning and straighten it out. If all goes as well as expected, I should have things on track, and can post some pics by lunch time. Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

 

i must add, make sure you leave the key in the on position so the wheel doesnt lock,

 

Yep, leave the tires in the straight position and then when you adjust the sleeve it will turn the pitman arm, steering shaft, and steering wheel.

I know when I did mine it was quite a trial and error thing. Turn it, test drive, turn it, test drive... took a while to get it perfect. Eventually you will figure out what way the wheel turns depending on what way you spin the sleeve, then you can get it perfect.

Thanks for the compliment on the truck... yellow might be popular now, but it sure wasn't when I bought it. I am so sick of yellow now, ha!