I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L. I just had a Rough Country 5 inch suspension lift kit put on and there is some excessive play in the steering. Is this normal and if not how do i take the play out?

 

You need an alignment.

 

It was aligned but i think just for the tires not the actual steering wheel.

 

Cheap quality suspension = cheap quality performance. Sounds completely normal for what you have.

 

Ok so adjusting something will not solve this problem?

 

Was the steering sloppy before the lift?

Grab a friend, stick him in the drivers seat. Turn the ignition far enough to unlock the steering, but, don't start the engine. (or even turn the ignition on....) Have friend rock steering wheel GENTLY, while you crawl around underneath, and see whats moving where, and if it SHOULD be moving. (or not) Find loose parts? Fix 'em. (you want to look especially at the steering shaft too, and see how far it moves before it actually starts influencing the front tires.)

While you are under there, and after you have satisfied you have found any loose steering parts... or not..... have your friend REEF on the steering wheel from side to side, and have a look at what you track bar is doing. Is either end sloppy? Replace it.

Next, jack up the front axle of the truck, and shake the tires, side to side, top to bottom. Any play in there? Find which part (if any) is failing, and replace it.

 

I already did the tire rocking and it was solid so i know my Ball Joints are still good but i will try the steering wheel thing first.

 

Aside from possibly a problem with the steering column, it sounds like typical "lift kit" slop.

 

It could be the steering box I know you can adjust them to tighten it up. I think theres a diy thing.

How to rebuild the pump

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...p-rebuild.html

How to adjust the box

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ering-box.html

 

The steering box adjustment helps, but, only if your slop is in the pitman shaft. If you have slop in the sector shaft as well, then there is a different adjustment procedure you need to use. It is detailed quite well in the FSM, available in the FAQ section.