I have a 97 1500 4x4 I just bought. I have LOTS of play in the steering. I replaced the Drivers side? tie rods ( not the pitman arm side) and the steering damper with no luck. What else could it be??? I'm planning on replacing the pitman arm and the drag link+ tie rod for that side. I guess my question is more or less if any of this will help? I don't want to replace more stuff that won't help at all. I've looked around and seen that the steering gear could be tightened but mine is pretty rusted up so I don't think i can make it work without rounding it off. HELP!!!!!

 

Before you spend any more money, grab a friend, and park him/her behind the steering wheel. (truck sitting on the ground.) Have friend GENTLY rock the steering back and forth (engine off), while you look at the assorted parts, to see if anything moves that shouldn't, or, something that SHOULD be moving, but isn't..... (most of your slop is probably going to be in the steering box...... soak it in chemicals a couple times a day, for a couple days, and the lock nut should break loose without trouble.) Make note of the parts that aren't doing what they are supposed to. Replace them. (except the steering box.... try adjusting it first.)

Next, have your friend CRANK the steering back and forth, check BOTH ends of the track bar. Movement at either end means it's bad, and has to be replaced.

Next, jack up the front of the truck, and support it on jackstands. (both wheels off the ground.) Have your friend grab the tire at 3:00 and 9:00, and wiggle back and forth. Is it sloppy? Find out where the slop is. (pay special attention to wheel bearings here.)

Then, have your friend grab the tire a 12:00, and 6:00, and wiggle some more. Watch what your upper ball joint is doing. If it is sloppy, time for a new one.

Next..... Have your friend stick a length of board under the tire, and lift UP. Check the bottom ball joint while friend applies/releases pressure. If it moves, it's bad.

While you are down there..... have a look at the outer u-joints as well. If they are loose, or, look funny, they should go too. If you have to replace ball-joints, do both at the same time. If you are going to do both sides, replace all four. Also replace the u-joints while you are in there. (I hate repeating work.....)

Welcome to DF!

 

Thanks! 2 things. I know the front wheel u joints need to be replaced. Would that cause slop though? Also, when you say "chemicals" do you mean something like PB blaster? Im assuming thats what you meant, but just want to clarify.

 

http://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/
Check everything like HeyYou said, but this is another suggestion that has worked for several people on here. zman is one i think.

 

U-joints won't cause slop, but, they may make some noise. If they go completely, they can take other stuff with 'em though, so, best to address that asap.

Rock Solid fix addresses a bushing at the base of the steering column that likes to get sloppy. Wasn't the best from the factory.

 

Found it I think. The drag link comes away quite a bit at the top end and so do the other tie rods at both ends. That's where the slop would be coming from right?

 

Good place to start at any rate.

 

I have the same sort of problem in my 97 dak; took it for alignment they told me there was play in the stearing box; even though the aligment did NOTHING for the pulling to the right; I swear the truck seems to sit lower on the right side (Direction the pull is) and the upper ball joint boot is broke; they said they claim it still good; my stearing when going left; there is a pop in one of the knuckles; sounds like its from under the dash..

this is good information I will def. use! What is the "drag link" and where is.


and good luck on your adventures with your dodge as well.

 

got it! Center link was bad. I replaced it and it solved the problem. Thanks for all the help!!