i got a 99 dodge ram 1500 4x4 and im trying to find out if my gear box is bad how can u tell...

 

It seems to me that if you can rotate the steering column where it enters the gear box, and the pitman arm doesn't respond within a small angle then it is that degree bad. You should probably enlist a friend (though not totally necessary), jack up the front end, and either rotate the steering wheel or just grab the steering column with you hand and rotate it while watching the rest of the steering.

 

Turn the key to the "OFF" position, (one click forward when you put the key in.) and have a friend GENTLY rock the steering wheel back and forth. See how much it moves before some resistance is felt. (it starts moving the front tires.) If there is a lot of slop, there is a DIY in the faq section for adjusting some of it out. You can get rid of a lot that way.

There is the full procedure in the service manual. (there are actually two adjustments that are done, but, the full procedure entails removing the steering box from the truck...)

 

You own a 2nd Gen Dodge Ram, that's how you know it's bad.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/steeri...ear/Adjust.htm

 

Sad... but true.....

 

I grabbed the driver side tire and moved it back in 4th and seen the there's play n the pitman arm

 

That's the box. The pitman arm on a 4wd almost can't wear out. Try the adjustments to the gear box.

 

i was thinking a bout replaceing it cuz the seals r leaking....

 

Do a search on "red head steering box". LOTS of good reviews. BETTER than the stock unit. Don't bother with a re-man, as they will have a lot of the same problems your current box has. Worn out parts. They don't replace everything.......

 

If it is just leaking you may be able to replace the seals in it. If it is making noise you may end up putting a new power steering pump on the truck if metal fragments from the box reach the pump. Find one in the bone yard and replace the old box. Make sure you get the bolts that hold the box to the frame good and tight or they will come loose, the best thing to do is find the torque specifications and torque them inn.

Emmett