I have replaced everything I believe that can be replaced in the front end, ball joints, tie rod ends pitman and idler arm a few months ago. The only thing that hasn't been replaced is the center link. I just installed the Borgenson gear box and shaft and the rock solid bushing and I still have excessive play at the wheel. I centered the box but noticed I have about 1/2 more turn to the left than right. I have not had an alignment yet but don't think the play at the wheel is related but could be wrong. Just looking to see if there's anything else I need to check. Could the center link be the problem or is it a installer (me) issue? 01 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd 5.9
Thanks

 

Might check into this site to see if you column needs work:

www.RockSolidRamTruckSteering.com

I emailed the address, no reply for many days. He does have a cell listed.

 

I installed that yesterday also, actually very easy to do.

 

Align the truck. Then see where you are at. It is basically impossible to get zero play but you can get it to be very very small.

 

Was thinking of raising the truck and centering the steering wheel then see how the tires lay for a start then adjusting the tie rod ends to bring it back and see what that does. Good or bad idea?

 

rephrase, center the gear box

 

Don't center the box using the tie rods, center the box itself. I know for a fact there is varying amounts of backlash within the box depending on where the steering gear is in its travel. The box is usually set centerd which is at its tightest point with minimal backlash and it gets looser as you steer left or right. Try centering the box first.

 

I"ll do that this afternoon and see where I'm at, thanks

 

Here's what I found out. I centered the gearbox and have locked the steering wheel in that position. The pitman arm is aligned straight back however the right wheel has significant toe in and left wheel toed out. At this point will I be able to just adjust the tie rod ends to correct the toe in/out enough to get it in for an alignment?

 

Use the drag link for that adjustment. (link from pitman arm, to the rest of the steering.)