I've been overhauling my 1998 1500 4X4's front suspension so I can eliminate some severe wandering that I experience. I've replaced all the front suspension pieces like tie rod ends and the like. I've added on a steering box stabilizer and I've done the rock solid ram steering bushing upgrade as well. Basically the only two things left are the steering box or the wheel bearings. Now I'm fully aware of how to normally test the wheel bearings on other 2WD trucks and cars (gripping the tire at 9 and 3, as well as 12 and 6 and giving it a good shake to check for slop), but is that the same way to check for play in the 4WD models? I've never had a 4WD truck, so I'm just wanting to make sure. I jacked up the front of my truck and gave both wheels a good tug at both positions and everything feels firm and tight. Is there another way to check for slop in the bearings? I'm about to swap out the steering gear box next weekend, so hopefully that cures it, but I wanted to check on any suggestions about the wheel bearings / hubs. Thanks in advance!

 

Yeah that's about it. The bearings on a 4WD are precision ground so there is no adjustment like on a 2WD. If you feel slop(or hear noise from them) it's time to replace them.

 

Take a long *** pipe or piece of wood, stick it in a spoke and give it a good pull to try and shake stuff loose.



If you've never replaced them it's not a bad idea to just do it anyway so you know what you got.


I'm assuming you aligned it?

 

Check the track bar -- procedure's in the manual. The front end will wander if it's sloppy. That, if it's loose, and a steering box oughta fix ya right up.

 

Ok, that's what I figured but I thought I would double check to make sure. Thanks!

I'm definitely going to replace them, but probably sometime this summer when I get more down time. I've got about a million more car projects to do and I just really want the truck to steer correctly so I can start getting the parts and stuff for those other projects, haha! And yes, I aligned it. Once I get the steering box replaced I'll check it all again to make sure it's good to go.

The track bar is brand new and it's all tight. I'm definitely going to get that old steering box replaced. It's way past worn, haha!