I have a 2000 5.2 2WD which I have installed 265/60R20s on mounted on 2013 or so factory wheels. The wheel sits canted to the left and the truck wanders where it wishes, sometimes tracking straight, sometimes drifting right. Any suggestions on a remedy which does not involve a return to stock wheels and tires?




I have looked at the steering components and they don't look worn, in fact, I think they may have been replaced fairly recently. I can't detect any play when wiggling the wheel back and forth (me under the truck, assistant turning the wheel), though I'm referring to play in the components here, not the wheel, which obviously has the usual Dodge sloppiness.

I just want the damn thing to go straight; I'm not looking for miracles. I've searched the forum but can't seem to find anything that fits my exact trouble, though I'm sure there is and I'm missing it, maybe by using the wrong search terms.

Any help appreciated.

 

It's not rocket surgery. Either alignment or bad parts. Start with alignment and rebalancing.

The 2wd trucks use the same crappy steering gear as 4wd but also have a ball joint pitman arm that will cause bad wander. After alignment, look there.

 

That is exactly the problem I had on my 2000 2500, a new track bar (MOOG) solved the problem.

 

His is 2 wheel drive, so, no track bar.

 

Those tire and wheels shouldn't be a problem. You gotta bite the bullet and take it to an alignment specialist who has the knowledge and tools to check for worn components and then has the experience to adjust the alignment to make the most of your wheels and tires. I had a wandering problem that was simply my pitman arm. It was really easy to identify and obvious but components like ball joints can be quite difficult to inspect properly. It can be difficult to find a shop that really knows what they are doing. Be upfront and let them know if you intend to do the labor of part replacement. This is a big deal. Talk to other truck enthusiasts near you and find out who in your local area has the most mojo for truck suspension and alignment. Bring two cases of beer and a gift certificate for pizza when you drop it off. More than once I've been ripped off by major name tire centers claiming parts were bad when they weren't. Those tires and wheels you have aren't the problem.