I've tried to buy one of these rock solid ram truck steering bushings, but I can't get them to answer any kind of communication

 

Keith, its been a few months, how has it held up for you?

 

It's not my vehicle but AFAIK it's still going. I'd still try the bearing in Post #8

 

That's my plan. I tried the bushing and it squeaks in the cab something awful. I've tried numerous fixes but it's still there. Thank you for the thread, it's very helpful.

 

Please let us know if the bearing does the job... Sounds like a great idea for that repair job...

 

dimensions please?🙏

 

I'll dig around my bench today but not sure I saved that info once I found the bearing. The one actual bushing I ordered was installed so I can no longer measure

I will say, I don't think this problem is THAT common. It behooves them to say it's a big problem on 2nd Gens, but that has not been my experience.

Easy enough to diagnose by grabbing the steering shaft and shaking. And maybe it's a bigger problem in the rust belt or near ocean air.

 

all good I got the cup and bearing out to measure it and just turned down piece of nylon to size so hopefully it works out

 

I think its overblown but probably a bigger issue on truck with bigger tires. I know I did it on 2 trucks and barely noticed any difference but the one on 35s it helped a little more. I put just a little grease on it and no squealing from that bushing. The track bar and steering box have been the biggest culprits by far for steering play in my experience.

 

I know we're in an old thread here, but I just wanted to toss out some info for the next guy who might stumble upon this thread via a Google search.

The OP stated he found a bearing on Aliexpress that was a 25 x 40 x 10 (mm). The 6905 bearing he received that is shown in the pics measures 25 x 42 x 9.

This may, or may not matter - I don't know. It may be beneficial since it would become a tighter press-fit into the column with the extra 2mm of OD. The 9mm refers to thickness, and 1mm there isn't going to make any difference in this application. Just an FYI.


I've got similar issues with my 1st gen '93 Ram W250 with only 125k on it currently. The lower bearing fell right out of the column, causing at least 4" of slop in the steering shaft and my rag joint to catch the inner fender while driving in the city. It took everything I had to force the steering wheel to the right to avoid plowing into a car attempting to take a left turn opposite the direction I was headed. Drove 5 miles through the city like this! Wasn't fun! Happened after going a bit too fast over an extremely aggressive speed bump - I think my front wheels were airborne (with a Cummins under the hood).

I also noticed the upper shaft has slid out. The spring that's supposed to be holding that bearing in place is about 3-4" away from the column! Not a good thing. Probably going to send the whole unit out for a complete overhaul. Can't be having steering issues with a pristine 1st gen in a craphole MA city, that's for sure!