sloppy steering
Record Breaker
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,415
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From: Wisconsin
RE: sloppy steering
How so? That's an adjustment I read about that was posted by an old Dodge Tech who had been in the business for almost 40 years. I did it on my truck and it helped, though the pitman arm in my box is very worn. My truck definitely needs a new steering gear (which it will get once I find a decent job).
Here's the entire post he made...
Here's the entire post he made...
On my 94 3500, I simply adjusted the steering gear sector shaft end play per the appropriate TSB. This made a major difference. Proper adjustment is to snug the nut down and then back it off 3-5mm of rotation. Mine was backed off 1.5 inches from the factory. Then, I added the Steering Stabilizer made by Solid Steel Industries in Canada to support the pitman arm bearings and prevent any bearing wear or flexing from side loading. Finally, I checked the front end alignment and set the caster at +6.5 degrees on the left (to offset pull from road crown) and +7 degrees on the right.
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7
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RE: sloppy steering
Ok, I made the adjustment on the steering box. A little too tight at first, didn't run anyone over but it wouldn't recenter on it's own either. I still felt the pulse in the wheel, it was less than before but still there. I re-adjusted the Box back a little to get rid of the stiffness. Do you still think it's the box????? Someone mentioned the ball joints, how do you determine if there shot? Could it be a steering fluid/pump problem? If it is the Box I'm fine with that, it doesn't seem like it'll be too hard to replace. But I don't want to go and spend the dough and the time and have it do the same thing!! What ya think??? Thanks for all the help fellas
Record Breaker
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
RE: sloppy steering
Like I said before, it's easy to tell if there's play in the box. If the shaft going in moves, and the arm coming out doesn't....then your box is in need of a rebuild or replacement. 
As far as ball joints, the easiest way to check them is to jack the front axle up. Then grab the tire at the top and bottom and try to tip it towards you or away from. If it moves a lot in that manner, then your ball joints need to be replaced.
If it were a pump or fluid problem, you would have a fluid leak or a noise when turning the wheel.
As far as ball joints, the easiest way to check them is to jack the front axle up. Then grab the tire at the top and bottom and try to tip it towards you or away from. If it moves a lot in that manner, then your ball joints need to be replaced.
If it were a pump or fluid problem, you would have a fluid leak or a noise when turning the wheel.