I've had my '06 for a couple years now, and even after all that time haven't gotten over the odd (to me) handling. At first I figured it was just the transition from a '90 Ranger to this, but now I'm not so sure.

My main problem is that I always feel like it has a low, maybe flat tire, as it "seems" to pull, etc. But obviously when I check the pressure is fine all around. And the alignment can't be that far off as it drives itself on flat roads, I guess it still could be a problem though. I've had a tie-rod end break, but could really tell that one until it was fixed. Though sometimes on corners (intersections, not highway) it seems like it's not tracking real well.

Like I said, I haven't been able to track this down. I've been underneath a few times but can't find anything broke or odd looking, though I admit I don't know a whole lot about this steering setup. After reading here it seems that the front-end's on these are bad enough it's got to be something. But I can't imagine some crappy stock shocks are driving me this crazy. Am I nuts and that's the way they feel? Or is there something I haven't checked that I should.

Thanks - Chris

 

Both of my Dakotas have done this so I assumed it was inherent with the junk suspensions they put under them. Sometimes it almost seems like the truck tracks along any type of indentations in the pavement. What I mean is almost any road eventually gets 'grooves' worn into it where vehicle's tire pass over the same place millions of times, eventually wearing a low spot into the tire tracks on the pavement. Sometimes my truck tracks as straight as an arrow, and other times it feels like it's "pulling" like you said, like it has a tire going flat. Also, the tires that come stock are garbage. Absolute trash. That could also be causing part of your problem.

Unfortunately, it seems the only way to fix our suspensions is to trade in for a Tundra or something. :/

 

I have had some steering issues in the early life of my 06 dakota. I have had a few shops fail to do a proper alignment too.

I finally took it to Dodge, and luckily, the alignment guy at my dealership knows his stuff, and actually took the time to come out and talk to me.

I had wondering steering, that same flat tire feeling, etc.

The tech told me this: These trucks should be aligned with a slight bit of negative camber on the front end. When aligned, I always make sure to align the front on the outer end of whats still in spec, providing the most negative camber possible, without causing any possible tire wear issues.

After he came out and told me all of this, face to face, I let him align the truck, and I will tell you, I will never take it to anyone but this guy again. The truck never drove better. It tracks straight, steering wheel dead on, and any small inconstancy in the road doesnt make it veer left or right. It just keeps tracking nice and straight, almost like the front is heavier or somthing. It feels superb. I am still using my crummy factory struts too.

I would imagine telling an alignment guy the above would make him say "yeah ok" and then not do such a thing anyway. But I am living the proof that when you get a good alignment guy, it shows.

I had this done under warranty believe it or not, because it was handling so poorly. And, because I just had an alignment done the day before. The dodge tech showed me how horrific the previous alignment job was. Places like Mavis Discount Tire with there "hawk eye" laser alignment systems are junk.

Also, have you had your lower ball joints checked recently?

 

Glad to get that verified - most people thought I had a screw loose ...

I don't know if I still have the stock tires (highly doubt it) but I have the new set (trying those Grabber AT2's) in the garage, just waiting for fall to mount them. That thought crossed my mind that they might have some ugly roll or something in 'em. We'll find out.

Any chance you have the numbers on that? I can probably get Les Schwab or Discount Tire to do it round here, but the more specific the better.

Nope, I'll try to jack up the front and check 'em this week if I can.