New to the forums but I’ve been searching a bunch online and I know how to adjust the steering box but I’m needing some help in locating the adjustment screw on my 05 Dakota 4.7. I’ve got a lot of excess play in my steering and I’m trying to tighten it up a bit. Does anyone have a detailed how to maybe with pics on where to access the adjustment screw? Thanks all.

 

You have rack and pinion steering.

With the front wheels off the ground do you have physical play in the wheel assembly or just sloppy steering going down the road?

 

Thanks for the clarification. I knew that but wasn’t sure if there was still an adjustment options. My google searches led me to believe that I did.

Just sloppy steering going down the road. That’s what I’m trying to correct.

 

Could it be the intermediate shaft causing the play? While on the ground. I have what feels like excessive play in the intermediate shaft. But I don’t have something to compare it to.

 

I think the lower ball joints have been problematic for some so I would definitely check those.

I recall being able to get a pretty good look at the steering shaft coupler through the left fender well or straight down the from the engine bay. Get someone to saw the wheel back and forth slightly to see if there is any slop at that joint.

Alignment been checked lately? The closer the front toe gets to 0 the more the vehicle will want to wander on the road. While a 0 degree toe is great for wear, it takes a bit more focus to drive straight. I run 0 toe but had the shop dial in nearly 8 degrees of caster and 3/4 degree of camber. It likes to wander slightly on the interstate but handles GREAT.

 

Had an alignment done a couple weeks ago due to it pulling to the right. Swapped front tires and it pulled to the left so those got rotated to the back and that issue got taken care of temporarily until I buy new tires. I’ll have to look at the alignment sheet to see what my toe numbers are. They were off quite a bit before which I think led to the wear on the tires. But I’m not sure if having it adjusted further from 0 is ideal for me in regards to tire wear. I just didn’t expect this truck to feel like it floats so much.

 

I did notice this morning that I’m getting the steering clunk while turning occasionally. I’ve read that it’s a sign of the intermediate shaft needing to be replaced.