I have a 2006 RAM 3500 diesel, 2wd, 108K. I changed the brake pads this weekend and while I had the truck on the lift, i decided to check for bearing play and steering slack. There is no play in the front wheel bearings, but I did notice some play when I grab the tire at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. I had a friend hold the steering wheel straight and it appears that I either have bad inner tie rods, or a bad steering rack. I tried both with the engine off, and with the engine running and it made no difference.

Does anyone know if a certain amount of play or slack in this area is normal?

 

there really shouldnt be any play at all. If your having trouble telling with the wheel method, knock the tie rod end off the lower control arm, and check it like that. If it is loose and sloppy, they most likely need to be replaced. The inner end is a ball in the socket, so it shouldnt be able to move in and out at all. Alot of shops will consider them bad if they hold up the tie rod and let go, and it drops fast and easy, so if you can get play out of the socket in and out, like rocking the tire, probablly a good time to switch them out.