I've been reading all morning, and hope I didn't miss it and repeat a question. I've seen a million answer for this question on the web about 2500s, but I have a 1500 with no solid front axle. I've had the front diff replaced, both half shafts, hub bearings, upper ball joints, tie rod ends, and even have new tires all the way around. Yes, front end alignment followed the repairs. I have loose steering... It's not terrible, I just have to pay attention and continuously give little corrections. Would like it to feel "new" up front again. Any thoughts on how to fix the bit of steering wander I have? There is a slight wobble at highway speed, but only briefly and not at any specific speed (may be unrelated). The only thing that is consistent is the slight wander. Youtube has every fix for the solid front axle... can't find anything for an 02 1500 IFS. Please help.

 

Something funky in the rack?

 

Possibly a worn rack and pinion. How much tire pressure do you run in the front? In most cases, more than 36 on stock sized tires can cause it to pull to the road variations a bit more.

 

I would take it in for a re-alignment.
Possibly beforehand flush your steering fluid, jack the front end and force the limit switches some while topping it up. Then re-align it ensuring they brace centre position while performing the work. I have had some vans that ran straight at 60km/hr but wandered at 120 km/hr. Tell the tech what your seeing, they'll set it right.

 

Look like a small leak has developed passenger side of the rack and pinion. This one may be just over my head... would I be a fool to get a reconditioned replacement?

 

No response to the question about remanufactured rack, so I thought I'd add a conclusion. I checked out the rack myself and found the boots were both full of fluid. Took the rack off and (as a hobby mechanic) spent 6 hours remanning it myself... That seal in the middle took 4 of those 6 hours. Great experience, but I'll never do it again. Every seal in the rack was bad, and the alignment was constantly going out as a result. Just did it two weeks ago, and obviously the alingment is a little out again. Hopefully, this is the last time I'll need to have it done for a while. Steering is otherwise pretty tight again.