Have an 05 2500 4wd w/ cummins 160,000 miles. Problem started when I replaced the tires or at least thats when I noticed it. Wandered all over the road and had lots of play in the wheel. Replaced all 4 ball joints, sway bar end links, tie rod ends and had front end aligned. Got a little better but still not right. Will replace steering box tomorrow. Am I missing something?

 

Did you get bigger tires? When I went to the srt rims they follow the ruts in the road. If you stayed with stock size have you had the tires checked out to make sure you didn't get a bad one or they didn't bend a rim when mounting the tired.

 

You can adjust the steering box lash, adjuster is located on the top of the box. It has a lock nut and a allen screw. Unlock the nut and turn the screw clockwise a little at a time, road testing in between. I would try that before replacing entire box.

 

Here's a link that might be helpful.http://apicdn.viglink.com/api/click?...828540%2Cd.aWc

 

I know it says up to 2001, but it should be the same. I don't know when this TSB was issued.

 

lift the front end of the truck and suspend on jackstands. Check for play in the front bearings by pushing--pulling the tire/wheel up and down, any movement----at all, replace them. I know on mine, if there is any cant in the road, the truck tends to pull that way, left or right.

Also, while its up in the air, check the steering gear box for tightness to the frame. The cummins is a heavy engine package and usually cause accelerated wear on the steering and suspension stuff, often the wear item are replaced at nearly twice the rate of the gas engine.

 

mine does this too

 

[QUOTE=66three83;2983573]Here's a link that might be helpful.http://apicdn.viglink.com/api/click?
Mine does this too. Thanks for the link but, I think dodge has things backwards. I would think to check the bushings first, then the bearing preload. and ajust the steering lash last on the steering box. Am I wrong? Because I am thinhing of looking into this on my truck soon.

 

Was the tie rod end at the pitman arm replaced as well when all the others were? I would check the control arm bushings and the track bar. Look for torn bushings, and play in the track bar.

But with there being so much slop in the steering wheel as you describe, I would start with adjusting the bearing preload in the steering gear, adjust 1/8th turn clockwise at a time and check. Do not over adjust, it will only make things worse.

 

I have replaced all the tie rod ends including the one to the pitman arm. Since my last post I have replaced the steering box and the pitman arm. Not because it was bad but because I could not get it off the old one and got pissed. Thanks for the link. Things are much better but still not quite right. will get another alignment tonight and see what happens. if no good will go to the track bar. Thanks all for the help.