Hi,

Yes most older Dodge truck owners have front end issues, I understand. I just need some guidance that the shops will not give me. I have bad wandering and a general feel of no control at the wheel. I drive all day most days so I am really trying to rectify this issue.

Recent work done to try to eliminate wandering and gain steering control:
Moog Ball Joints
New Hub Assembly Left/Right
Moog Tie Rods and Ends
New Mopar steering box and intermediate shaft
New Sway bar bushings
and everything else besides U-joints....is new

Shocks are likely due.

Do I need the steering brace? What am I missing that no amount of money I spend can get this truck to drive semi-normally?

All suggestions are appreciated.

Truck info in signature.
Thanks

 

I have a 2001 Dodge 2500 that was experiencing the same issues. Initially I replaced the track bar but that only helped a little. Finally, I bought a BD diesel steering box stabilizer and converted my steering track bar over to bushings using yet again, a BD diesel kit getting rid of the old ball joints. Since installing those two components, I have had no issues with wandering or play in the steering. Although it's not a cheap solution, it beats replacing ball joints on a regular basis.

Here is a link to what I'm talking about:

http://www.jegs.com/i/BD+Diesel/151/...-1#moreDetails

 

I have a 1999 Dodge Dually 1 ton. I got it with about 155000 miles and it now has over 252000. I never really noticed the wander, guess I got used to it, but about 12000 miles ago I took it to the alignment shop and they said it needed ball joints, but being stubborn I wanted a second opinion. So I took it to a friend, and with him underneath and me running a bar to pick up on the wheel, found the real problem. Bushing in the bottom of the steering box where the pitman shaft comes out was causing the wobble that everyone else thought was ball joints. I picked up a Borgensen steering box, followed the instructions, installed it,,centered my steering wheel, and that was about 12000 miles ago. I have yet to do ball joints or have it aligned. My first trip out it drove so nice it about put me to sleep.....

 

Also, a friend of mine has a 3/4 ton, and I think thats all he did, and says his drives great. My truck has a Ranch Hand replacement bumper, not sure if that is stiffening up the frame like a steering box brace does. I also did order the replacement steering column bushing from Rock Solid, but have yet to put that in.

 

Drag link bushings. Steering shaft rag joint

 

@OP I would suggest 08.5+ steering conversion, and an aftermarket adjustable 3rd gen style track bar.

oughta make a big improvement toward making your truck stop wandering around like hellen keller.