Hello, I have a 2002 RAM 1500 Conversion Van with under 20,000 miles. There is about an inch to two inches of play in the steering. This is extremely noticeable at speeds greater than 40 mph. I had a local Dodge dealer check it out but they found nothing wrong and recommended an alignment which didn't help. Any hints at a corrective action?

 

A couple of thoughts here. Soft tires can cause a lot of sidewall flex and the poor steering response you discribe. Conversion vans are quite heavy and cheap automotive tires and low pressures make for a scary handling vehicle. As well, you should have your dealer check and see if the free play in the steering box is within specs. I have had a few Dodge cars where this can make a huge difference.

Just a couple of thoughts off the top of my head here....

Jeff

 

Jeff,

Thanks for the input. I've checked the tire pressure and that doesn't seem to be the culprit. When I had the local dealer check the front end, I came away with the feeling that a thorough check had not been completed. I will take your advice and have the gearbox checked by another dealer. Your response and numerous checks of other forums all put to the gearbox as the main suspect.

Jim

 

When I bought my van I had the same trouble.Once I adjusted the steering box it was 95% better.

 

Not sure about the van's. However, I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 truck that had the same problem.
Checked the ball joints, trac bar everything was good. Replaced the steering box and pitman arm and
now it steers like a new truck. This could be your problem. Good luck.

 

i have the same prob in my 84 ram van. how does one "adjust" the steering box and how much is a new one. are they hard to replace?
[quote]ORIGINAL: jstomchik

 

Ive not done this myself. It looks like the replacement requires a pitman gear puller, and something to re-install it. I dont see anything for adjusting it, though it is connected to the power steering pump. When you are done replacing you will need to bleed the powersteering system too.

 

how much does a steering box cost? for a 2001 v6 conversion ram van? thanks

 

I am having the very same problem on my '92 b250. I dropped the steering column last night and removed the "coupling box". It's a sort of square thing with some pads and a lot of grease inside. I thought that might be the problem but as I was trying to get it off of the steering box I noticed that the box had most of the play in it. I did some research on it and found the price ranges from around $120 up to over $200. I'm sure it's a case of "you get what you pay for" kind of thing.

I'm about to replace it. Is there anyone out there who can give me some advice on which brand to buy. I just bought this van and I want to "make it right". It looks like this has already been done by the previous owner with a "larse" rebuilt and the van has only 138K on it.

 

92B250conversion,

Have you checked out CARDONE yet? The P/N you need is 27-6542.

http://www.cardone.com/English/Club/...NG/default.asp

http://www.cardone.com/English/club/...ARTNUM=27-6542

A few of the Ram Van/Wagon people have used them before.

CARDONE products are sold through many locations on-line like Amazon.com , MSN shopping, Automotive.com, and at local autoparts stores like Parts America, Rock Auto, CarQuest and many more.