Hey guys,

I'm from Germany and own a 1993 Dodge B250 Van.
I've got some problems with resistance and noise from the steering.
Also lots of play in the steering (like 2 hands, 45°).

Today I visited a garage and they said I need a new steering box and a new steering track rod (if that is the correct word?).
Ouch... we wanted to go on vacation with the car in 2 weeks.

I have to order the parts myself and urgently need them in a few days.
So I thought about ordering at Rockauto, but I'm not sure which are the correct parts.
There are 7 steering boxes for my car. What are the differences? Just quality?

Is this the steering track rod?




Is it enough to change the rod or does it make sense to change anything else?

Thanks for your help!

 

I think the tracking rod is called a "drag link" that connects from the pitman arm at the steering gear on the driver side, back to the passenger side of center link.

I know I had to replace my drag link just a handful of years ago as well as with most of the other front end parts I had already installed in order to get it aligned. It was the only thing needed that I didn't replace and over looked by me, it really was loose. I don't think rockauto offers one for yours but saw one on summitracing just browsing, but do your research, there's other places like ebay or amazon may give you good results.

as for steering gear box, I honestly can't give an opinion but have had good experience with moog (professional) replacement parts. Some may or may not agree... Me, I'd spend a few extra $$ for for the better brand rather than the cheap

 

Hi,

thanks for your reply.
I had a look on Rockauto again, they've got a "Center Link". I guess this is the same as the Drag Link, just a different name?

For example here: http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/d...nter+link,7276

The same part is called "Drag Link" on Summitracing, so it's the same?
Do I also need new Ball Joints or is the Drag/Center Link enough?

 

The part you have circled in the photo is the drag link and that is also what you are seeing listed in the rockauto link which is same as this one that I had mentioned from summitracing.com ...

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...1%2B4294925539

The center link is behind the drag link in your photo and I don't see that one listed at all.

youtube.com is a great video resource for finding how do things like check ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings and many many other things. Here's a link to help check ball joints, it's not done on a dodge van but the test is pretty much universal.

 

Ah, now I got ya.
By "the part behind the drag link" you mean the one that looks like this one: http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/...oTr/s-l225.jpg
Right?
I also can't find this one anywhere... hopefully it doesn't wear out.

The Cardone steering gear doesn't have good reviews, so I think I'll go for a more expensive one.
In Germany you can only get Cardone and some guys had to replace it every year.

Thanks for the youtube tip, very useful help there!

 

Hey,
we got the steering gear and drag link replaced, the steering is now fine again!
Thanks for your help

 

Glad to hear it, thanks for the update