Steering wander for lack of a better descriptor

[brillmtb]

2003 with 200K on it. lower ball joints, steering box, the recall on the steering rods done (don't recall the name but the parts with the dampner attached) yet I have a wondering feeling. This is my second redbox and there is a little leakage so I am wondering what the potential causes of my wandering steering might be given what I have replaced. And, yes, I recently had it aligned.

I am thinking it is either the upper ball joints, steering box prematurely wearing out again or the steering rod from the wheel to box which I have ordered and will replace. What other causes should I investigate.

Thanks

 

[Grizzly]

Do you do a lot of off road driving? Is it a 4x4? Do you have anything heavy on the front bumper, such as a winch or heavy brush guard? Anything on the front end that's not stock?

 

[cerberusiam]

You need to look at the linkage and box while someone works the steering wheel to find the problem, otherwise just guessing.

If you need a new box the Mopar upgrade unit is a beast and will definitely change the way it drives and feels. There are enough rubber pieces in the front end you end replacing them all when you get around 200k to tighten things up again.

 

[Regcabguy]

You need to look at the linkage and box while someone works the steering wheel to find the problem, otherwise just guessing.

If you need a new box the Mopar upgrade unit is a beast and will definitely change the way it drives and feels. There are enough rubber pieces in the front end you end replacing them all when you get around 200k to tighten things up again.

My friend got the new Mopar box and indeed it's a beast. The steering effort is slightly greater than my stocker. He didn't replace the pump. Does replacing the pump lighten the steering any?

 

[cerberusiam]

If the pump is worn then you *might* gain some leverage but it is doubtful. About the only time I have heard that it made a difference is removing the orifice in the pressure port.

Because the feel of the box is so different I am not sure extra effort is required, I think SOP is translating the feedback wrong. The box will be tight new just a bit but that feeling disappears as it is driven for a time. It seems to be a slightly different ratio than stock so thinking that we are really trying to force it faster than designed. Coming from the Borgeson box it was really noticeable, not as much from a stock box but definitely enough different characteristics that it feels, for lack of a better term, heavy at the start. After a couple thousand miles don't even notice it anymore.

What I do notice is the road feel is greatly enhanced, radically different than stock, Borgeson, or Redhead boxes. You can actually feel what happens as the suspension cycles and the stresses change. On a smooth level road it really dampens out a lot of the small stuff and feels solid.

On a pure stock suspension that does not cycle much and\or using the older y-type steering it is probably rock steady. All the comparisons I have are leveled trucks and cross over steering for experience. With a 2-3" lift you find out just how much bump steer is possible without changing other components. The t-type steering is really awful outside of its stock configuration, cross over steering on a stock box is comparable for effort and predictability, but, more over steer and less road feel.

Cross over steering with the new box should be outstanding, just like the new trucks.

 

[brillmtb]

I figured I should probably replace some bushings but I think even though this is my second and leaking redhead box that the box is the issue. Is there a mopar upgrade for my 2003 or is there a chance they would just sell me the older version, how would I know. I imaging replacing the pump is easier when doing the box so I wonder how much that is to add to the total and if there is an aftermarket pump that is better. Thanks.

 

[NIsaacs]

I figured I should probably replace some bushings but I think even though this is my second and leaking redhead box that the box is the issue. Is there a mopar upgrade for my 2003 or is there a chance they would just sell me the older version, how would I know. I imaging replacing the pump is easier when doing the box so I wonder how much that is to add to the total and if there is an aftermarket pump that is better. Thanks.

Here is a new box but I don't see a new pump, just one for the 2nd gen.

http://www.genosgarage.com/category/steering-box

Nick

 

[cerberusiam]

I think Dodge quit the older style box, the newer box is so much better that it is worth the upgrade anyway. If you have not done the t-type steering upgrade you will have to make sure you get the right end with the box to adapt or convert to the newer style steering also. The new pump, reservoir and mounting bracket is about as much as the box itself, unless you have obvious leaks and low pressure would not worry about it right now.

The older Borgeson box increased the ratio in the box, made it real susceptible to over steer in the stock configuration. Not sure what they have done on the newer ones.

 

[brillmtb]

I think Dodge quit the older style box, the newer box is so much better that it is worth the upgrade anyway. If you have not done the t-type steering upgrade you will have to make sure you get the right end with the box to adapt or convert to the newer style steering also. The new pump, reservoir and mounting bracket is about as much as the box itself, unless you have obvious leaks and low pressure would not worry about it right now.

The older Borgeson box increased the ratio in the box, made it real susceptible to over steer in the stock configuration. Not sure what they have done on the newer ones.

Is the new dodge box the Borgenson or is this something you have to go to the dealer for

 

[brillmtb]

At 200K and with my front feeling a little loose. I wonder how difficult but good it might be to go though all the bushings up front. Which would you replace with aftermarket. I also see several sway bar replacements with multiple sizes for the 03 Ram 4wd, did they really put differing sized sway bars in one model year. I am not sure what size mine is our how to verify

 

[cerberusiam]

Dealer or any online Mopar Parts wholesalers like Steve White Motors or others, that is the OE box. The link NIsaacs provided is the Borgeson boxes which includes and upgraded later box also. What they have done to it is unknown.

Sway bar bushings won't help wander, they will help with body roll if that is an issue. You need track bar bushings for the steering. On any of then you have to measure to make sure what you have.

 

[JKosten]

See https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/254378-Steering-play-in-wheel-Simple-fix?p=2463627