2012 Loose steering and stuck in Pocatello Idaho

[DonFitzwater]

My in-laws are stuck in Pocatello Idaho after just leaving Utah bound for Alaska. They've got a 2012 Ram CC short bed with a 4 inch lift and some kind of cool kid, wider than stock tires....truck has a terrible hollow spot on center and has about 2 inches of play in the wheel. They got soaked in Salt Lake at two different front end shops that changed ball joints, track bar and control arm bushings. Truck has a DSS type sector shaft support already and he's checked the steering box and there is no play there. He's not familiar with Rams and is looking for a decent shop to have front end problems sorted out in Pocatello. Any folks on here in that area that could make a recommendation?

 

[JR]

How many miles have they put on it since the new ball joints? I've felt some real "sticky" replacement ball joints....sometimes takes some miles to wear em in.

Good luck Don.

 

[DonFitzwater]

How many miles have they put on it since the new ball joints? I've felt some real "sticky" replacement ball joints....sometimes takes some miles to wear em in.

Good luck Don.

Less than 1k miles.

 

[Ozymandias]

My in-laws are stuck in Pocatello Idaho after just leaving Utah bound for Alaska. They've got a 2012 Ram CC short bed with a 4 inch lift and some kind of cool kid, wider than stock tires....truck has a terrible hollow spot on center and has about 2 inches of play in the wheel. They got soaked in Salt Lake at two different front end shops that changed ball joints, track bar and control arm bushings. Truck has a DSS type sector shaft support already and he's checked the steering box and there is no play there. He's not familiar with Rams and is looking for a decent shop to have front end problems sorted out in Pocatello. Any folks on here in that area that could make a recommendation?

Form what i see they checked everything after the steering gear.

I'd inspect the steering shaft between steering wheel and gear.
It has two U-Joints and a flexible connection in it, and us very well known to wear out.

I had to change mine too because one of this tiny little u-joints was worn out.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Form what i see they checked everything after the steering gear.

I'd inspect the steering shaft between steering wheel and gear.
It has two U-Joints and a flexible connection in it, and us very well known to wear out.

I had to change mine too because one of this tiny little u-joints was worn out.

He ordered a few parts from Geno's and will be attempting to repair on his own. I'd still feel better if I could get a recommendation on a local shop in that area.

 

[GrantP]

May go without saying but I didn't see any reference to it. Has the truck been aligned? Particularly since it is lifted, is the caster correct? Make sure they didn't/don't just set the toe and send them on.

As for finding a good shop in a small town, Yelp is probably as good as anything without being able to get a local reference. There is a dodge dealer there too if needed.

 

[DonFitzwater]

May go without saying but I didn't see any reference to it. Has the truck been aligned? Particularly since it is lifted, is the caster correct? Make sure they didn't/don't just set the toe and send them on.

As for finding a good shop in a small town, Yelp is probably as good as anything without being able to get a local reference. There is a dodge dealer there too if needed.

Yes, it has been aligned. I believe it was worked on at a Dodge dealership 1st then a well recommended independent shop. I'm leery to send him to another Dodge dealership as most seem to be fairly incompetent (I don't like saying that but has been my experience with most Chrysler dealers).

 

[AEdelheit]

Easiest way to find slop in the front end is have someone turn the steering wheel about 20deg in each direction while someon else looks at the front end parts, have the engine running so the power steering assists and it will show any movement real quick.

One part many shops overlook is the track bar drop bracket, at 4" is should have one and they are known for coming loose. If everything looks tight then its likely alignment or the new parts breaking in.

On alignment many shops put in wayyy too much toe and caster, I would want to see the exact specs before assuming its good.

 

[STeichert]

Pratt Truck repair in Blackfoot works on my heavy trucks and equipment, and have always done a great job. I bet they would work on a pickup. They are about 30 min north of Pocatello. Pratt truck repair 208) 785-6794.
I live about 2hrs from there if they need some help PM me.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Pratt Truck repair in Blackfoot works on my heavy trucks and equipment, and have always done a great job. I bet they would work on a pickup. They are about 30 min north of Pocatello. Pratt truck repair 208) 785-6794.
I live about 2hrs from there if they need some help PM me.

I appreciate the offer. They've got some parts inbound tomorrow. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

 

[DonFitzwater]

https://www.genosgarage.com/product/dodge-ram-steering-shaft-bushings-emf-6821-7460/steering-shaft

Here is what fixed the loose front end. Shame that folks just threw parts at it.

Thanks to those who offered help and advice.

 

[GAmes]

It's a shame that the video doesn't show the procedure to replace the bushing. I guess I ought to take a look at mine.

 

[Ozymandias]

You don't replace them, they just go in void between the center bolt and the collar.

 

[GAmes]

The guy in the video said there is a rubber one in there. So I guess I should amend my comment to the video doesn't show the procedure to install the bushings.

 

[GAmes]

It turns out it doesn't matter. My steering shaft doesn't have that type of coupling.

 

[DonFitzwater]

It turns out it doesn't matter. My steering shaft doesn't have that type of coupling.

Hey, sometimes you learn something!

 

[GAmes]

Absolutely. If not I would have dropped out of the TDR and other forums years ago.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Absolutely. If not I would have dropped out of the TDR and other forums years ago.

And I've learned alot from YOU over the years too! I appreciate the help.