Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 1995 4x4 steering wander

[jsjaastad]

My 1995 came with LT245/75R16-E. I replaced them with LT285/75R16 and now the steering wanders and seems to follow every snake path on the road. Same company I bought them from confirmed the allignment was right on and nothing was worn or loose. Front end guy then said the wander could be caused by the bigger tires. My owners manual also says (wish I had read that first) oversize tires can cause steering travel. Anyone experience problems with steering wander with oversize tires?

Thanks for your opinion, Tom/Idaho

 

[tp0d]

Do a search for track bar here, you`ll find a lot about it. If you havent replaced or rebuilt it, I bet its time. Specifically, look for the diag procedure, which is easy.

good luck

-j

 

[USMCBay]

I would bet that your new tires only revealed an exhisting problem. I would say that has to be the case as steering wander comes from moving parts - not rotating parts.



I just posted my front end rebuild - take a look at it and see if it helps you out any.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...0751-kudos-lukes-links-death-wobble-gone.html

 

[jsjaastad]

Thank you for your responses. I have replaced several of the moving parts with Lukes Links, including both ends of the track bar. I agree that steering wander would come from moving parts rather than rotating parts, but while having someone turn the steering wheel I can not find any play in the moving parts. I bought the truck new and only drive it about 2-3K miles per year.

Thanks again, Tom/Idaho

 

[USMCBay]

Well it sounds like you have a gremlin to find. Thats the worst.



Lukes Links should only be applicable to one side of your Track Bar... I did the '03 Conversion for $290... $75 for a salvage yard '04 Track Bar - $185 for the Conversion Bracket - and $30 for new LUKES LINK Track Bar Bushings.



Look here to see a great list of whats what by Paveman...

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...4-1998/208327-please-assess-my-front-end.html



The Best Money Spent... I will never have to replace that again and only$50 more than an OEM replacement with a limited life.



I hope you find your problem... You may have a steering gear bad or something... I know little to nothing about that though.

 

[USMCBay]

Steering wander.

If when driving on a straight road, a higher than normal steering wheel movement (perceived as excessive play) is required to keep the vehicle going straight or if over-compensating the steering to keep the vehicle from wandering is a condition, the bulletin describes the diagnosis and repair procedure. The repair involves adjustment of the over-center and, if necessary, the worm thrust bearing preload adjustments on the steering gear.



I remember reading somewhere that you can adjust the Steering box below...



Anyone?

 

[SWCook]

Steering wander.

If when driving on a straight road, a higher than normal steering wheel movement (perceived as excessive play) is required to keep the vehicle going straight or if over-compensating the steering to keep the vehicle from wandering is a condition, the bulletin describes the diagnosis and repair procedure. The repair involves adjustment of the over-center and, if necessary, the worm thrust bearing preload adjustments on the steering gear.



I remember reading somewhere that you can adjust the Steering box below...



Anyone?

Here ya go bud.



Ram Steering Gear Adjustments

 

[MGarland]

Make sure that the lower bearing in the steering gear box is not worn out, the shaft will move side to side. Also make sure that the steering shaft between the column and the box is not bad also. Good luck with your search.

Mark

 

[USMCBay]

Here ya go bud.



Ram Steering Gear Adjustments

Yea... I just PM'd you a beer - Thanks man!

 

[SWCook]

Yea... I just PM'd you a beer - Thanks man!

Anytime buddy.

 

[NMongeau]

I run 33in x 12. 50in BFG mud terrains and don't have a wander problem. BD makes a kit to help with the stress on the lower bearing in the steering box for 215. You can get it through Geno's Garage.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Tight Borgeson steering shaft. Alignment set up by Mopar man that knows ram wandering probs. Max positive caster dialed in. Don Thuren T-Bar. Centered front axle. ½" forward upper and lower links. All tie rod ends tight. Ball joints tight. DSS sector shaft bracket. Worm Thrust Bearing Preload dialed in. Over center adjustment right on. nothing loose or sloppy in the steering linkage.



Still drifts & wanders. With 3 different makes of tires over the years.