2014 Tight Steering Issue and Question for 3500 Owners

[MJWenrich]

I just had the steering gear box replaced due to the steering wheel not returning to center on turns. On a U-turn I could drive in circles without touching the steering wheel. Front end aligned as well (a couple times) and it tracks better now in and out of turns but is still tight and does not return to center going into and out of turns as I believe it should. Yesterday, I was able to compare it to another 2014, but it is a 2500. Both are crew cabs and long bed. The 2500 steers like my 2004.5 2500. You can turn the wheel with one finger. Mine, you need a full hand and two or three fingers going down a straight road. I also drove a Tradesman 3500 a couple weeks ago to compare steering and it seemed tight as well but was better than mine before the repair.

My question is: Between the 2500 and 3500 is there a gear box difference, frame difference, weight difference, that would make a 3500 feel heavy to steer. And do other 3500 owners notice the tighter steering in their trucks. It may be the nature of the beast but it's hard for me to determine without information from other owners. Thanks...Mike

 

[Dieselnerd]

I don't know about the differences between 2500/3500 but I would define my steering as "heavy" or "tight". I could steer my 3rd gen with one finger and it had much more assist.

When my signature truck is cold, it barely returns to center after a turn but much better when it's warm.

I'm used to it and never gave it much thought before I read your post. I think it's probably normal considering all the weight on the front end.

 

[Ozymandias]

There is no difference between the models you said.
Same frame, same axle, same steering gear.

 

[MJWenrich]

I do not notice any difference between cold at start up or warm. I looked under the truck yesterday and notice that everything up front is heavier/larger than my third gen truck but if it is the same as 2500 4th gen trucks then there is something still wrong. It could be one of the other components being tight as I cannot imagine two steering gears being faulty. I originally thought maybe it had something to do with the Firestone tires not tracking like the Goodrich tires I had before but I also cannot imagine there would be that much resistance in the tires. The improvement in steering made it something else I can live with, kinda like the BD Diesel TPS upgrade for the dead pedal. But the steering is still something I really have to give full time attention to avoid looking like a drunk going down the road. Get used to it somewhat when driving it every day but when switching from one truck to the other or the wife's car, it is really noticeable. Appreciate the feedback and if others reading this post can weigh in on how their '14 3500 trucks handle it would be helpful.

 

[Newsa]

I just had the steering gear box replaced due to the steering wheel not returning to center on turns. On a U-turn I could drive in circles without touching the steering wheel. Front end aligned as well (a couple times) and it tracks better now in and out of turns but is still tight and does not return to center going into and out of turns as I believe it should. Yesterday, I was able to compare it to another 2014, but it is a 2500. Both are crew cabs and long bed. The 2500 steers like my 2004.5 2500. You can turn the wheel with one finger. Mine, you need a full hand and two or three fingers going down a straight road. I also drove a Tradesman 3500 a couple weeks ago to compare steering and it seemed tight as well but was better than mine before the repair.

My question is: Between the 2500 and 3500 is there a gear box difference, frame difference, weight difference, that would make a 3500 feel heavy to steer. And do other 3500 owners notice the tighter steering in their trucks. It may be the nature of the beast but it's hard for me to determine without information from other owners. Thanks...Mike

From an magazine review of 2013+ 3500's

In addition, the front suspension was also redesigned from a five-link configuration to a new three-link design with beefier steering knuckles, ball joints and steering linkages for better roll stiffness than before. Combine those goodies with a stiffer frame that's packed with eight full cross members, and the 2013 3500 is a stronger mule all the way around.

 

[Newsa]

I believe the steering knuckles/suspension connects were also moved further out to handle a heavier load when braking

 

[Ozymandias]

Have a close eye on your ball joints, the knuckles (with disconnected steering linkage) must work with a fingertip left to right, absolutely smooth going.
No binding is allowed there otherwise the steering acts like yours.

Im sure you checked the alingment before changing the steering gear..