2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2WD Steering Issues

[Ncostello]

Are steering issues mostly related to 4x4's only? My 2WD 2500 seems to be a little tough at times to keep straight. It seems as though I'm always needing to make minor adjustments to keep it straight. Sometimes it feels like it both oversteers and understeers. I know its not a sports car... but I've driven trucks that do better than this one.



I'm planning on new tires and an alignment... but figured I should ask about problems specific to 2WD 2500's before I do that. I need to get under there and have someone steer from lock to lock and look for movement in joints, boxes, etc. I'm at nearly 90,000 miles.

 

[Ncostello]

It appears I should have researched further as I see Solid Steel Industries does recommend it for 2 wheelers.



I suppose I should invest in one of these and check my box mounting bolts for tightness too.

 

[WadePatton]

terminology?

That's the first step, have all worn components replaced. The "death wobble" is a 4x4 issue--relating largely to the trac bar.



I'm at 95k, front end is great.



"Understeer" is when you run up into a corner hard and the front end "plows" or slides and won't turn like you want it to.



"Oversteer" is when you are powering through, or out of a corner and the rear end breaks loose.

 

[BigPapa]

Neil, I have had steering problems with my truck, too. It has ALWAYS pulled to the right since I bought it with 75K miles on it. The tires don't wear unevenly, but it pulls BAD. I've taken it repeatedly to a highly acclaimed front end shop and have been told every time that it is within specs. I bought the steering brace you are referring to and it has improved the steering on my truck. It is tighter and it has almost totally eliminated the "bump steer" I feel when hitting bumps and holes. I have heard others talk of having the alignment shop put as much caster as possible and it will help. I haven't tried this. Some say it is because of the crown in the road but mine still pulls to the right from the left lane of a crowned road surface, not as bad, but it still pulls. Maybe someone else can shed some light on our problem.

 

[Ncostello]

I'm familiar with the terms. For example, when going through a moderate bend on the highway at 55mph... it feels like my steering adjustments are not being translated to the ground at the rate I am applying them. Then I'll apply more and all of a sudden it will react but too much. Then I'm trying to go back the other way. You definately have to "know" my truck to keep it going straight.



Basically... I feel I am having to put way too much input in the steering wheel. High side winds require alot of input... back and forth... to keep straight. It has to be slop somewhere cause I'm turning the wheel "too far" back and forth to make simple adjustments.



I need to get it up in the air soon.

 

[Un-Hemi]

Hi. You may have read all the important stuff already, but I'll say it anyway, because 2WD trucks share the same steering shaft and box with the 4X4s.



Get it in the air and check all the usual $tuff in the front end. Replace loo$e part$.



Read this TSB.



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm



Check the steering shaft for excessive play. Some people like Borgeson, some don't.



Add a Steering Stabilizer. Darin has them for 2WDs. My truck is parked until the sun shines up here again in the spring, so am unable to offer a before and after comment, but all the other comments in this tread are worth reading:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64315



I found that tire inflation made a huge difference in how my truck handled. 55 front and 45 rear (unloaded) made a big difference. Removing the 245/75/16 LTX ATs from the rear helped also (that's the big lug mud and snow tires). When I bought my truck (used), it tried to kill me on the way home; the tires were jacked up to 80psi all around and it was a battle to keep it outa the ditch... . either ditch!



Hope this helps.

 

[clw1100]

2wd question

Thru one of the above links I found the following specifications for the Dodge Ram front wheel alignment:



Left Wheel / Right Wheel



Caster 3. 2 / 3. 5

Cross Caster -. 3



Camber -. 10 / -. 10

Cross Camber 0. 0



Toe - Standard specs





My question, were these specs for the 4X4 specifically, or will they work on the 2X4 also. My truck is pulling to the left even though it is supposedly within spec according to a reputable alignment center. Those with the KNOW please acknowledge. I know nothing about this stuff.



Craig.

 

[WadePatton]

Those specs were developed by Brent? to help remedy DEATH WOBBLE--which is a 4x4 thing.



Don't see why the wouldn't work on the 4x2. Give it a try.

 

[FourBarR]

2wd. steering

i have a 98. 5 with 284000km or 170000 mi. no front end parts have been replaced yet . ball joints ,tie rod ends etc. still tight. never had any steering problems. i installed grease fittings in the ball joints early on . tire pressures are kept at 50 p. s. i. all around. i did replace the shocks with rancho 5000. Oo. Oo.