2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Changed steering box and steering wheel is off

[2poor4zr1]

Hi all,

I changed my steering gear box today, forgot to look here first to see where to get one, and my steering wheel is off about 60-70degrees from center. I bought one from Oriellys. What can i do to get the steering wheel back to center?



The truck is an 2001 3500 drw 4x4



BTW first post. Have been a member for 9 months before i first checked out this forum. I have to say the info here is incredible. I will be a member for as long as i own a dodge, which will be a very long time!



Thanks in advance for all the support,

Bryan

 

[Wiredawg]

This is just my opinion, but either diconnect the steering shaft from the steering box and align or remove the steering wheel and align. I'm thinking the steering shaft is easier. Did you have the steering wheel/tires centered before removing old box and when installing new? Since the steering shaft is splined, should let you get real close to center.



Let us know what happens.



Wiredawg

 

[SMorneau]

On my 96 there is, if memory works, a flat on the input to the box that should be "up" when the steering wheel is straight. Both the wheel and box must be in the center of their movement (due to clockspring and gear limits). I am not sure how you get the pitman arme indexed but if it is correct the next adjustment is the link length on the linkage between the pitman arm and whatever it connects to, which depends upon if you have an inverted Y or T configuration.

Hope that helps

 

[2poor4zr1]

We could not get the bolt out of the shaft with the wheel straight, so it was turn a bit for removal. I will check it with the wheel straight tomorrow.



I took it apart and my brother in law put it together, he changed his the day prior. I was working on a stock trailer at the time. He said the shaft only goes on one way, due to the flat spot.



Will investigate further, ty

 

[TBartlett1]

There should be an adjustment sleeve on the link going from the steering box to the right knuckle. Loosen & adjust to center the wheel then tighten securely.

Do not touch the sleeve that adjusts toe-in.

 

[Glen Pratt]

What TBartlett1 said. Adjust the drag link to center the steering wheel.

 

[BHanna]

I may be wrong here. Please let me know if I am. But with the wheel being that far off, I think you may have the pitman off by a tooth or two. If you just adjust the drag link you may not get full steering in one direction and you'll have too much in the other. I think what you want to do is pull the pitman arm and turn the wheel from center to each side counting the number of turns and make sure you're getting the same amount of steering in each direction. If not, the problem is probably in the linkage from the wheel to the box. Once you get that right, center the steering wheel and point the pitman arm as close to straight north-south as possible. Then use the drag-link to fine tune.