Dodge Problems-Some observations

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Well, everyday I read posts on the TDR. Everyday I read posts about the steering problems on all Dodges both brand new and older. I am on my second Dodge having just purchased a new 2001. 5 Cummins QC 4x4. I too have crappy "dead" feeling steering. The truck has already been in twice for a fix that doesnt exist. Why cant we as consumers expect (demand) better from a manufacturer? If there is a design problem in the steering geometry, they should admit it and fix it! If the problem is in the manufacturing of the steering boxes, great, use another box Dodge! Personally, I dont think the problem lies in the box itself. GM trucks dont seem to have handling problems! Whatever it is I expect more from a late production cycle (possibly last model year) truck. I am seriously going to be looking at the new Chevy Duramax/Allison combo if Dodge doesnt get it's sh^& together and fix my truck soon. Oh, and while Im at it, why don't they beef up or replace that crappy Auto transmission they offer? EVERYBODY knows thats the weak link so fix it! I really dont want to have to shift through six gears when the technology and ability is there for an Auto transmission that can handle all demands (Like the Allison T1000). Come on Dodge, your going back to your old ways before you were the "new Dodge"!

Seriously disappointed,

Billy

 

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I can't say anything about the auto, but as far as the steering, give it time. I know it makes absolutely no sense at all, but as my truck has started to "break in", the steering gets better and better (and no, I'm not just getting used to it). Don't ask me how or why this is happening, but it is. After 2600 miles, i have noticed a 60-70% improvement in the accuracy of the steering (I have gone back to driving with one hand now, versus the two-handed white knuckle grip I had to use when the truck was new).

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2001 ETH quadcab 4x4 dually
See My Truck
icq61308432

 

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rambill

i agree with you 1000%... Cummins has been carrying dodge since day one in my humble opinion. You can bet you @ss that GM will have their act together with the duramax/allison combo. Cummins is ahead of the class with their diesel, but dodge continues to be a *ball and chain*

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'94 2500,4x4,SLT,auto,
3. 54,K&N(removed),Prime-Loc, 70,000 miles, otherwise *stock* as Granny's brassiere

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by RamBill:
Well, everyday I read posts on the TDR. Everyday I read posts about the steering problems on all Dodges both brand new and older. I am on my second Dodge having just purchased a new 2001. 5 Cummins QC 4x4. I too have crappy "dead" feeling steering. The truck has already been in twice for a fix that doesnt exist. Why cant we as consumers expect (demand) better from a manufacturer? If there is a design problem in the steering geometry, they should admit it and fix it! If the problem is in the manufacturing of the steering boxes, great, use another box Dodge! Personally, I dont think the problem lies in the box itself. GM trucks dont seem to have handling problems! Whatever it is I expect more from a late production cycle (possibly last model year) truck. I am seriously going to be looking at the new Chevy Duramax/Allison combo if Dodge doesnt get it's sh^& together and fix my truck soon. Oh, and while Im at it, why don't they beef up or replace that crappy Auto transmission they offer? EVERYBODY knows thats the weak link so fix it! I really dont want to have to shift through six gears when the technology and ability is there for an Auto transmission that can handle all demands (Like the Allison T1000). Come on Dodge, your going back to your old ways before you were the "new Dodge"!

Seriously disappointed,

Billy

I just turned 9000 miles and the steering has gotten nothing but better. Very satisfied with it now.

 

[Archive]

RAMBILL,
DMURDOCK has stated that his steering has been improving with time. I too have noticed this same STRANGE phenomenon. I test drove and picked my truck up this past Tuesday evening and noticed the steering as being as you once stated, “dead or vague feel to it”, although not as severe as you describe. I would have graded the steering and 80% at delivery. Now with 200 miles on it, I would give it a 90% and appears to be improving. It’s still a little stiff and wanders very little but will wait it out for a week or two and see if it further improves before bringing it in for a new box. Who knows, maybe after a few thousand miles, I will have better steering than a sports car. Ya Right!!

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2001. 5 2500 Auto QC 4WD SB 3. 54’s Bright silver metallic, Camper and tow package.

 

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New tires need to get adjusted (broken in) too. If you are patient and do a little high speed highway driving, it eventually smooths out.

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98. 5 24v 3500 2wd 3. 54 lsd pyro & boost in A pillar DD1's E-brake by Jacob U. S. Gear over/direct O'Reilly Air Horns 105 gal aux tank 35' Prowler 5th wheel with three slides Firestone air helper springs

 

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It is unfortunate that some of you are getting these problems with the steering. I'm convinced that it must be some sort of an adjustment issue because mine has been perfect from day one. I would sure think that DC could find a truck with the problem and one without, and resolve the differences once and for all.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10'11" Slide-in Camper.

 

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The fact remains that the steering box is a GM part and it is the problem. Crappy auto? Have you had a problem? I am on my third auto ram,ALL bombed, no trouble. You want to compare it to what GM offers now,give me a break. The Allison is still untested,it may be great but it ain't yet. The bad brakes were also a GM part. DC has nothing to worry about with the GM trucks,most Dodge problems were,are from GM parts.

 

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After 80,000 miles on mine, the steering has just become a problem. Tightening the nut on top will fix that problem.

I was looking at the Allison transmission in one of our fire trucks. The tag on it says General Motors. So until GM sells Allison to someone else, Dodge or Ford won't have one in their pickups. That is going to be Chevy's big selling point once the DuraMax proves to not be what everyone is hoping it will be.

 

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Gentlemen,
While I agree There are some issues with the 4x4 steering, I think something is being overlooked. The 4x4 front end is a solid axle and as such will never have the response and feel of a 4x4 with independant front suspension. If you have never driven a solid axle front end before your expectations may too high. The 4x4 solid axle shines off road in it's toughness that an IFS can never achieve.

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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I will agree that the 4x4 will not steer as well as a 4x2, but I have a 4x2 and the steering on it licks. I am right now just waiting until AGR or somebody comes out with a fix for all the slop in the piece of junk that dodge put on my truck in place of a real steering box.

Just wanted to vent... .
Mike

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'99 QC 2500 SLT Driftwood 2wd SB 24v Auto 3. 55 LSD ISSPRO pyrometer

 

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I can't help but think that some, (not all), of these problems could possibly be tire related. I replaced a set of Michelin A/S with a set of Kelly M&S, as soon as they went on, the old 91 W250 started wandering all over. Several thousand miles cured the problem and the tires went on to serve for another 40K miles.
I know this sounds simple, but it sounds so much like what some of You describe.

 

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Yes, you are correct when you state that the solid front axle will not steer the same as an IFS; with that statement, go jump in a Super Duty or the previous model Ford Diesel 4x4 an let me know what you think. I did, and every single one of the competitors trucks drove as it should.

It took me over a year to get the ball joints and steering box replaced on my truck... it still wanders, pulls to the right, jerks to the right when I hit the brakes ect. ect. The Dodge has a flaw in the design of the front suspension and the brake system; or, a flaw in one or more of the components, period.

If I were not so deeply in debt, I would let this truck go.

243





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-- email address removed --

99 QC 2500 ST 4X4 SB 24V/5speed 3. 54/LSD Driftwood/Agate
[*] PowerEdge on Level III, Walker 21468
[*] VDO Boost and Pyrometer in Autometer Gauge Pod
[*] 285/75/16 Bridgestone MT's, RS9000's, Hella 500 Driving Lights, Husky Liners
[*] Smittybilt Sure-Steps, Magellan 315 GPS mounted on shifter console
[*] and, one helluva pull to the right!

 

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237,000 miles
no steering problems
no pull to the right
no realignments
no wandering
no steering parts replaced (Yet)
154,000 miles on tires
no problems of any kind with auto transmission, just routine oil change and adjustments
I do feel lucky that I haven't had any problems and I feel for anyone that buys anything new and has those kinds of problems but not all the trucks have them.

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1997 3500 club cab, 10' flatbed, 3:54, auto, 4 Firestone air bags, 236,000+ miles

 

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those stupid a$$ coil springs on the front is the whole problem with our front ends,especially the 4x4's,allows too much movement left to right,,i will take leafs on the fronts anyday,,(just my opinion) but then again,i buy the dodges for the CUMMINS not the front end

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94 2500 4x4 SLT,auto,174,000 miles,3:54,brilliant blue/silver,tst 250/635,pump turned up 20%,k&n,gauges,cat gutted,
2001 3500 4x4 q-cab slt,auto,300miles,3:55lsd,brite silver,stock (for now)both have 12k hitches&15k's in the beds,30ft fourwinds 5er

 

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I think the theory that there are several possible reasons for the steering problems is correct. However, there have been several of us that have had loose pitman shafts on our steering boxes, so the box itself is defective on at least some of these trucks. Previously my dealer adjusted the caster and replaced the track bar to try to correct my steering problems. Each time something was done, there was short term improvement, but not a cure. The loose pitman shaft is the latest discovery. The new box is on order, so we'll see if that does the trick. It seems to be the answer for several others.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

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I can't take it any longer.
Just because the transmission says Allison on it doesn't make it bullet proof!! I know it's " apples and oranges" but I have sent 2 allison transmissions to transmission heaven. ( you would not believe the cloud of smoke they can puke out!!!)They were bigger than the pickup version behind an 8. 3 Cummins,but they were both Allisons-- and they BROKE.
There is no such thing as bullet proof,someone will eventualy break it.

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99,QC,3500,Sport Black,4x4,Auto,3. 54,Anti-spin,Camper pkg,Carpet delete,all options except leather.
Silencer ring?? We don't need no stinking silencer ring!!!
Self installed goodies,
OEM Running boards,Mud flaps&Bed liner, Tinted windows,Jacobs E-Brake,BD Torque Loc. Whimpy stock class 4?? hitch fell off-replaced it with a Super Hitch(1200# tongue,15000# trailer) on the house from DC thanks for the recall!!

Installing-Trailer brake controller.

Next-BD Pressure loc and one of those really cool mag hytec transmission pans.

 

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Go ahead and buy the Chevy DM, then join the related GM truck DM website. There you can share along with the others a completely different set of gripes, complaints and problems.

Haven't viewed any GM/DM sites, probably too soon, but coast over to the Ford/PSD sites. They have just as many if not more gripes than DC.

Pick your poison! #ad

 

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My truck steers/tracks perfect. It has great road feel and doesn't wander/pull at all. It has always been fine from 5 miles right up through 36,000 miles. What brand/size tires does everyone have and is your steering good/bad? I have the OEM Michelin 245/75's (load range E). Because of the straight axle I would have expected some wander etc but so far it has been exceptional. I would much prefer leaf springs though.

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99 QC SB 4x4 Auto
Factory Ordered
Most Options

 

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I don't understand it!! In my family there are 2-95's, 97,98 and 2000. There never has been any steering, brake pulling or front end trouble of anykind. Only troubles have been minor electrical, 5spd. nut, 6spd. was replaced at 29K, now has 69K,and working great, and all taken care of under warranty.
Larry.


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Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,4X2,White, 6spd,3. 54 lsd,Banks Stinger +,Pacbrake,Pilar mt. EGT & Boost,Amsoil air filter,all amsoil lube w/BMK-15 filter system,MagTec rear cover,putco boss rbs. w/ rear ext. &flaps,20K reese,100 gal. aux. fuel,fold up T cover,5K airlift bags w/comp. ,ranger 2950 cb pushing palomar 225 amp,phantom radar det.

[This message has been edited by yogibear (edited 08-25-2000). ]