For those who have installed the new steering components

[Southbound]

TDR Brethren-



Man I got a crazy one for you guys. So I just had all four of my ball joints replaced (Moog) and had the new steering system (tie-rods / drag link / pitman arm) put on while in the shop. Now that I have the truck home I must say the steering is TEN times worse than when I took it in. Note: My steering box was replaced about 10k miles ago. Also Note: I have the BD stabilizer as well but I have not re-installed it since I got the truck back from the shop. Now I am a big believer in the BD bracket but I know for certain that it would not help my issues I am experiencing now. Its as if I am fighting the truck to keep it in my lane... ... ... like it is wondering from side to side. Its like driving a bus that has truck loads of play in the steering wheel. Make sense??



For those of you who have made the upgrade... ... . any ideas?? I am totally clueless.



Thanks in advance for your time!



Southbound

 

[seafish]

Did you have the Moog adjustables or Moog fixed bj's puty in. Many people who have used the Moog adjustable bj's report symptoms like you are. Hre is a recent thread on the subject--

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...moog-ball-joints-can-t-get-right-what-do.html

 

[TBartlett1]

I would check the toe-in. I suspect there is not enough or possible there is toe-out.

 

[Southbound]

seafish-

I opted for the non-adjustable ball joints for fear of exactly whats happening with the others. So it cant be the the BJ's. I also dont think it would be the trac-bar based upon my current set-up and how I drive. I do have the Lorenz level kit on my truck but its been on my truck for over 75k miles. In addition I am running stock tires! When I go off-road its usually 5 miles of gravel that is as smooth as a paved road. So I just dont get it. I did talk to the dealer and he said to bring it back and they would make it right... ... ..... which is one of the reasons I drive an hour to this dealer. Sad because I have a Dodge dealer less than 5 miles from me but they are like dealing with my brothers kids!! ;-)

I appreciate your response C. Fish.

Southbound

 

[Southbound]

TBartlett1-

I did have an alignment done when they made the repair but will certainly have them do it again or at least check it. I am headed over to a buddies house now to let him look at it and see what he thinks. He has become a front-end Ninja with all the issues he has had with his Dodge.

NOTE: I am still a big fan of the Dodge though!!! I dont mind problems like these when compared to the catastrophic issues that the "others" having with their make of truck.

Thanks again for the responses... ... ... ..... keep em coming!!!

Southbound

 

[TBartlett1]

Southbound!

I would do a quick toe-in check as follows;

With the truck on level ground make a chalk mark on the front of the tire 90deg to the ground and measure from tire to tire & record lets say 72 inches.

Roll the vehicle so the chalk mark is on the back of the tire 90 deg to the ground and record, lets say 71-7/8. Subtracting the rear measurement from the front would give you 1/8 inch or 1/16th toe-out.

Toe-out will cause the vehicle to wander all over the place requireing constant corrections.

Our trucks and most vehicles require toe-in to handle properly.



Tim

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

Southbound!

I would do a quick toe-in check as follows;

With the truck on level ground make a chalk mark on the front of the tire 90deg to the ground and measure from tire to tire & record lets say 72 inches.

Roll the vehicle so the chalk mark is on the back of the tire 90 deg to the ground and record, lets say 71-7/8. Subtracting the rear measurement from the front would give you 1/8 inch or 1/16th toe-out.

Toe-out will cause the vehicle to wander all over the place requireing constant corrections.

Our trucks and most vehicles require toe-in to handle properly.



Tim

How much toe in should our trucks have?