Called Childre Dodge, Milledgeville,Ga. Said he orders PN# 52113500ac and just punches it in computer, says it comes from Detroit, my dealer says it comes from St. Louis. I wonder if different regional dealers get there parts from different locations or do they all come from same place. I want that Delphi box and don't know how my dealer is going to get it, trying to help dealer out, any ideas? To make sure we get Delphi box and not another G. M. Sagina Box.
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G.M. Saginaw vs Delphi Steering Box
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I hope you get this figured out. I am in need of a new steering box also, but I want to make sure I also get a delphi box also. The dealer said that the "AC" on the end of the part number indicated that they (DC) had changed vendors recently. He said the letters get bigger aphabetical as they change to different vendors on/or suppliers. I have done all of the bearing preload adjustments, and it does drive better but not exactly right. I am afraid the the new gear box if it is not a delphi will drive worst.
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2000 Dodge 2500,
sport,4x4,leather locking diff, cab lights, cd, Dodge factory fender flares.
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2000 Dodge 2500,
sport,4x4,leather locking diff, cab lights, cd, Dodge factory fender flares.
I have been a TDR member since early 96 and have driven a wandering Dodge since 96. I am new to the roundtable and find myself making the rounds. I think I have been through all of this alone and only wish you people had been accessible earlier.
I have had two Borgeson shafts that would not telescope properly. This gives you a clunk when you stop or hit bumps but it doesn't when you turn. Borgeson accepted the shafts back. . good customer service. I have a flaming River shaft in it now and I preffer it to the Borgeson because it slides freely and the plated joints don't rust up quickly.
I still had a clunk turning. I feel it in the column mostly at the floor. After much amateur diagnosing I was convinced it was the steering box. The pitman shaft had play and clunked... so I replaced it (a local supplier installed a brand new Saginaw replacement for about $500 e-mail me if your interested). Had the same play and the same clunk. Damn, there went my torque plate money!
More trouble-shooting led me to the bearing in the lower end of the column. Remember I am trying to find a clunk not the source of wandering. The clunk sounds like it is the tilt area but is felt through the pedals at the floorboard. I have not done anything to the but rotate the spring that the shaft exits at the lower end of the column in the engine compartment and it stops for a day or several months. Apparently the spring is preloading somthing that is not quite right. Any idea how to fix it permanently?
I have felt for the clunk while a friend has wacked on the pitman arm and other components with an appropriately sized mallet and I have never been able to feel anything transmitted to the column or floor board.
I am sure the steering box is a large part of the wandering problem because it cause the same effect as the trackbar. Which brings me to what I wanted to say: I would not consider replacing anything until I tossed the stock steering stabilizer and put on a Rancho 5000, played with tire pressure and if possible tire models, retro fit the trackbar with the adjustable end kit and adjust it for zero play, and, most importantly, put some decent shocks (I like RS9000s) on all 4 corners. It may still wander but you can at least "stay on top of it" comfortably and its better with a load. All of this can be done for the cost of a steering gear and it will make a positive difference in handling including steering.
I have had two Borgeson shafts that would not telescope properly. This gives you a clunk when you stop or hit bumps but it doesn't when you turn. Borgeson accepted the shafts back. . good customer service. I have a flaming River shaft in it now and I preffer it to the Borgeson because it slides freely and the plated joints don't rust up quickly.
I still had a clunk turning. I feel it in the column mostly at the floor. After much amateur diagnosing I was convinced it was the steering box. The pitman shaft had play and clunked... so I replaced it (a local supplier installed a brand new Saginaw replacement for about $500 e-mail me if your interested). Had the same play and the same clunk. Damn, there went my torque plate money!
More trouble-shooting led me to the bearing in the lower end of the column. Remember I am trying to find a clunk not the source of wandering. The clunk sounds like it is the tilt area but is felt through the pedals at the floorboard. I have not done anything to the but rotate the spring that the shaft exits at the lower end of the column in the engine compartment and it stops for a day or several months. Apparently the spring is preloading somthing that is not quite right. Any idea how to fix it permanently?
I have felt for the clunk while a friend has wacked on the pitman arm and other components with an appropriately sized mallet and I have never been able to feel anything transmitted to the column or floor board.
I am sure the steering box is a large part of the wandering problem because it cause the same effect as the trackbar. Which brings me to what I wanted to say: I would not consider replacing anything until I tossed the stock steering stabilizer and put on a Rancho 5000, played with tire pressure and if possible tire models, retro fit the trackbar with the adjustable end kit and adjust it for zero play, and, most importantly, put some decent shocks (I like RS9000s) on all 4 corners. It may still wander but you can at least "stay on top of it" comfortably and its better with a load. All of this can be done for the cost of a steering gear and it will make a positive difference in handling including steering.
My truck went in today for for diagnosis and a new box is on order. The tech thought he could adjust mine but I told him I had already done the overcenter and preload by the book so they drove it and decided to order a new one. I'm hoping I get the Delphi, my dealer was trying to help but knew nothing about a change. The part number I got was CH52113500AF which is different than the 52113500AC some have recieved, it will take a few days to get so I'm keeping my fingers crossed until the operation.
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2001 black dually,4x4, 6 speed H. O. ,loaded up. Jacobs E brake, lighted running boards, toolbox, solor visor, mag hytec cover, rhino lined, diamond tread rail protectors, mud flaps with genos chrome plates, megs exhaust tip, SPA digital pillar mounted pyro, boost,fuel press & oil temp gauges, rerouted blowby bottle, torklift class 5 double tube extension hitch and frame mount camper anchors... Its not a hobby anymore, its an addiction!
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2001 black dually,4x4, 6 speed H. O. ,loaded up. Jacobs E brake, lighted running boards, toolbox, solor visor, mag hytec cover, rhino lined, diamond tread rail protectors, mud flaps with genos chrome plates, megs exhaust tip, SPA digital pillar mounted pyro, boost,fuel press & oil temp gauges, rerouted blowby bottle, torklift class 5 double tube extension hitch and frame mount camper anchors... Its not a hobby anymore, its an addiction!
Dawg, This problem has gone on long enough. Its time for some action on DC's part. This steering problem sucks and if I knew the proper angle to approach DC I would. Most of the dealers are not much help. They can only do what DC says to do. DC needs to pull their head out of there #$@^% and help figure out this problem. Instead, we as owners are trying to figure this out and we are not getting the problem resolved. I will admit that I am little disapointed that the TDR has not got on the bandwagon and helped us out thru there contacts with DC. WE as owners and TDR should pull together and help get some action from DC on this ongoing problem with out otherwise fantastic truck.
Anybody with any thoughs!!!!!!!!
Anybody with any thoughs!!!!!!!!
Fountain 38 I could'nt agree with you more,the steering on these trucks is totally unacceptable and your right DC knows it. My 97 4x4 has given me steering prolems from day one. Its been to three different dealers a total of 15 times in the 3+ years I've owned it not to mention an arbitration process which is nothing but a waste of time. Ive spent a lot of time trying figure out whats causing the problems. #1 the steering boxes are junk. The pitman arm shaft has too much side to side slop causing the driver to turn the steering wheel many more degrees to make the front wheels turn. #2 all of the balljoint components especially the pitman arm and trackbar have way too much in and out movement to them. The way I found this problem was to have someone turn the steering wheel from left to right rapidly with the engine on and the truck on the ground. what I observed would amaze you. The coponents that I mentioned above move in and out. I conclude that if these parts were tight the trucks would drive properly.
Gregg,
Maybe I'm stupid. My dealer has been great. DC repurchased my 2000 2500 4x4 in feb 00. I did not have to go thru the arbitration process. The dealer worked out everything and DC repurchased my 2000 truck. The dealer in March assured me that in march that the problem was worked out, so I ordered another 2001 2500 4x4. I recieved it in june and the dealer even let me drive it a week or two to make sure that I was happy. It did drive fairly well at that time and after reading all of the posts about updates and bearing preloads I thought that I could fix it being a fairly good Handyman. So I purchased a aftermarket Trackbar made in Arizona by a smal machine shop, and installed it. Then I sent my steering box to AGR in FT worth to rebuild it. It is better, but it is not right. Jeff at AGR tells me that the steering box casting is not machined right and that the correct tolerances can't be adjusted because of that. I am hoping that the Delphi box is the cure. But DC should sent out recall notices to all owner to fix that problem if in fact it is a cure. If anyone does find a capable DC dealer service manager who is willing to work with us on this problem and is aware of it I would be willing to drive to them. I hae two friends that have 2001 f-250 diesel 4door fords and they are nice. Very nice.
They drive very well. MY first choice is the Dodge but, if I cannot get some satisfaction from DC, I may just suffer the loss and trade for a Ford.
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2000 Dodge 2500,
sport,4x4,leather locking diff, cab lights, cd, Dodge factory fender flares.
Maybe I'm stupid. My dealer has been great. DC repurchased my 2000 2500 4x4 in feb 00. I did not have to go thru the arbitration process. The dealer worked out everything and DC repurchased my 2000 truck. The dealer in March assured me that in march that the problem was worked out, so I ordered another 2001 2500 4x4. I recieved it in june and the dealer even let me drive it a week or two to make sure that I was happy. It did drive fairly well at that time and after reading all of the posts about updates and bearing preloads I thought that I could fix it being a fairly good Handyman. So I purchased a aftermarket Trackbar made in Arizona by a smal machine shop, and installed it. Then I sent my steering box to AGR in FT worth to rebuild it. It is better, but it is not right. Jeff at AGR tells me that the steering box casting is not machined right and that the correct tolerances can't be adjusted because of that. I am hoping that the Delphi box is the cure. But DC should sent out recall notices to all owner to fix that problem if in fact it is a cure. If anyone does find a capable DC dealer service manager who is willing to work with us on this problem and is aware of it I would be willing to drive to them. I hae two friends that have 2001 f-250 diesel 4door fords and they are nice. Very nice.
They drive very well. MY first choice is the Dodge but, if I cannot get some satisfaction from DC, I may just suffer the loss and trade for a Ford.
------------------
2000 Dodge 2500,
sport,4x4,leather locking diff, cab lights, cd, Dodge factory fender flares.
Has anyone actually filed a formal complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Committee? Reading these threads, it seems like it comes down to the dealer when this should be addressed at the corporate level. Maybe DC needs a fire under the butt!
If you call, let it ring, NHTC is busy right now.
If you call, let it ring, NHTC is busy right now.
I thought you all should know that there is no problem with the steering on the newer Rams. After going round and round, this is what I was told:
1. there is no wandering problems with the trucks.
2. After a brief (6 miles) test, with the regional sevice manager they said my truck was fine, and there was no steering problem.
3. My problem was further exaggerated by my corrrespondence with TDR, as the problems are far exaggerated by others who don't know the steering with the new Rams was changed with a new steering box in 1999, and all the problems were solved!
4. Therefore my experience with any alleged steering problems have been probably been by reading of others problems, and that there is no problem. I I am just trying to make a problem where there is none.
5. There are no adjustments that can be made to the steering box.
So, all you people who have had problems with wandering steering, you are just totally out of it! There just is not any problem after all!
Well, if you want to believe all the above, I have a great deal on some swamp property in Florida. (Please your Floridaits don't take offence)
This is not the end of this, I will continue to follow up.
So much for factory replacement of steering boxes for complaints. At least at this end of the County.
I saw the post for the NHTSC, and after another try at this, I will make a complaint.
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'01 HO, 6 speed, QC, light driftwood, 4x4, camper package, 265X16, mag wheels
1. there is no wandering problems with the trucks.
2. After a brief (6 miles) test, with the regional sevice manager they said my truck was fine, and there was no steering problem.
3. My problem was further exaggerated by my corrrespondence with TDR, as the problems are far exaggerated by others who don't know the steering with the new Rams was changed with a new steering box in 1999, and all the problems were solved!
4. Therefore my experience with any alleged steering problems have been probably been by reading of others problems, and that there is no problem. I I am just trying to make a problem where there is none.
5. There are no adjustments that can be made to the steering box.
So, all you people who have had problems with wandering steering, you are just totally out of it! There just is not any problem after all!
Well, if you want to believe all the above, I have a great deal on some swamp property in Florida. (Please your Floridaits don't take offence)
This is not the end of this, I will continue to follow up.
So much for factory replacement of steering boxes for complaints. At least at this end of the County.
I saw the post for the NHTSC, and after another try at this, I will make a complaint.
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'01 HO, 6 speed, QC, light driftwood, 4x4, camper package, 265X16, mag wheels
My 01 steering box has the same overcenter adjustment that my 98 had and the dealer tried this adjustment before ordering a new box altogether. The bearing preload procedure seems the same too. I think DC's version of redesigned is different tierod geometry as that seems to be the only difference to me, just my opinion 
#ad
#adChuckar, The mechanic that changed out my box felt the "wander" and non return to center immediately when he test drove my truck. He was all over the road. He's the one that suggested the box be changed right away. I wanted to make some adjustments to really make sure that's what the problem was. When I took it to the allignment shop the first time, the owner (who I have known and used for front end work for the last 15 years) told me that he wouldn't drive the truck with the steering like that. He drove it after the box was replace and liked it just fine. Sounds like your dealer may be out of it. It's funny how they want to throw this on the consumer. I really like my truck. This was my only complaint and it's been resolved by my dealer.
Alan:
You are quite right. Since we have corresponded by e-mail about this, I've been after the dealer to do something about the (non-existant, according to them) problem. My next stop next week is to the alignment shop where they sent my truck the first time with the first problem, which turned out to be a tire problem - radial pull. Which was real. The tire was replaced at about 3k miles, and then I noticed the wandering problem. The alignment shop said to bring the truck back if it still isn't right, which I will do next Tuesday. I now have 9k+ miles, and the wandering problem is getting worse. I was hoping that it would get better, as some of the other people had experienced.
My problem is being able to do without the truck for a day, or whatever. This is a problem to me as I need the transportation and carrying ability nearly daily. Just finding time to get back to them is difficult.
My real problem is with the dealer. I've bought 3 vehicles from them in the past 8 years, two of which we still own. In the past, there has never been a problem that they haven't taken care of without so much as a twitch. This steering wandering problem seems to be beyond them for whatever reason.
I'll keep you posted on further devlopments.
[This message has been edited by chuckar (edited 09-07-2000). ]
[This message has been edited by chuckar (edited 09-08-2000). ]
You are quite right. Since we have corresponded by e-mail about this, I've been after the dealer to do something about the (non-existant, according to them) problem. My next stop next week is to the alignment shop where they sent my truck the first time with the first problem, which turned out to be a tire problem - radial pull. Which was real. The tire was replaced at about 3k miles, and then I noticed the wandering problem. The alignment shop said to bring the truck back if it still isn't right, which I will do next Tuesday. I now have 9k+ miles, and the wandering problem is getting worse. I was hoping that it would get better, as some of the other people had experienced.
My problem is being able to do without the truck for a day, or whatever. This is a problem to me as I need the transportation and carrying ability nearly daily. Just finding time to get back to them is difficult.
My real problem is with the dealer. I've bought 3 vehicles from them in the past 8 years, two of which we still own. In the past, there has never been a problem that they haven't taken care of without so much as a twitch. This steering wandering problem seems to be beyond them for whatever reason.
I'll keep you posted on further devlopments.
[This message has been edited by chuckar (edited 09-07-2000). ]
[This message has been edited by chuckar (edited 09-08-2000). ]
dawg , the box withthe AC suffix is not the delphi box , i had that one installed last week thinking it was the latest and greatest and now i find out its not , 2 threads on this box thing with 2 different suffix codes , would have been nice if the second guy just added it to this one instead of starting a new thread . the correct number for the delphi box is 52113500AF . my truck now wanders worse at low speed and has a lot of freeplay in the center position that my last one didn't . i called and asked if they sent the old one back and if not i want it put back on .
I went to this thread because I have been having 'wandering' problems with my 2001 ram and wanted to find out whats going on. I just got off the phone with the SM at my Dealership here and gave him my part no. P52113500AC. I explained the problem to him and gave him the pt. no. of the Delphi box CH52113500AF. He is going to call STAR and get back to me on replacement procedure or whatever. I will keep you posted.
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2001 6spd, 2500, loaded. Garnet Red. Bed Liner, Chrome Rail guards, Stainless wheel flairs (small) and Splash guards. Extra Class @ 20wpm Ex SWPL member ex 70 Cuda, Black, Hemi Trans and Hemi Suspension 440 6+ (Kick myself for letting it go).
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2001 6spd, 2500, loaded. Garnet Red. Bed Liner, Chrome Rail guards, Stainless wheel flairs (small) and Splash guards. Extra Class @ 20wpm Ex SWPL member ex 70 Cuda, Black, Hemi Trans and Hemi Suspension 440 6+ (Kick myself for letting it go).
Dawg,
Sorry but you have a GM box just like the one I have and am complaining about. Hopefully I will have a delphi soon.
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2001 6spd, 2500, loaded. Garnet Red. Bed Liner, Chrome Rail guards, Stainless wheel flairs (small) and Splash guards. Extra Class @ 20wpm Ex SWPL member ex 70 Cuda, Black, Hemi Trans and Hemi Suspension 440 6+ (Kick myself for letting it go).
Sorry but you have a GM box just like the one I have and am complaining about. Hopefully I will have a delphi soon.
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2001 6spd, 2500, loaded. Garnet Red. Bed Liner, Chrome Rail guards, Stainless wheel flairs (small) and Splash guards. Extra Class @ 20wpm Ex SWPL member ex 70 Cuda, Black, Hemi Trans and Hemi Suspension 440 6+ (Kick myself for letting it go).
Tomorrow is the big day!!! My dealer called me today and said that he had me a "Delphi" steering box in his hands and for me to bring my truck in for the "operation". I am really hopeful that this is the real fix. I will post as soon as possible if the operation is a sucessful one. Keep your fingers crossed. .
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2000 Dodge 2500,
sport,4x4,leather locking diff, cab lights, cd, Dodge factory fender flares.
------------------
2000 Dodge 2500,
sport,4x4,leather locking diff, cab lights, cd, Dodge factory fender flares.
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Renew
Subscribe
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Back Issues
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