Going straight down the road

[RMcKinney]

1995 Stock 2500 TDR with 288,000 miles has lane drifting. Steering linkage seem tight.[trying to shake setting in driveway]Is there a old issue or TDR that tells about this problem and possible fixes?

 

[BigPapa]

RWD or 4x4?

If you put it in your signature it would put that info up when you post and we wouldn’t have to ask.

 

[AEdelheit]

If its 4wd the track bar is a common problem, could be a tie rod end, alignment, tires....

 

[Iron Duke II]

Came across these aged, but possibly relevant posts.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/94-01-steering-wander-guys-look-here.130187/
https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/lane-drifting-problems.2016426/
https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/steering-box-gone-bad.2414962/
https://mopar1973man.com/topic/6240-steering-wander/

 

[BigPapa]

Until we know what he’s got, nothings relevant.....

 

[Iron Duke II]

Until we know what he’s got, nothings relevant.....

Noted.

 

[Iron Duke II]

Has anyone here come across this option?
https://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

 

[Joe Mc]

I installed the bushing, I'm pretty sure Rock Solid Ram steering was the name. The stock one was shot and after installing new it did make a difference in feel, less play much tighter.

 

[SAndreasen]

Hard someone turn the steering wheel with the engine off left to where it gets tight then let off do that a few times watch the tie rod ends and see what’s moving then do it right and see what’s moving . The loose ends will move up and down and the track bar with move up and down if it’s wore out . How much free play is in the steering wheel

 

[AEdelheit]

Rotating the steering wheel with the engine running so there is power steering will show alot more worn parts, with the engine off you would only see what is extremely worn, with the engine running you will see what is starting to wear but does not yet have extreme movement.

 

[SAndreasen]

Rotating the steering wheel with the engine running so there is power steering will show alot more worn parts, with the engine off you would only see what is extremely worn, with the engine running you will see what is starting to wear but does not yet have extreme movement.

wrong

 

[AEdelheit]

wrong

Oh my, please do explain in detail why you do not want power steering assist when looking for worn parts, as someone who specializes in these trucks and helps customers daily diagnosing issues I just cant wait to hear your explanation ......

 

[NIsaacs]

I check it both ways. Engine off, to check for steering box wear and steering shaft/coupler wear. Or engine running, to check for steering linkage wear.

 

[AEdelheit]

I check it both ways. Engine off, to check for steering box wear and steering shaft/coupler wear. Or engine running, to check for steering linkage wear.

Thats logical, essentially putting the most force on the part you are checking at the time, good way of doing it!

 

[BigPapa]

Both methods work. I don't understand the argument....

 

[AEdelheit]

Both methods work. I don't understand the argument....

One method will only show extremely worn parts while allowing a high probability of of missing a TRE that will only show play when enough force is applied as there is a spring pre load on them or a track bar bolt that hold under medium pressure but not high pressure, the other method puts the most amount of stress on all post box steering components allowing you to see all the worn parts weather a small amount of wear or a lot of wear. I have talked with many people that did not see any movement with the engine off then tried again with the engine running so there is power steering assist then could spot worn components that did not have any movement with the engine off.

 

[Ozymandias]

Is it only me that thinks steering the wheels without power assist feels like breaking the steering shaft?
I had to do that once or twice for other reasons and it needs all the force a 45 year old man can give, and I'm a blue collar.

 

[BigPapa]

Is that anything like Bluetooth?

 

[Ozymandias]

By far not

 

[AEdelheit]

Is it only me that thinks steering the wheels without power assist feels like breaking the steering shaft?
I had to do that once or twice for other reasons and it needs all the force a 45 year old man can give, and I'm a blue collar.

Not just you, very hard on the steering shaft and very little force is applied to the steering linkage so pretty much a loose loose situation unless you are trying to look for steering shaft wear as Nick mentioned.