Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Just got my 1997 12-valve...got some questions

[rmcnamee]

Hello all,

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and brought home a 1997 2500 Reg. Cab 12V 4x4/Auto. The truck has about 82K on the clock, runs and drives real good, however I need to replace/upgrade some parts.



First: Steering

When making a full right or left turn, the wheel doesn't want to return to center without my help. Not a big deal and I've found in the past on other vehicles, that this could be an alignment issue, which is an easy fix. Now if it is the sector shaft adjustment, is that a big PITA to do and how do you do it? Also, Is there any type of steering set-upgrade out there? Thought there was, but I can't find it now.



Second: Track bar

Who makes a kit to use a 3rd Gen track bar on these trucks?



Thanks,

Ryan

 

[bmoeller]

1. Could be alignment or the over-center adjustment on the box.



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm Instead of using a spanner wrench, I took the grinder to 2- 1/4" bolts. Made them so they just fit in the holes and turned them with a screwdriver. Otherwise, IIRC, it takes 3/16" pins on a spanner wrench.



2. http://www.solidsteel.biz/index.htm

 

[wcjp]

Congrats on your 12V. My 96' had some steering issues. The worst of it was worn bushings in the control arms. I replaced the bushings with OEM rubber. If I had to do it over I would've used polyurethane (cheaper & more control) or aftermarket stock length control arms. I also bought a Napa Track Bar. These have a lifetime warranty. Lastly, I installed the DSS (Darrin's Steering Stabilizer). These three things made the truck a dream to drive.



Don't forget your KDP. I also swapped the supply/return fuel lines for marine grade (Coast Guard Approved) fuel line. I also replaced the soft line leaving the liftpump. Now would be a good time to replace the heater prefilter and gaskets. Replacing the fuel lines is alot easier with the starter and front driveline removed. Since you removed the starter, replace the starter contacts with LarryB's contacts.



I thought the shocks on my truck were too rough. I swapped them for Rancho 9000's. I run them at 3 empty, 7-9 full.

 

[TradedV-10foraCummins]

When making a full right or left turn, the wheel doesn't want to return to center without my help.

Just a thought, but you might also want to check the steering stabilizer. I've seen a couple of trucks have similar problems after the stabilizer got bent.

 

[rmcnamee]

Sounds good everyone. I drove it again today and I think I'll have a friend of mine throw it up on the alignment machine and check the toe and caster settings.



Thanks

Ryan

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Unfortunately, when I sold my 98 I threw in the Chiltons and Cummins Shop manuals, ouch. I downloaded the 04 Shop Manual pdf file a couple years ago. Does anyone know if there is a pdf of the 94-98 CTD Shop manual floating around?