2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission loose steering with new box

[CFast]

I replaced my p/s pump and gear box recently and the bump steer with the new box is WORSE than the old worn out box. The old box had slop,but didn't shake the steering wheel with every bump. The new box is tight, but every little bump spins the steering wheel. I've thought about adjusting the adjusting bolt on the gear box, but I don't know if that's what that bolt is for. There's no play in the joints, I replaced them a few years ago and they're still tight. Any suggestions?

 

[Curious Dave]

Sounds like you need the DSS or similar. Could probably use some other items but that would be a good place to start.

 

[SLangone]

What is a DSS?

 

[Curious Dave]

A DSS is a Dodge Steering Stabilizer. It is a large bracket that connects the 2 frame rails together and also has a bearing that connects to the output/sector shaft of the steering gearbox via an elongated nut. It mounts to the frame rails up underneath the sway bar bushings. It works very well and is used mainly to prevent the "Death Wobble". It is good to have on a stock truck and is almost a given reqirement for modified trucks. If you have a lift and or bigger wheels/tires, you will see a bigger improvement in steering feel and handling over the stock configuration. As long as one is doing this it would be a good idea to replace the sway bar bushings with some polygraphite units as well. Sway bar end links could use the same poly bushings as well.

 

[SLangone]

Oh thanks for the feedback

http://www.pscmotorsports.com/tech/install/sb100-installation-instructions.pdf

This is what I was able to find!

 

[CFast]

I'm not sure how that would help. The gear box is new and doesn't have shaft movement, it just feels loose. That doesn't make sense when I type it. The shaft doesn't have play in it, but it feels like it needs something to keep it from rotating so easily. I have thought about a DSS for years, but honestly I'm skeptical of it.

 

[Curious Dave]

It isn't meant to stop moving parts or loose parts. It provides a greater stability and less deflection.

 

[AndrewKing]

HI,

FWIW adjusting the "nut" on the steering box does make for a noticeable change in "feel"
..... You can make it go from "notchy" to "smooth" but ultimately I think any looseness (i. e. slop in the steering system) will still be there... . It's really hard to describe until a mechanic friend of mine started making various adjustments and had me test different settings until it had the right "feel" for me.

Hope this helps.

Andrew