Newby to the list

[Gaylord]

I've been in lurk mode for a week or so to get the hang of the TDR. I'm the second owner, for a year now, of '94 Dodge. Not new to diesels, though. In 1975 I installed a 453 Detroit in a 1967 Ford F250 4x4. Used 3:73 Dana 60 axles, 435 NP transmission with a warn Over/direct in front of the NP. Still have the truck.



I tow a '93 Holiday Rambler 27' travel trailer. Was pulling with my gas F350 dually, 4 sp. manual trans & getting 8 MPG. :-( I much prefer the 14 -16 MPG when towing with the Dodge and 20 MPG while running empty. However, there are issues!



Not meant to flame anyone, just how it is, the Ford is a much more stable tow vehicle than the Dodge 250. I have added a sway bar to the trailer and the rig still wants to wander when passed by 18 wheelers. Not as bad as without the sway bar (I do use an equalizing hitch) but still noticable. None with the Ford F350 dually, without a sway bar!



I have observed that the wandering comes from the front of the Dodge. I've had the truck up on a jack and cannot see or feel any loose ball joints or link pins. Everything is tight.



I'm going to Quartzite, AZ next month and will see what after market items are available to stablize the front end. I'm also open to any reasonable recommendations anyone may have.



Merry Christmas to all.

 

[JFaughn]

Put the Cummins in the ford , best of both worlds.

 

[Gaylord]

I have thought of that John, but it is not an easy task as you have to go to an AQMD refree and jump through many hoops. Also, I like the cab of the Dodge much better than the Ford. I'll eventually find a fix.

Merry Christmas to you.

 

[JFaughn]

I haven't got to deep into it yet becouse mine is still tight [ not on wood ] but I've read about some after market upgrades to the ft. end , starting with the steering shaft then theres a brace that holds the gear box tighter and then a couple opptions for the ball joints to hubs , if you do a search you should be able , lukes links, solid steel are some .

 

[Gaylord]

Thanks. I have been doing some searches, but I realize that there is a lot of snake oil out there. So far I haven't found anyone with logic, just... . "this will cure your problem" attitude, of which there are many. When I get this I will always push my money farther down in my pocket and keep looking. I'm sure I'll find a fix, just don't know when or where.

 

[Joe G.]

Gaylord,



The first thing to do is find out what is causeing the wandering. It may just be alignment. If I were you I would get a dial indicator and check for slack where it should not be before doing anything else.

 

[Gaylord]

Thanks Joe. I will get the dial indicator w/fixture out and check more closely. I've checked twice by moving things by hand and haven't found anything out of the ordinary. A closer check may reveal something I overlooked. I have had the alignment checked (it was OK) and changed from snow tread tires to street tread, but haven't towed with the street tread as yet. Thanks again.

 

[Joe G.]

As far as alignment is concerned you might want to read this:

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/00_steer_specs.html