2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ongoing steering wander, what's the next take to take, if anything?

[Coalsmoke]

Hey guys, I've been working on fixing my steering problems over the past couple of years. I have new ball joints, lukes links installed on all 5 joints, I bought a trac bar new from OEM and then I put a lukes link on it and did the other 4 joints at the same time, I have the DSS installed, I have adjusted the steering box a bit, and all of these items have helped to a point, but the steering wander is still very noticeable. I know I have a clunky steering column, so should I do the rock solid steering fix? http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/ Will it really fix all my problems like it says it will or am I at the point that I should just accept the loose steering and live with it? It would be nice to get further improvements on this problem, but I'm not sure if its worth chasing this steering issue anymore, as I'm worried about spending another pile of money and still having the problem.

 

[wcjp]

What size tires are you running? Lift? Steering Damper?

 

[Coalsmoke]

Hi WC, thanks for asking. I'm running the Toyo M-55 255/85/16 tires, so they are 33" tall, but are a bit narrower than a typical 33" tire. I am getting mild cupping on the tires, but rotate them religiously and my alignment has been set up by a really good shop. No lift kit on the truck, added 4-leaf pack suspension on the rear of the truck to handle the constant weight in the back (this was also done by a reputable spring shop), steering damper has been replaced with an OEM type replacement, nothing fancy though, just the standard black tube.

 

[Bart]

I've been dealing with my steering wonder longer than you. I fought it for six years, but in the end I bought the DSS steering stabilizer and it works. I'm no longer on alert like a dog pointing at a bird. I can relax some. Steering is now "normal". Oo. Installation is a snap. The only thing out of the norm was that I had to buy a $33 socket (1 1/4" deep 3/4" drive) to correctly torque the new pitman arm nut. A guy could just tighten it down with a wrench but I'm kinda anal about torque setting. Best $200 I've spent in reference to the steering.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Hey Bart, thanks but I already have the DSS installed. It helped, but it hasn't been a cure-all. I'm still sawing up the road.

 

[Joe Mc]

How about the control arm bushings? For $255 to your door you can get these Custom Length Control Arms 94-02 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 nothing fancy but way better than stock, serviceable, and you can even locate bushings after a few more hunder thousand miles if you need to - unlike the stock bushings which as I understand are NLA. Sounds like the only thing you haven't done yet . . .

 

[Bob4x4]

Hey guys, I've been working on fixing my steering problems over the past couple of years. I have new ball joints, lukes links installed on all 5 joints, I bought a trac bar new from OEM and then I put a lukes link on it and did the other 4 joints at the same time, I have the DSS installed, I have adjusted the steering box a bit, and all of these items have helped to a point, but the steering wander is still very noticeable. I know I have a clunky steering column, so should I do the rock solid steering fix? 'Rock Solid' Ram Truck Steering ! Will it really fix all my problems like it says it will or am I at the point that I should just accept the loose steering and live with it? It would be nice to get further improvements on this problem, but I'm not sure if its worth chasing this steering issue anymore, as I'm worried about spending another pile of money and still having the problem.

Get your self a copy of tsb 19-10-97 and 05-03-97



Bob

 

[JPittinger]

How about the control arm bushings? For $255 to your door you can get these Custom Length Control Arms 94-02 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 nothing fancy but way better than stock, serviceable, and you can even locate bushings after a few more hunder thousand miles if you need to - unlike the stock bushings which as I understand are NLA. Sounds like the only thing you haven't done yet . . .

I got new stock bushings from RockAuto.com and have also used poly bushings in the past. Each are cheap fixes and worth the effort. A 3. 5 turn steering box would be the next step; I swapped it on both my current trucks and from now on it will be a standard upgrade. Doesn't compare to the stock box.

-JJ