2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Pitman Shaft slop

[Turn&Burn 94]

I have noticed that when rotating the steering shaft and watching the pitman shaft, that the pitman shaft moves side to side alot before starting to rotate, more then one would think it should. My 94 2 wheel and a friends 97 2 wheel both do this ,but mine does it alot more. My truck does't drive bad, but does have more slop than I think it should have. As much as it moves I would think it would leak. The seal seems to be holding in there, but I am not sure how, I have looked at my service manual and didn't see any adjustment that would help this. From what I can tell a new steering gearbox or rebuilding this one would be the only way to correct this problem. Any information on this would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Try this, I found it in the "search"... ... ... ... http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/1997/19-10-97/19_10_97.htm







Later, Rob

 

[Extreme1]

I'm not sure that will do it. I think that tightens up the clearance between the worm and sector gears and tightens up the input shaft tapered roller bearing.



I replaced the box in mine a year ago for the same problem you're having. There is a bearing in the bottom of the gear (just above where the pitman arm attaches) that goes away. I was amazed that mine moved as far as it did without leaking.



You could replace the bearing but it might get tricky setting the depth. I got my replacement at AutoZone for $130. It noticably tighened up the steering.

 

[johnrv4]

Try a search of the archives, there are quite a few threads that address your problem. My '98 had slop in the bearing with 11K on it. Someone posted on a past thread that the bearing that supports the shaft(torrington bearing) seems to be too big for the shaft O. D. . I have seen this problem with several trucks, and I don't know if a new bearing would do the fix if the shaft O. D. is too small. You could possibly check with a company like AGR that rebuilds the boxes.

 

[Kraut67M]

Hi All,



Can any of you feel knoocking in the steering wheel from this. especially if you have been driving the truck for a while and it is nice and hot? I believe I have this same problem.

Kraut

 

[Creed]

I can sometimes feel a slight thud in the steering wheel when I turn at a slow speed. My truck wanders a bit when I drive on the highway. I already did TSB 19-10-97 but it didn't help much. Now I have the pitman shaft moving side to side before it starts to rotate.



Extreme1,

How is your replacement from AutoZone doing. Still good and tight? I'm going to order a new one today. AutoZone now offers units from two rebuilders; Atsco and Cardone. Any suggestions on which one?

 

[jrobinson2]

Creed

The current popular fix for the loose pitman shaft or to prevent wear on a new box is a Darrins Steering Stabilizer (DSS) from Solid steel industries

A search for "DSS" or "steering stabilizer" should find many,many satisfied customers, it made a huge improvement on my truck.

Jared

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YUP - check out the DSS - it's a steering box saver...

 

[DanielH]

I have a clunk in my stearing in both directions at the same point off center. I spent hours the other day with a stethascope, trying to feel where its comming from.

It is most noticeable on the left side in the bumper. But I can't detect exactly where it is comming from. I found that the stering stabalizer bracket was hitting the differential housing. I adjusted that but it didn't help.

I did notice some play in the joint on the end of the sway bar which I will replace ASAP but that doesn't appear to be where the noise is comming from either.

I saw a post the other day that said to check the rivits on the crossmembers, problem is my crossmembers are welded in so that isn't it either.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Creed]

Thanks guys. I took a look and the DSS is very intriguing. However, my steering box is already worn out - there's nothing to save. I need to replace the steering box first then perhaps get the DSS. I get a lifetime warranty with a reman box from AutoZone. I plan to run it for a while and see how it does. If it doesn't hold up, I'll install a DSS with the warranty replacement steering box.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

If it were my truck... . I'd...



Get the reman box from AutoZone and put the DSS on ASAP. The reman won't last long without the DSS...



Matt

 

[NVR FNSH]

Give these guys a call - Steer & Gear 800-253-4327. I got their name from another thread. I called them and the guy said the problem is poor castings that wallow out around the pitman arm bearing. They do some sort of repair - machine/sleeve the housing - to correct the problem. It's been a while so I may not have the specifics correct.



Then I'd put a DSS on. My '00 has movement in the sector shaft so I'm going to have to do something about it... .



Brian

 

[JGheen]

I am running the PSC(Performance Steering Components) box and the DSS and love it. Lower gearing for super ease of turning the wheel. The best way to go IMO.

 

[DanielH]

Thanks for the info. Sorry to butt in on the post, it just sounded like we both had the same problem. I will check out both of these places. I might just bore and bush it myself. (Thats what I do for a living. Machinist)