2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Play in steering wheel?

[mcandies]

Sloppy steering?

My steering wheel seems to have some play in it. I can move it little in each direction before the wheels start to turn. Is there an adjustment that can take this movement out and make it respond as when new. My truck is 2 wheel dirve. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Go to "Search forums" at top of page and do search for "overcenter steering adjustment" bg

 

[crobertson1]

Also check into a "Darin's Steering Stabilizer". Do a search and you'll have plenty of reading. It really seems to help tighten up the steering, like if you have to steer left and right to go straight.

They're also known as a DSS.

 

[jjohn]

Sounds Like it could be the intermediate shaft to me.

The shaft between the steering gear box and the firewall. They have been replaced on warranty (when applicable) if testing out of specification. Borgenson also makes a replacement.

 

[bmoeller]

steering adjustments

Do the bearing preload first before the over-center adjustment.



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm



I did the preload yesterday. It helped a little bit. Need to do the o/c adjustment next.



Did it in the truck. You don't need the spanner wrench. I used 2- 1/4"x 2 1/2" long bolts. Took the grinder to them so they are 3/16" in diameter on the end (about 3/8" needs to be ground down). Took a short 7/16" combination wrench, slid the box end over one of the bolts and used the other to push/pull against. Have the wrench as close to the input shaft on the box so you won't bend the bolts.



Had a fencing staple and squeezed it so it had a 1/2" gap to make marks to know how much to back off the initial adjustment as per the instructions. Alot easier than trying to use ruler or tape measure in that small space.



I am tall enough that I was able to do it from the top without much trouble.