2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission slop in steering

[shendren]

i have noticed more slop in the steering since i put on new tires last week. could my steering box over center adjustment screw need to be turned in 1/8th of a turn?



also, after the tire/front end shop put on my tires, i handed them the alignment specs posted here from "brent" the dc tech. they said that they could not attain those specs because the caster cannot be set? this was supposed to be one of the best places around. they see a lot of cummins rigs because they are in columbus. i took my papers and left. so now i am looking to get my front end aligned.

 

[JLinder]

could my steering box over center adjustment screw need to be turned in 1/8th of a turn?

I just re-checked the preload on the input side, and did the over center adjustment today. The preload was tight, but I took a 1/4 turn on the over center and the wheel still comes screaming back to center. I think I might try another 1/8 tomorrow and see where I am. The adjustment did help though.

 

[Chipstien]

I am going to go through my whole front-end soon. Going to a aftermarket steering box and DT trackbar. Than I will replace all the tie rod ends with Lukes links. Have had the 35's on for close to 36000 miles now and have a heck of a time keeping this truck in the lane. However this is my only complaint so "what the hay".

 

[JLinder]

Going to a aftermarket steering box

Just curious which one?

 

[Dane]

Hey guys,

Don't forget about the steering shaft. It's known to cause wander and wear prematurely. I can feel a little play in mine @ 25,000 miles. When I reach down in the engine compartment from the driver side and wiggle it it clicks back and forth. Don't know if thats the "official" test, but that tells me theres play that should not be there imo



http://www.borgeson.com/TruckProductDodge.htm

 

[shendren]

see my sig. intermediate shaft already replaced. just got through taking down the over center adj screw 1/8 turn. it is an allen wrench type. kind of a pain to hold the screw while taking the nut down. but i got it done. i will drive it and report back. man, these dodges have a front end from hell. crap like this wearing out and needing alignment after 25k mi? my wife's honda needs nothing after 3 yrs. you gotta start replacing and upgrading crap on these trucks as soon as you drive them off the lot.

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by JLinder

Just curious which one?

I believe it is AGR or something like that. They sell them at the offroad shops. They look like the same cases as a stock unit but are supposed to have stronger parts in them. Suppose I will find out soon enough.

 

[shendren]

i just adjusted my over center screw. made a significant difference. for the better..... good luck guys.

 

[RDHamill]

Could someone please explain the proper way to set up / adjust the over center screw on the steering box.

My truck just will not return to center. I'm always correcting the steering on the road as it will not center, everything from ball joints to track bar and steering linkage and shatf are tight, may to much so?

please let me know



thanks



Rick

 

[Thomas]

"Could someone please explain the proper way to set up / adjust the over center screw on the steering box. "



Check TSB 19-10-97 posted on the Dave Fritz site.

 

[RDHamill]

I had checked that site in the past, however that TSB advises only to tighten the screw and gives no indication as to where it should be , or what procedure should be used to set it where it should be.

I have a situation with mine where I think the steering is to tight, I might as well just back it off a bunch to see if it becomes loose.



thanks for your help

Rick