2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Sloppy Steering

[NMongeau]

I have an 1/8 to 1/4 turn of play in the steering wheel. I have checked the joints at the tie rods and draglink ends ect. They are all good. The track bar is slightly loose and is getting a Lukes Link soon. While checking the front end I noticed that the steering box seemed loose. A closer inspection revealed that although it isn't leaking, the pitman shaft actually moves side to side in the steering box. It doesn't show any other signs of damage or make any noise. It actually seems to work fine. I was doing some research and came across the BD Steering box stabilizer. I appears that it might help, however the repair seems to address frame flex. If I need a new steering box where should I get it from. The front end of the truck is all original at 165,000 miles. (Ball joints, tie rods, ect. ) Has 33x12. 50 mud tires on it and has had oversize tires since 94,000 miles. Thanks for your help.

 

[JWelch]

The BD bar is another solid rail between the frames but it also supports the pitman shaft so that it doesn't leak or get to much movement.



That is a lot of mile to be going on stock ball joint and tie rods. On my two trucks I know they needed ball joints at about 80,000 miles each. I waited an additional 50,000 miles on my first one and it cost had to pay a shop to completely rebuild the front end.



If the BD bar and lukes links do not help I would recommend going to a good frame allignment shop and have them allign your truck they can really tell if they is the slightest thing out of whack at those places.

 

[Dave M]

You might check out the steering box by turning the steering wheel back and forth and notice any delay between the steering box input shaft and output shaft.



I'd recommend a PSC 3 turn steering box. It realy helps front end steering using a 3 turn verses 4 turn box and also the PSC box has lighter valving makes the steering effortless to turn. My truck steeering like a sports car.



Get the SG-841M... they list several others for our trucks but that is the one you want.



(SG-841M) '94-'02 Dodge Xtreme Duty Steering Gear [SG-841M] - $430. 00 : PSC Motorsports, Off-Road Steering Experts



SG-841M (94-02 Dodge Xtreme Duty Steering Gear 13-16:1 Variable Ratio) $430.



Dave

 

[steved]

Ummm, simply readjust the box you have... there is a set screw opposite the pitman shaft that is comprised of an allen screw and jam nut. Simply snug this small screw down in small increments until the play is gone. If you go too far, the steering won't return to center.

This may take several trial and errors... its easiest with the front tires off the ground (to feel it getting "tight").

(You can actually see the adjustment screw in the picture posted above, its in the cover opposite the pitman arm)