2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering adjustment

[ROADWARRIOR]

All right guys, I need to know which adjustment I need to make. The over-center adjustment or the preload adjustment.



All the joints up front are new and tight. Here is my problem. While driving, the truck steers fairly good, but from dead center, I can turn the wheel a fair amount left and right before the tires start to turn much. I also have a DSS bar if that makes any difference. Also, no wandering, pull, or deathwobble. Just seems like a lot of slack in the system.



Thanks,

Dan

 

[bmoeller]

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



Notes:



- Take your time on the preload. When you snug the preload, mark with a pencil and then back off 3 to 5 mm. Don't mess with the overcenter (the nut on top of the box) unless you have to.



- Takes about 30 minutes. Take the nut & bolt out of the lower end of your steering shaft, at the spline shaft coming out of the box. The shaft will telescope toward the firewall, so just swing it out of the way. Get on your back with a screwdriver & hammer, and tap the locking ring until it's loose, & thread it off the steering box, Under that you will see a disc with two holes in it for a spanner wrench, If that disc is only finger tight, that's part, if not all of your problem. Rotate in until snug, back off just enough for oil clearance, & put it back together. Dennis Garrett



- Tires can cause wander when the belts begin to shift. Try swapping the front and rear tires to see if one of the front tires was causing the problem.



- A significant number of reports have been received concerning track bars on aging Rams. Many 4X4 Rams with several years of hard use are developing steering wander due to worn track bars.

To check a track bar, start the engine and observe the ends of the track bar while someone saws the wheel from side to side. ANY MOVEMENT AT EITHER END OF THE TRACK BAR INDICATES THAT THE TRACK BAR IS BAD. If play is observed, replace the track bar.

 

[GMills]

I have the same problem. I am thinking it may be my steering box. When parked, moving the steering wheel, I can watch the shaft move back and forth as it goes into the box with no movement to the wheels. I'd be curious to know if yours is the same.

 

[blmyachtsales]

Same problem here but my truck also wanders all over. Have new ball joints, U-joints, track bar, tie rod ends,rims and tires and 5 Lukes links with a DSS on the way. Tried the over center adjust but I swear that made things worse so I stopped at 1/2 turn, maybe the pre load should be done first? Anyone get a good price on a new steering box? Dealer want $700:--) intermediate shaft seems nice and tight, oh the steering box is leaking around the pitman arm shaft.

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by blmyachtsales

Anyone get a good price on a new steering box? Dealer want $700:--)

http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98838&highlight=steering+gear



http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/n...r=15546175&prmenbr=5806&usrcommgrpid=82805516



http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=C001&UserAction=loadPage

 

[blmyachtsales]

Thanks to bmoeller I am breathing regularly again. TDR and it's members has saved me a ton of money!



BTW checked the over center adjustment again and for Kicks brought it back 1/4 turn and things were better. Must have went to far.

 

[RPainter]

Do you have to prime or bleed a new steering box or just hook up the hoses after replacement? Mine is about shot.

Randy

 

[bmoeller]

Will need to be bled. Not sure on the prcedure on these trucks, haven't done it yet. On my old Ford, after the system is put together and filled, you turn the wheels all the way back and forth (while running) to bleed it. Since we have hydraulic brake boosters powered off the PS pump, it may be a little different.