2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering box play

[Diesel Dually]

On my '96 3500 4x4 I have some side to side play in the output shaft of the steering box. This is the only play I can find anywhere and my track bar is almost new... The truck does exhibit some looseness in the steering while driving as well. I have always thought there should not be any side to side play so I ordered a replacement and when I got it there was a tag on it saying side to side play is "normal". Does anyone else have any play in theirs, and if so do you notice any looseness in the steering??

 

[DPrew]

You need a Dodge Steering Stabilizer. You can get one from DT Profab, PSC, Solid Steel Products and other companies as well. The average price is about $170.

A Solid Steel Products 3rd generation track bar kit or Don Thuren's kit would also help.

You steering shaft also is probably loose if it the original shaft.
A Borgeson replacement would probably help.

Rocksolidramtrucksteering.com even has a kit that replaces several sloppy OEM parts in the steering column with a solid bushing.

I have all of the above mods plus more. I'm getting ready to install a PSC Hydro Assist steering kit. I can't stand the feel of the steering box's when they get worn and it seems like the reman box's available are all crap.

 

[RHestand]

What I have in my 98 is 'road walk', for lack of a better term.

Driving down a straight road, it requires constant L to R then R to L corrections.

One of my problems is, with all steering problems these 2nd gen trucks are known to have, how bad is too bad?

My 85K mi. truck had, bad ball joints, new track bar, decent tie-rod ends, when I bought it. (2K miles ago).

I R&R the ball joints (Moog Problem Solvers), and it helped some. But I think it should be better.

I put a dial indicator on the steering box out-put shaft, and it showed . 012-. 013" play in ea. direction. (. 024-. 026" total. )

I don't know if that's too much or not.

The front end spec. shops I've talked to say "even new boxes have some movement, I've never measured one".

My plan now is. Mon. I'm having it aligned with max pos. caster added.

If it's still bad, I'll add a steering box brace.

I'm still chasing what I hope can be fixed.

Ray

 

[Diesel Dually]

Thank you for the responses. My truck has 95K miles and has been used for plowing snow since 1998. Last year was especially hard on it... While backing out of an area I had just pushed snow into the steering wheel suddenly turned about 10 degrees and now driving straight down the road the wheel is off by about 10 degrees and there is noticeably more play in the steering. Now that plowing season is coming I want to get it taken care of before I hang the plow off the nose again.

Does anyone know what the spec. is for side to side play for these boxes?
Thanks

 

[Bob4x4]

The factory service manual does not give any specs on gear box aceptable play. It does break down the adjustment sequence after they recomend you don't attempt it :-laf



Bob

 

[charlessmith]

I suggest that after you make sure nothing is bent, that you install a steering stabilizer. These put a bearing on the bottom of the steering box output shaft, and play problems are history.

This, and a 3rd gen track bar, were the best add-on parts I've done. There is a night and day difference on my '97 4x4.

 

[OldRetiredAFGuy]

Steering Stabilizer

Charlessmith: I see one of your toys is 4x4 and the other 2x4. Does anyone know if there is a stablizer available for 2WD drive trucks?

Thanks

Mike

 

[Bob4x4]

Windecker Machine Ltd. - Products

PSC Motorsports, Off-Road Steering Experts

 

[charlessmith]

Charlessmith: I see one of your toys is 4x4 and the other 2x4. Does anyone know if there is a stablizer available for 2WD drive trucks?

Windecker Machine Ltd. - Products

PSC Motorsports, Off-Road Steering Experts

Both of these list steering stabilizers for both 2x4 and 4x4 trucks. I have this on my 4x4, and have not put one on the 2x4. Partly not wanting to spend the money, and partly that the '96 2x4 isn't that loose as is.



My first place to spend $$ is going to be ball joints on the 4x4.

 

[Jefff929]

My brother has a sister ship to my truck, only his is a LB, and he just installed a DSS. He wishes he had done it sooner. I put one on and was pleased with the performance when towing.

 

[Taz]

Windecker Machine Ltd. - Products

PSC Motorsports, Off-Road Steering Experts

The steering stabilizer bar is one of the best things I have ever bought for my truck. The PSC steering box I have is one of the WORST I have ever bought. I am so damn sick of replacing their steering boxes - I am searching for a new vendor. I have put FOUR(4) psc steering boxes in my truck!! Latest one had a ton of slop in the gears straight out of the box. Pathetic QA!!!

 

[JGK]

Maybe that's why PSC is no longer selling boxes for the 2nd and 3rd gen Dodges.



-Jay

 

[Bob4x4]

Even the Dodge reman steering boxes are hit and miss. I have been lucky I guess I still have my original on my 94 4x4



Bob

 

[charlessmith]

There's a shop here in Columbus Ohio that's done pretty good for me rebuilding steering boxes and racks. I don't know if they will do mail order, but you might try. They are Steer and Gear Chrysler, Heavy Duty Truck, Light Truck Parts Remanufacturing - 1-800-253-GEAR