Steering Question

[tugboatphil]

My previous posts should have proved that I'm not afraid to look stupid... . so here goes. I just noticed some play in the steering rod that comes from the box back to the firewall. I can twist it slightly less than an inch. I still have my stepdad's 97 3500 and I checked it. Same thing, only maybe a little less travel.



Is this normal? Can this be part of my front end shaking? His truck has no front end vibration, but does wear the outer edges of the steer tires, with only 27,000 miles.



Thanks for any help!



On a side note. The newer model 3500's have some pretty sharp wheel simulators. Would they fit on my 93 rims?

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

You need to isolate this a bit more...



The play can come from the steering box itself, the steering coupler, a broken steering box mounting plate ( usually much harder to detect) or a combo of these.



Most often it is the coupler just before the steering box. Look at it and see if the movement is orginating there. It will likely look like a leaking rats nest too...



Bob.

 

[JBournes]

I had a lot of slop and play in mine as well. I just went and picked up the coupler repair kit from my local dodge dealer . But dont worry the kit was only like 10 bucks so that was a relief, especially getting anything from the dealer. It only takes about 45min-1hr. Just make sure when you put the new one in that you put the 2 blocks on the pin with the rounded edges out. They have to be this way so the joint can flex. If you put them the other way you will be taking it back off and doing it again like some other dummy i know( Loud cough----me). Hope this helps you out.



JEB