Steering-Ram 2500 Quad

[MD11RET]

My 2001 Ram 2500 Quad has a mind of its own regarding where it wants to go and where I want to go. Dealer is sympathetic and explains that the problem is in design rather than adjustment.

The Castor angle is set as best it can be at 4 deg. Dealer suggests finding a 1997 steering box and swapping it out.



Any body out there have a fix derived from previous experience?

 

[HC]

This is one of the most frequently discussed problems with our trucks. Search on "steering wander" or similar words, and you should find tons of reading. There is a techical service bulletin that shows how to make two adjustments to your box; one is easy, one is a little more involved. But if it is really bad, a good dealer will install a new steering gear box (mine did - Hagan's Dodge, Morrilton, AR - THANKS!)

Other issues that have played a role or been blamed for steering wander include track bars, setting up the alignment at one end of the factory-allowed specification range, adjusting tire pressures, and replacing the steering damper / stabilizer with a better aftermarket device such as one made by Rancho. Folks with good dealers have gotten some improvement; others have fought and fought. But you are not the first to deal with the issue, so happy reading, and if you have trouble finding the threads e-mail me and I'll see if I can locate some of them for you.



I don't recall seeing anyone who had solved it by going to a '97 gearbox; sounds creative; is your dealer going to foot the bill and still guarantee everything, or is he just sending you away to get someone else to do this? Who knows, maybe it will work!



Good luck, and welcome to the TDR!



P. S. - I almost forgot, a tip from previous threads: when discussing with your dealer, use the key words "excessive play", "excessive steering wheel play", or similar. That is what keys him to look at the right techical service bulletin and gets you started down the right path.

 

[DHenry]

My bother-in-law ordered a 2000 2500 LWB and got one of the real bad ones (wander-wise). DC "did the right thing" and now he's got a 2001. 5 that is much better, but still not ideal.



I recently test-drove a 2001. 5 SWB that drove OK, but ended up ordering a 2002 SWB. My fear now is that it'll have the dreaded steering wander. I guess I won't accept it if it does. Anyway, not knowing any better, I began to wonder if there is any difference in the steering geometry between the LWB and SWB that could account for the wander (the LWB's turn pretty tight for a long truck). I haven't gone back through the threads and checked sigs for the WB configuration of those who've had the problems.



Any thoughts?

 

[Dennis Garrett]

Here's how, I bet your preload was too loose from the factory like mine was.

http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/technical/TSB97/19-10-97/19_10_97.htm

 

[klenger]

Originally posted by DHenry

My bother-in-law ordered a 2000 2500 LWB and got one of the real bad ones (wander-wise). DC "did the right thing" and now he's got a 2001. 5 that is much better, but still not ideal.



I recently test-drove a 2001. 5 SWB that drove OK, but ended up ordering a 2002 SWB. My fear now is that it'll have the dreaded steering wander. I guess I won't accept it if it does. Anyway, not knowing any better, I began to wonder if there is any difference in the steering geometry between the LWB and SWB that could account for the wander (the LWB's turn pretty tight for a long truck). I haven't gone back through the threads and checked sigs for the WB configuration of those who've had the problems.



Any thoughts?

It sounds like another poll to me.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

my wanderings

There are lots of places to look for a wander problem.



The long wheelbase models will be pickier to loose suspension and steering. Mine had 155 miles on it and it was back to the dealer with steering problems. I got a new center link, tie rod ends, and a new right front hub that had too much play (look for grease on inside of rim). My truck drove terrible right off of the lot. But I test drove another one right next to it that was perfect. If you think the long wheelbase trucks wander, just wait until the real crew cab comes out.



Dodge made the suspension to flex, and a softer ride comes at some expense. The big weight of the cummins really puts a strain on things as well. With the coil spring suspension, there are lots of bushings that can flex and wear causing problems. Just reflect upon the steering/suspension problems the old ford broncos had with coil springs. The old leaf spring style just had fewer parts to wear, but it rode hard in the front.



Make sure the suspension/steering gets greased with every oil change or sooner. Otherwise you will be changing steering parts with new ones frequently.



The second gen trucks are picky on tire pressure. Mine will pull if off by 2psi or more per side. Also be sure to hit the brakes frequently when backing up to keep the adjusters tight to ward off brake pull (whoops, I just opened up another can of worms).



97 boxes were known for sloppiness as well, right out of the box. A shim kit is the best way to go.



I hope this helps some people out there. Anyway, keep on a rammin'.