Steering Wander Recipe

[Fireman Dave]

Same here, Dave.

New Track Bar, New Steering Box, Correct Tire Pressure. Those were the three elements that solved my wander and slop.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; BedRug; Forest Green; Isspro Pyro, Boost, and Trans Temp Gauges; 27' TT

 

[DaveN]

Well, my steering wander has been fixed, I thought I would let everyone know what happened, maybe it will help someone out. I took the truck in the first time, they said that the tire pressure was way off. It was, so I was satisfied with that and took it home. Took it back the next day. They then replaced the steering box with the "correct box number" (by the way thanks to the TDR for providing that info, I printed it off and took it in for the dealer) and my steering was improved, but still not that great. I took it in again, this time printing off the alignment specs that were posted here. At that time, they replaced the ball joints, gave me another steering box, and aligned it properly. Now it drives great. The only drawback is that now my wife wants to drive it all the time. #ad


I did hear something interesting from the dealer, the serice manager told me that they just had a Chrysler rep in there, and he mentioned that they are having some big problems with all of the steering boxes. (I know that's not news here, but at least they know... ) Not only are they not correct from the factory, but the ones that are correct from the factory are wearing out prematurely. So what the service manager told me was to watch it, and make sure I bring it in before warranty to get my new steering box. I was a little perturbed to hear that but at least they were honest with me about it.

I do have to say that unlike many of you, I had good service from my dealer (arbor dodge in Ann Arbor MI). It did take them a couple of tries to figure it out, but they were always very nice and willing to work with me (try the TDR's suggestions). I figure they didn't build it, they just have to fix it.

My two cents worth... .

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2001. 5 2500 4WD Auto QC 3. 54 Loaded except Leather

 

[DW]

I have had 2 ball joints replaced on one side, axle joints on both sides replaced and track bar replaced. I have also had the truck aligned. The truck has improved some, but still has play in the steering wheel. How can you tell if the steering box is bad on the truck?

1998 2500 4WD 5 speed 3. 54 loaded truck

 

[D.Duncan]

I've had the same problem since day one. But noticed a difference when I rotated the tires.
When I rotate them back the same problem happens.
Been rotating every 6,000 miles.
Had it aligned twice, and check the tire pressure once a week.
25,000 miles on the odometer, and I need answers. I do have the extended drive train warranty.

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01' QuadCab 4x4 auto, 3. 54, MP 12-disc changer
MP tow hooks, Speedliner, UWS toolbox, Garnet red w/
driftwood. Pure Stocker

 

[Fireman Dave]

DW: In my case, the pitman shaft was loose.

D. Duncan: Your problem could be tire or rim related if rotating has an affect on it.

 

[mbrolin]

Havent had anty problems with mine. Did feel slightly loose in the front but wasnt overly concerned about. Im getting ready for vacation and MM so I decided to get the alignment done. Found the caster set at 2deg. Cranked the camblolts and set it at 3. 5 deg. Drves 100% better. BTW,I do my own alignments at our shop.

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2001 HO 6spd,Quad cab,LWB,4x4,Flame Red,all options except for leather,Westin Brushguard/Push bar,Painless wiring,Radio Shack CB,my own design CB mount,Smittybuilt nerf bars,NW Custom rocker covers,Custom built stainless rocker light bars,DeeZee bedrails,Isspro pyro and boost gauges,Jacobs ebrake,Reese 20k 5er hitch(more to come)

 

[ramman]

Tire rotation will change the way it steers,I was having a constant correction problem while straight ahead,rotated tires today and stoped that but now pulls to the right slightly but better than fighting it all the time.

 

[DUNE RACER]

I got a new "AF" box at 5000 miles and the wander was nearly gone, now at 11000 its starting to come back #ad
#ad
This really blows. Looks like I'll be starting at square one with the dealer again. #ad


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2001 black 4X4 dually, 6 speed, all the factory goodies plus... SPA's on the pillar, billet grill, lighted running boards, lund visor, rhino liner,
aluminum rail caps, zerked tierod ends, dynomax muffler, custom bug screen, big smile on owners face.

 

[Mike Sisk]

It's a shame I have to admit this here, but I finially fixed my steering wander by trading my truck in for a Ford.

I went through the alignment, track bar, shocks, stabilizer and steering box route. The new steering box helped for a time but on a recent trip from here to Seattle the wander returned. Futzing with the preload on the steering box didn't help.

Finially I just couldn't take it anymore. I found the truck just wasn't fun to drive anymore because of the steering and trying to fix it was taking way too much of my time that's better spent. My dealer was pretty good at trying to get it better but admitted it's a common problem that they don't have a fix for.

So I test drove a Ford PSD 4x4 dually. And I have to tell you the steering of the Ford is far, far better than either of my Dodges.

The Ford ain't perfect but at least it steers straight.



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Version 2. 0: 2001 Ford F-350 DRW SC Lariat 4x4 4. 10

Version 1. 1: 2001 3500 QC SLT ETH/DEE 4x4 4. 10

Version 1. 0: 1998 3500 QC SLT 12v 5sp 4x4 3. 55

 

[ramman]

Mike Sisk ,What about the comparesion of mpg and power to your Dodges,be honest now.

 

[Mike Sisk]

Dodge Cummins vs. Ford PowerStroke (PSD):

The Ford I have now is pretty similar to the Dodge I had. Both are 4. 10 geared SuperCab duallys.

The Ford is an automatic compared to the ETH's six-speed being the major difference.

My usual around town milage on the Dodge was 17 - 19 mpg. Best on highway was 22 mpg at 60 mph.

The Ford is getting 16. 4 mpg at the last fillup with about 1000 around town miles on it. Better than I expected.

The engine in the Ford is rated at 250 hp/505 torq. A hair more than the the HO Cummins. For 2001 the six-speed Fords are 275hp/520 torq.

The Ford feels slower than the Dodge but doing a simple test of checking the speed at a certain point on a road I travel everyday shows the two at about the same speed during an acceleration test. No doubt the automatic helps in this test since you don't loose boost like you do shifting the six speed.

In a drag race I think the ETH would win but not by as much as I expected. Of course, this is with all stock trucks.

Other little things about the Ford:

1. Yes, you can fill up with the big rig diesel pumps--the filler will accept the big nozzles.

2. No cat. converter on the Ford (none on the Dodge either but I had heard the Fords had 'em. )

3. Yes, it has glow plugs but it also has an intake heater like the Cummins.

4. It takes longer to start the PSD. I'm used to the Cummins just firing right up. The Ford needs to crank for a second or two to build enough oil pressure so the HEUI fuel injectors will work.

5. Outside the PSD is slightly--but not greatly--quieter than the Cummins. Inside the Ford is much quieter.

6. This was not expected: The Ford--even though it has the camper and trailer tow package like my old Dodge--is a much smoother riding truck. The frost heaves and potholes around here aren't nearly as painful as they were in the Dodge.

7. The Ford has locking hubs instead of an axle disconnect. You can get full manual or automatic hubs. I have the automatic hubs but they have a manual override so you can lock 'em in if the automatic feature fails.

8. The front diff is a Dana 60, the rear a full Dana 80--not the Dana 80 hybrid Dodge uses.

9. It'd suck to work on the PSD engine--the engine compartment is very full and has wires and lines going everywhere.

10. Replacing the fan belt requires one to remove the upper radator hose--dumb.

11. The brakes--even the anti-lock--are much better on the Ford.

I have yet to tow--that'll be the real test.


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Version 2. 0: 2001 Ford F-350 DRW SC Lariat 4x4 4. 10

Version 1. 1: 2001 3500 QC SLT ETH/DEE 4x4 4. 10

Version 1. 0: 1998 3500 QC SLT 12v 5sp 4x4 3. 55

 

[Stan]

[

[/B][/QUOTE]

Does anyone know if Dodge has a TSB out on this problem or not? They sure must know what it takes to fix it by now.
Stan

 

[Nemies]

What are the "correct" part numbers for what
you had replaced? Or rather, what should I say when I go there?

"Steering sucks, I'd like you to replace the steering box and track bar?"



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Kees C.
99, 4x4, 2500, 5spd, HD, LSD, SB, QC, Sport, Forest-Green, Cab-Lights
Rhinoliner, toolbox, dual Firestiks

 

[groundpounder]

Or is there aftermarket equipment that is better then the OEM?? I would rather replace it with some MOOG stuff if its available.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Kees,

The steering box that worked for me and others is Delphi 52113500AF.

Dave