2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering wander

[saddletramp]

Just joined the TDR family and bought a 2001 with 45,000 on it. I had my mechanic look at it before buying, and noticed a bit more play in the steering than my gas Dodge so I brought it up to the dealer and had him adjust the steering box (at least that's what they said). Afterward the thing was almost undrivable. It wandered all over the place and the steering wheel was so stiff it just added to the wander. They backed off on the adjustment and it's better, but still wanders and it's still stiff. I hate to go back if I can find out what I can do myself, as I'd like to not have to depend on the dealer. Any Help out there?

 

[mdilling]

I have a 2001 with the same problem when i got it a year ago. My steering shaft slip joint was loose between ujoints on the input of the steering box and the previous owner had tightened the sector down to try to get the play out. When i replaced the steering shaft i took out the sector and adjusted the preload. It took 50 inch pounds to turn it across center or the straight ahead position. All data said it should be 2 to 6 inch pounds more drag than what the drag is at 90 degrees on either side. With mine backed all the way off i had 10 inch pounds drag with no oil in sector and when done i have 13# total drag. It now steers much easer and with less play and wander

 

[CMckee]

welcome to the tdr guys. you need to check out these guys http://www.solidsteel.ca/ for the DSS and the trackbar if it's 4x4. it eliminated all the wander from my rig. takes about 30 minutes to install the DSS. not sure about the track bar as i'm only a 2 wheeler. oh and by the way you should fill in your siganture so we know what you got.

 

[jrobinson2]

Steering box adjustment procedures here: Steering box TSB

If you need a box PSC seems to work quite well PSC steering



Jared

 

[OTRPU]

Well, I'm confused again. I'm 2WD, have been told my track bar is worn out. Do I got one or not. Seems most talk bout 4x4 and solid axle in reference to tack bar. I'm independant.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[Dane]

Do I got one or not

No...



Check the usual front end stuff, pay close attention to the steering box.

 

[jrobinson2]

Steve,

There is not a track bar on a IFS.

A dodge IFS steering system has a center link that is not a wear item, an idler arm and pitman arm (these support the center link), left and right tie rods (these connect the center link to the wheel spindles), each tie rod has an inner and outer tie rod end.



Jared

 

[saddletramp]

Steering box adjustment procedures here: Steering box TSB

If you need a box PSC seems to work quite well PSC steering



Jared

Thanks, I'll check that out. I'm getting used to the wander and don't want to get comfortable with it.