2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering wander

[kkriz]

My 97 2500 2WD has very loose steering. The previous owner had the same complaint since new. The truck has 183K miles. I recently rebuilt the front end (ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman arm). What is the next move?

 

[greyghost]

I suffering from the same, but after I put on some 285/75/R16 Yokohamas.



The steering stabilizer made the biggest improvement, after, ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman arm, DT Trackbar and new shocks.



my . 02



Garrett

 

[Dennis Garrett]

Kkriz give this a try. I have the same truck, and was having the same problem, shortly after I bought it new. I adjust the steering box preload, and that took the wander out. I have 200k on the truck now, and have adjusted the preload twice. It still steers like new, with all original front end & steering parts except for the two upper ball joints. It's something that you can do easily in your garage or driveway in about 15 minutes.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm

 

[Lordsman]

DSS

If your steering box is bad, which it probably is, buy the DSS bracket & bearing kit. Works perfect on my '99. I had a '97 before and at 18k miles(when I bought it) the steering box was bad. Best $120 bucks or so you'll ever spend.