2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission wheel alignment

[firefighter]

does anyone have any information on front end wheel alignment, I have a slight wander that I have not been able to have fixed.Thanks

 

[fest3er]

Some wander comes from worn steering shaft, worn tie rod ends, worn ball joints, and worn-out track bar. The remainder is split almost evenly between (1) worn-out sector shaft bearings in the steering gear and (2) worn out suspension bushings. On a 4WD, you probably cannot manually test the bushings. But you can be assured that if you have over 100k miles on them, they're well worn; over 200k miles, they're worn out.

Years ago, I installed an SSI stabilizer on the steering gear on my '98. (The stabilizer removes all the stress from the little bearing on the sector shaft.) That removed a lot of wander. More years passed and the wander returned. I finally had the 8 front suspension bushings replaced in 2011 or so. That pretty much eliminated the wander. Replacing the track bar and the steering shaft at the same time eliminated the slop in the steering.

 

[fest3er]

Some wander comes from worn steering shaft, worn tie rod ends, worn ball joints, and worn-out track bar. The remainder is split almost evenly between (1) worn-out sector shaft bearings in the steering gear and (2) worn out suspension bushings. On a 4WD, you probably cannot manually test the bushings. But you can be assured that if you have over 100k miles on them, they're well worn; over 200k miles, they're worn out.

Years ago, I installed an SSI stabilizer on the steering gear on my '98. (The stabilizer removes all the stress from the little bearing on the sector shaft.) That removed a lot of wander. More years passed and the wander returned. I finally had the 8 front suspension bushings replaced in 2011 or so. That pretty much eliminated the wander. Replacing the track bar and the steering shaft at the same time eliminated the slop in the steering.

 

[JMcCoy]

Alignment can most definitely cause steering wander, usually not enough caster. Obviously all the above mentioned parts need to be in good condition to properly set the alignment. Many have had good luck with different settings other than stock to fix the wander. I don't remember the actual numbers, but I'm sure someone can chime in. Do you have a 2wd or 4wd? If you set up your signature (with truck description), we can better assist you. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[SnoKing]

2001 dodge 1 ton dully diesel 4x4! From his other post about a wheel locking up. SNOKING

 

[KATOOM]

This may be what you're looking for. http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/00_steer_specs.html Obviously you need to be sure that there's no loose or worn out steering/suspension components causing driving conditions. But if everything is tight then make sure there's enough toe in and make sure there's far more positive caster set than the factory specs. These trucks respond WAY better on the road with just about all the positive caster you can set, while keeping the cross caster set as well.