2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Worn steering box?

[stseeber]

1999 2500 4WD 164K... My story is a little different than the ones I have read about. About three months ago I noticed a radical change in the touch of my steering. All of a sudden it seemed like I had double the pressure as you could set still and spin the wheel with your little finger. I commute about 600 miles a week mostly on Calif. freeways. Their was'nt much drift or freeplay it just was way too touchy. About two months later after getting used to it I was in for auto trans. service and when they test drove it after the service I was advised that I needed a new steering box. Their estimate was $1,600. 00... . I took it too a front end shop and he agreed but never got back to me on availability of aftermarket box. Went to my regular shop and they said no problem. Quoted me $500 bucks installed. Then came a call that aftermarket box was not available and would have to purchase $700. 00 rebuilt factory box. In the meantime after reading everything I could on steering threads I ordered DSS out of Canada $171. 00 delivered. So Yesterday my mechanic installed new box and DSS. Steering is fine but seems very stiff and hard to turn? Is this normal? I had DSS put on because I thought it would help releave the box of some of the strain on it? Anyone have same or similer experience? No wandering or freeplay in wheel but extremely hard steering... . Steve in N. Calif... ...

 

[kentdiesel]

Did you get the rebuilt box from a Dodge Delership? I priced a new box at my local dealer and it was $680. 00 six months ago.

This link for Mopar Parts shows a new 99 box for $375. 00



http://www.newmoparparts.com/



I think you should check the fluid to make sure it is full. It takes alittle turning and filling to get the air out after changing a major component.

Next I would go back to the shop and see what they say. Maybe you got a bad box.

I put a New steering box and DSS on my truck and I am sure a DSS would not cause a truck to steer harder. However, to try your truck without it all you would have to do is take the support bearing off, two bolts and a set screw, you would not have to remove the big support bracket for this test.



This isn't a precise answer to your problem but it may give you something to think about. My wife's 97 GMC Yukon had the same symptoms as your RAM. Sometimes it was hard to turn the wheel, sometimes it was to easy or helped you to much. I replaced the power steering pump and that fixed it. I know we are not talking about the same vehicle but the Ram has a Steering Box and Pump that look very similiar to GM .



Let us know the outcome,

thanks,

Kent

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by kentdiesel

I know we are not talking about the same vehicle but the Ram has a Steering Box and Pump that look very similiar to GM .



Let us know the outcome,

thanks,

Kent

Actually the pump is a GM Saginaw. That would explain why they look similar.

 

[CFAR]

http://www.pscpowersteer.com/



about $200. 00 rebuilt, its where I got mine. Mine was sloppy from mile 1. It was adjusted many times but still had too much play.

 

[jjohn]

Originally posted by CFAR

http://www.pscpowersteer.com/



about $200. 00 rebuilt, its where I got mine. Mine was sloppy from mile 1. It was adjusted many times but still had too much play.

CFAR,

Please tell me more... How do you test for excessive play in the steering gear? My truck was sloppy from day one also. I installed the DSS, and was about to Order the DT track bar and maybe even four Luke's Links.



Instead of just blindly throwing parts at my truck until it drives the was it should have originally, I would rather determine where the weakest link/links and target them first.

 

[CFAR]

Take a large hammer and hit your windshield... .



Just kidding.



The way I checked to see if it was the box or maybe the output shaft(before DSS)was:



1. Start truck

2. Roll down drivers window

3. Get out reach in through window grab wheel

4. Look into the front fender well

5. You should be able to see the input to the steering gear and also the pitman arm.

6. Slowly move steering wheel back and forth, and see if the input shaft movements are mirrored on the pitman arm.

7. On mine from mile one, the wheel would turn back and forth about two inches before there was any movement from the pitman arm.



After max adjustments it still had play so, new box.



The DSS helped and will hopefully prevent output shaft wear.



Mine is still a pain to drive, the steering is not positive, there is still play in the steering system somewhere.

 

[jjohn]

Thanks CFAR

I adjusted the over-center screw today. Somewhere between an 1/8 to a 1/4 inch on the Steering gear. It helped, but I'm not going to get too excited until I've driven it a little more. When I get more time and read a little more... I may try the bearing preload adjustment also.