jd03ctd

When driving on a straight road I have to keep my steering wheel just a little to the left of center to go straight. If i put the wheel at dead center the truck veers to the right. It's not something thats terribly noticible but it bugs me. I just wonder if the truck is out of alignment or its just the steering wheel that needs realigned. The truck only has 1000 miles on it. This is the only issue I have other than that I absolutley love this truck!
Thanks,
Jim

TheMoose

Has it been that way since new??
If so take it to the dealer, it's probably just a steering wheel alignment.
If it hasn't, have you curbed it or hit a big pothole?? You may have knocked it out of alignment.

Mexstan

As TheMoose said. I would take it back to the dealer pronto, get it recorded and have it fixed on the first oil change. Mine was similar plus was quite stiff. At the first oil change they found a bad steering box and changed it. Of course had an alignment done at the same time. No problems since.

jd03ctd

It's been that way since new

Gunship Guy

Mine's the same way. Slightly left of center since day one.

erics76

My '02 was like that until I put a leveling kit on it. Now it runs perfectly straight. Go figure.

Hoss

That would annoy the heck out of me. I'd take it in and have it fixed under warranty.

EdsGarage

Mine's the same. 1000 miles.

If I were to let go, I would be in the next lane over in five seconds or so.

I am missing the body plugs as well. I wonder how much fluid I have in the rear diff...

Mark Thomas

I can't put alot of faith in this, but I was told that it is that way so that if in the event you fell aslepp behind the whell you would go onto the shoulder instead of oncoming traffic ???

CCOUGHRAN

i have had this same problem since mile # 4 when i test drove the truck.
the dealer said to drive it for 1000 miles, and then bring it in, he said 1000miles to let everything kinda set-in.

well last week(my second week of ownership) i hit 2000 miles and took it to them, said they aligned the front end, and that it was better, but that could only adjust a little bit on 4x4. had my girlfriend pick the truck up on friday and i took it out of town this weekend, and it was not better. i now have 3200 miles and i called the dealer again this am, and i am scheduled to go back tomorrow. i also told them that the front tires are now showing signs of cupping, and at the price these tires cost i want the alignment right.

i will post an update once mine is repaired.

chris

sawboywv1

loosen the coupler on the steering rod and either crank it in some or open it up. thats all there is to centering your steering wheel, it has nothing to do with ALIGHNMENT!

Hummin Cummins

Mine was left of center as well since mile 0 and now has 11,000 on it.

Just had it centered.

They did realign the front end however. I was experienceing wear on the outer edge of the drivers front tire. The other corner was fine.

Mexstan

When I took mine in for the same problem there was some slight abnormal wear on the tires. Since the steering box change and the new alignment the tires appear to be wearing normally and the wheel is centered.

CCOUGHRAN

SAWBOY,

just curious, but if on my truck it has nothing to do with alignment, then why the strange wear on my steer tires?

maybe the alignment was out, AND the steering wheel is off? i guess they could have gotten the alignment corrected, and the steering wheel still be off center?

anyway, thaks for the advice, and i will see if a ican fix it myself.

chris

sawboywv1

a good alighnment shop has a steering wheel prop to hold the wheel centered, then they will adjust the sleave on the drag link. the tie rod controls the toe ( in or out). i've adjusted my sleave on solid axle drag link trucks for years to center the steering wheel. make notes so you know which way to turn the sleave in respect to your wheel! this is what i do, pull the truck in your garage with the wheels straight (steering wheel in the off center postion), shut the truck off with the wheel in the unlocked postion. get under your rig and adjust the sleave, you will see your steering wheel move, keep going till you get it close the centered. tighten the bolts on the sleave. when you fire it up the power steering will compensate a few degrees, so don't adjusted the sleave too much or you'll have to go back the other way. NOTE the orientation of the sleave bolts and make sure they are in the same place! otherwise they might interfear with the frame when you turn the truck.