Hello fellow first genners.

Usually I just lerk on this site and be able to go from there, but this problem is beating me. I have 1993 W250 with 5.9 cummins. I’m having a problem with it throwing me from lane to lane. It feels like there is a dead spot in steering… It would pull to the right and when I try to correct it nothing would happen for about 25 deg of wheel rotation, and then all of the sudden it would jerk to the left. Then it would pull to the left and the cycle repeats. I just replaced both tie rod ends (they were SHOT), that did not help.I though it may be dead spot in steering gearbox. So I replaced that, power steering lines and the drag link (was all lose too). I also replaced steering column as ***** were falling out of the bearing. The steering feels much sturdier now and slop is gone, however truck STILL jumps around. It does not do it every time but it makes me nervous as I don’t know when it will happen.
Please let me know what you guys think it may be, I am at a loss here…

 

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...k-t310899.html

 

As bobva said could be frame cracks or possibly the front u-joints could be bad. You have already hit some of the things like the TREs. It could also be the king pin bushings or the king pins themselves. How are the tires? Not likely judging by the symptoms, good luck...Mark

 

If cracked fix it.

also read this https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...x-t299031.html

and this https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...2-t301769.html

Buy this. http://www.dodgeconnection.com/catal...66/4541374.htm anyway cracked or not

 

Mark is on a good point there with the front u-joints the ones in the axle.

 

Good advice above. As mentioned, my first thought is also for the front axle u-joint(s) being seized. Many people will ignore them as a possible cause if the problem occurs in 2WD, but keep in mind that the axle joints must flex when you steer, even if they don't happen to be turning.

To check for seized front axle joints, jack up the front of the truck so the front wheels are off the ground. Lock the front hubs. Crank the steering wheel all the way to one side, then spin each front wheel by hand. If the axle joint is seized, that front wheel won't be able to spin a full revolution without slowing or stopping as that joint binds.

 

Thank you for such quick input! I sure hope it's not a cracked frame... When I took gearbox nothing jumped at me, but I did not look that closely as I did not know it was an issue on our trucks. I will check frame and U-joints as stated above tomorrow. Tires are good maybe have 15k miles on them and they look good to me.

 

More

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...4-t290373.html

At least get into the plastic bushings and springs.

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog...ng-bushing.htm

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ighlight=bobva

 

Well, it appears that it is U-joints - thanks for trouble shooting technique torquefan. Turned wheels to passenger side and locked the hubs. Could not rotate passenger side tire at all. Then I tried to turn wheels to other side and could not do it without power steering, it just got stuck there. I repeated it a few times and passenger side locks up every time. At one time I even felt and heard a pop when turning the steering wheel.
I did look at the frame and could not see any cracks, but I could not get a very good look with steering box still on.
I am definitely not looking towards changing the u-joints… I never messed with these axles, and really hope I don't have to remove the knuckles. Bobva I saw you posted link to dana 60 rebuilt, but is there a thread on u-joint repair? I don’t have a manual or anything for this truck, and I have no experience with this axle. I will also go ahead and replace king ping bushings and springs – at the price it’s a no brainer.

Thanks for all your help!

 

Have a buddy work the steering wheel while you watch the gearbox for movement that's how I found my gearbox bracket cracked and frame crack

 

If you can change a steering box, you can replace the u-joints. If you look here you will find a link on how to remove the hub assembly and such and you will also see how everything comes apart, it is pretty easy...Mark

 

U joint R & R

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=187074

 

BTW you'll have that thing so striped down you may as well do the king pins also.

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog...taxleparts.htm

 

Thank you all for the help. It ended up being the u-joints like mentioned earlier.
I am getting ready to order the kingpin bushings and springs (I know... I should have done it when did u-joints). Where can I order gaskets for top caps? I can't find them sold separately anywhere.