01 Stearing problem
 

Just bought a 01 2500 got about 150,000 on it and im noticing a major steering problem. This is not your normal dodge wander The streering wheel moves about a 1/4 turn before it really starts to turn the truck. I just lifted it but it was doing it before i lifted it. Any help would be great thanks

get some one to help and move the wheel back and forth while you look under at all the steering joints to see whats not tight

Sounds like a bad box, but you may have any number of other issues starting with warn ball joints thru to the trac bar.

Rebal talks wisely.

How much play going down the road at 50+ mph?
Oversized tires? They can make a big difference....resistance wise!
A new steering box and one of THESE will make a hugh difference!

RJ

All the Ball joints seem to be in good shape. Before i lifted it it was doing this same thing but it was worse than what it is now. i tried turning in the adjustment screw and that didn't seam change much.

The steering also seems to be worse turning to the right than to the left. it seems that i have to turn further to the right to get the truck to actually go right and to the left it seems to be a little more responsive.

look at steering shaft from the firewall. check all joints. all steering parts allittle added everywhere will add up alot on the steering wheel. a steering brace and DSS trac bar cured me up. then when I lifted the truck to 6" I know can not use the DSS trac bar and now have a DT Pro-fab adjustable trac bar that is for a lift. so all is good. may want to look at the steering box shaft and the box and how it is moving or if the box itself is stressed and flexing on the frame. you can lift the truck up and have someone turn for you and you look your self. only do this if you have a person and safe stands.

How would u know if the track Bar is bad? Is there any way that i can Find out if the steering box its self?

DSS Steering Stabilizer 94-02 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 4x4 from Solid Steel Industries
[DSS0019402-4]
from Pure Diesel helped my truck out a ton!!!!

You need to get under there while someone turns the steering wheel for you and inspect what is happening. Changing out random "I think its" parts is just gonna cost you money.

Look for looseness and play. Anything not moving once the steering box (pitman arm) budges could be your area to look into further.

now you will have some flex and some movement but when links 1 part moves more before the other starts to move you have play. play will add up and magnify on the control and steering wheel.

This has been discussed many times in infinite detail. The answer hasn't changed. There are only a few items in the equation and they all must be in good condition. There are also aftermarket solutions that have also been discussed.
tie rods, ball joints, steering box (NOT AGR), steering shaft, rock solid bushing, steering brace, track bar Thuren or???. Next deal with the VP. Got gauges? Got fuel? $2k in parts & you're done or at least ready for injectors & a chip.