As there has been another thread regarding this topic I thought I would add an update to what I've done to try and correct the problem on my 2002 Ram 2500 4WD.
I tried increasing the air pressure in the LEFT front tire and most recently have installed a 1/4" wheel spacer on the RT front (which I ordered through Advance Auto Parts). I had previously upgraded the ball joints, track bar and tie rod ends, steering box and had a DSS (Darin steering stabilizer) installed, all through a friend of mine who is a Dodge dealer mechanic. Had a fresh alignment done also.
Unfortunately I still have the pull to the right, although it is better (less) than before. Not sure what else could be done. I do think that having a "zero tolerance" steering box might help as suggested by the alignment person, but they are apparently very expensive.

 

If it's pulling to the right, the spacer should have been installed on the LEFT front. The truck will generate pull toward the side with the spacer since the spacer increases the distance between the imaginary kingpin axis and the center of the tire's contact patch.

See the instructions beginning on page 19 of TSB 05-03-97.

Also, although I wouldn't resort to playing with side-to-side tire pressures, the truck will pull toward the side with the LOWER tire pressure, so if you want it to pull left, the left front should be at a lower pressure than the right front.

Rusty

 

Have tried crossing the front tires?

Also, When you let go of the wheel does it take right off or does it slowly start drifting?

dan

 

Rusty: Excellent ! Thanks! I thought my mechanic had it backasswards but who am I to question right? He couldn't ever locate the actual TSB so I'll copy that and give it to him. I'll switch out the spacer to the left wheel and see if that doesn't take care of it. Oh, how did you find that TSB?
Thanks again.

 

Is your right side brake caliper releasing? My passenger side brake caliper has a habit of sticking if I don't keep it cleaned and lubed and it will pull to the right while driving down the road even without touching the brake pedal.

 

Since I have to take the right wheel off to get the spacer changed to the left, I'll check the rt side caliper. Thanks.

 

Winger, please update this thread when you get it done. Mine does the same and I'd like to get it fixed.

 

Granted I only have a 2wd, but I noticed this when I purchased mine. It was lessened a lot by rotating the tires, and driving in the center lane. Now I have new tires, I hardly notice it in the right lane of traffic, and don't notice it at all in center lane, however it tracks straight in the left lane. Maybe it is just something in the geometry of the front susp that makes it sensitive to the angle of the dome on the tarmac? Who knows, whatever you 4x4's issue is sure will be different than mine, since we have totally different suspensions.

 

I have 2WD also and have the problem. I don't think it was confined to 4WD trucks only.

 

If I'm not mistaken all vehicles are suppose to track to the "right" slowly for saftey reasons, not a pull but if you let go of the wheel the vehicle is suppose to go to the curb side, right side.

 

I dont know for sure but i have heard that dodges run a considerable amount less caster in their axles. That would cause the truck to pull on a road crown situation. Another thing to consider is "setback". I spose this wouldnt make as much difference on a 2wd as it does on a 4wd because you dont have a solid axle up front. My truck has about two inces of setback on the left side (i think shes had an insurance claim or two in her life) and it pulls hard left. My thinkin is that the axles natual tendancy to want to go straight doesnt line up with straight on the truck. Watch your tire wear pattern. If you can run your hand across the tread and feel a feathered edge you mite want to measure the distance between the center of the front axle on the and the center of the rear axle on both sides of the truck. Something called toe out on turns is built into your steering system. This allows for the rotation difference that is requered to turn a corner. The inside tire turns a hair sharper than the outside tire. If a setback is present it is possible that the slight toe chang from correcting the pull will wear the tires. Not sure if im even close but thats just where i would start looking if rotating the tires and changing the spacer doesnt help. Good luck

 

HERE IS MY UPDATE: Last night I switched the spacer from the rt front to the left front. The brake calipers aren't dragging. The move to the left front with the spacer made no difference on my 25 mile drive today. Bummer.
As to the "they're suppose to pull to the right": this is the FIRST vehicle I've ever owned that drifts to the right, including other 4WD trucks I've owned.

 

I Have A 2000 4x4 And All You Have To Do Is Reset The Cambridge .
They Are Located At The Lower Track Arms And There Is Markings You Set At .
All You Need Is A Torque Wrench With A 15/16 Socket .
This Means Your Front Axles Is Out Of Being Strait With The Truck .
If It Is Pulling To The Left You Need To Set The Left Side Toward The Rear And The Right Side Toward The Front . I Had The Same Problem And It Was edited by admin Until A Front End Mechanic Neighbor Of Mine Showed Me .

Hope This Helps You And It Is So Much Easier And Cheaper To Do

Bret

 

rotate tires.. get a good alignment. fixed mine. and check for sticky brakes.

a good alignment with fix any problem with pull if properly done.

(i do alignments)