Should there be any movement in the steering gear box? The shaft out of the bottom of the box moves up and own about 1/16" when the wheels are turned. Loonked over everting on the front end and all is tight except this.

 

not suppose to move. adjust the screw at the top. Loosen the jam nut and tight the stud up slightly the back off a little. There are tork specs. and how much it should be back off, but can't remember.

 

adjusting the nut will not correct for pitman arm in and out play, if you back off the screw it will cause excessive play. IIRC you would have to remove a shim from under the plate that the jam nut is on

here is a link to adjust the steering box, can be done in the truck, in about 15mins, no special tools required, as the "collar" and be moved/tightened with a small punch/chisel

http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/steeri...ear/Adjust.htm

here is more info on steering issues and tsb's
http://dodgeram.org/tech/troubleshoot/steering.htm

 

Check out a PSC or DSS steering stabilizer, too. Works good, lasts long time....

 

Shaft should not move. Track down a diagram from a FSM & you'll see. There is a bearing and oil sea around the shaft. I've had 4 boxes fail at the oil seal. 1st box came in the truck & started leaking. 2 AGR boxes failed suddenly when the lock ring let loose (poor quality control). Final AGR (as in last one I'll ever own) wouldn't adjust and started leaking in under 5,000 mi. Point is engine is heavy, pitman leverage is great, QC is poor so you can expect a leak. Note: AGR boxes failed in spite of the DSS. Current box is A-1 Cardone with lifetime parts & labor warranty. It really isn't exciting. I intent to try 1 more Cardone box when this fails then go to Redhead next.