How to Fix Loose Steering?
 

The steering on my (new) '01 is a little sloppy. I was just wondering what's the best path to take in order to fix it. I saw a recommendation for www.quad4x4.com for ball joint replacement kits, is that what I'd need, or is there a less expensive fix? Thanks again guys.

Find out what causing it before you start throwing parts at it. Usually it's the trac bar. There's several fixes www.lukeslink.com http://www.dtprofab.com/dodge.htm.
I know there's more. A search will come up with a ton of info.

Try- www.solidsteel.biz has everything you need to steer better than new.

You might check your front tire air pressure too.

Air pressure's good. I keep it at 65 psi, I believe. When I first got the truck I couldn't believe that was right.

You first have to determine what's wrong. Get under the truck (with it off), reach up and turn the "input" steering shaft back & forth while looking at the pitman arm. If you can turn the shaft a lot before the arm moves then the box needs to be tightened or even replaced. If the pitman arm moves font to back or side to side (as mine did) then you have slop in the sector(output) shaft and that either needs a DSS bracket or possibly a new steering box. Next take a large set of channel lock type pliers and place them on the tie rod end attempting to squeeze the joint together. If it moves the tie rod end is worn and should be replaced. Do this for all tie rods. Finally, jack up each front tie just enough to slip a bar under the tire. Try to lift the tire up and in while looking at the ball joints. If they have movement then they need to be replaced. If you find the ball joints are bad, you might want to also consider replacing the front axle u-joints if yours is a 4x4. The cheapest place I could find brand name (Moog) front end parts was www.rockauto.com All of this assumes you have play in the front end and not a "pull" while driving it.

Good luck

That is correct. It's just sloppy (lots of play). I don't mind, but the girlfriend doesn't like it.