I can grip my tie-rod like a baseball bat, and twist it back and forth a little. How much play should they have in them?

I am sick and tired of the wander my truck has. I fixed the tracbar, and had my front end aligned. It really takes the enjoyment out of driving it. What next?

 

Mine is the steering box itself... has alot of play somewhere inside the box. you can see the input shaft turn quite a bit before the output shaft turns.

 

To check play in your tie rods, leave the front wheels on the ground. Have a friend sit in the driver's seat, and rock the steering wheel back and forth about six to eight. While your helper is rocking the steering, look at the tie rod ends to see if there is any wear. I do not know the replacement wear limit, but I would replace any ends that show any wear at all!
BIG MIKE

 

Add to the previous reply, rock the steering back and forth six to eight INCHES. Good luck!!
BIG MIKE

 

Any play at all in the tie rod ends is bad. If there is play they need to be replaced.
dave

 

most of my trucks problem was the sector shaft in the steering box-wore out.when your track bar end wears out the load gets shared with the steering box thus wearing it out.the fix i found was DSS,DTB, and a reman. steering box,truck is unbelievable compared to before..nothing but..

 

most steering boxes that I have seen have an adjustment screw on them to at least buy you some time if nothing else. Just dont go to tight.

 

where is this adjustment screw located?

 

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm

 

Usually an allen head w/ a locking nut. I have seen them on top some are a pain to get to so good luck.