I've read a few past posts about loose steering, but mine seems to be a little bit of a different problem. The steering kind of wanders. I'll drive straight down the street, and will have to steer a little left one second, then a little right the next. It feels like I can't keep the steering wheel straight at any given time. If I let go of the steering wheel, it doesn't pull to one side or the other, and tire wear is pretty even - so I don't think its out of alignment.

So, should I follow suggestions from Mr. Jimmy about seeing whats loose and whats not underneath, then turn the allen head screw on the gearbox 3/4 turn? Or does somebody have any other suggestions of what might be causing this? Again, I don't have much extra "dead" play in the wheel, but the truck does wander.

When I bought the truck (used from a dealer), the steering wheel was turned almost 90 degrees to the left. They "fixed" it so now the steering wheel is relatively straight, but the wander is pretty bad.

Thanks!!

 

Sounds like the 'toe-in' is zero - take it in for a complete front-end alignment, and 'zero' the steering wheel to the new aligment.

 

You saying it did not wander when you test drove with wheel 90 degrees off??

Definately crawl under and ck play in the steering box, especially.
What you describe is common to CTD's... sounds like a perfect candidate for a Steering Stabilizer, if the steering box is not totally shot. http://www.solidsteel.biz/order.htm

If it's too far gone, new box available here...
http://www.pscpowersteer.com/

Could, of course be other things.... depending on mileage. Sounds like you have a good list of other things to check.

Just guessing without more details.

RJ

 

Thanks. I may buy that stabilizer at Source Automotive. That is, if the gear box isn't shot.

What about getting a gear box at Napa? Retails for $222. May not be as good as the one you suggested, but would it matter that much?

 

sounds just like my 2ooo 2500,the stearing box adjustment made it drive great

 

Yup, I'd try adjusting first.. then check for play.... and wander.

I've always had pretty good luck with NAPA parts. Just don't know anyone that has used their steering box. Someone else may chime in?

PSC has excellent reputation. With new steering box, may not need Steering stabilizer right away. But I added mine when they first came out... at 38,000 miles on my truck.... as preventative mx. Was not expecting to feel a difference, but I did!

Good Luck!

RJ

 

where is the allen head bolt located on the steering box

 

is it metric

 

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

 

Thanks Infidel

 

my truck had the symptoms descibed above and i put a napa box and the steering brace on at the same time,man what a difference,also check your track bar...

 

I had exact same problem having to constantly correct wheel on my recently purchased cummins. Replaced steering box with a rebuilt unit from Autozone for $130.00. Unit is fine. Also had to renew track bar. That tightened things up, but still had to keep adjusting to keep track. My son and I adjusted the toe in to about a 1/32" difference between measurement across front of front wheels and rear of front wheels. Rear measurement is 1/32" greater. Truck rolls down road straight and ture now with no need for adjustment. Have to confess that there is very slight free play still left in steering wheel, but truck is comfortable to drive now. Will tweak when time permits. My wife says truck steers fine now and she;s the critic. I recommend you adjust toe in to get rid of your problem with having to constantly adjust left and right. Did the trick for me.

 

Well I can tell you this, I drove my grandpas truck when he put a brand new steering box in from the dealer and then I got my PSC and it was a huge difference. He was kind of upset that he didnt go that way to get the one I got.

 

I went to PSC's website and can not find any info on a steering box for a 94 Dodge 4 x 4 , 2500 CTD? Anyone know the price? And part number? Thanks....

Dave

 

This is where I bought my 3.5 turn PS gear box w/e warranty for $200mafter core returned. It made a huge difference.
http://www.powersteering.com/