Ok, so my problem is that my steering has a wondering issue. I have replaced the trac bar with the solid steel product, I have added on the steering stabilizer by sold steel as well. I have replaced the hubs on the front, checked the steering linkage they are all tight and do not have any play. I have narrowed my problem down to the steering box. It seems while in the driveway with the truck off you can rock the steering wheel back and forth and the steering column rotates with the steering wheel (as it should); as well as the input shaft on the steering box. However on the output shaft of the steering box (on the pitman arm end) I'm getting no response until you turn the steering wheel further right or left. I'm not sure how much further in degrees until you get response, but I do know that is unacceptable driving. I'm literaly turning the wheel back and forth as I'm going down the road trying to keep it between the white lines. Though going around corners the truck is tight and the steering holds, but trying to keep it straight is dang near impossible.

I read in another post that you can tighten up a nut/set screw on the top of the steering box to reduce this play. Is this true, or is there something else I can do?

I bought the truck with the intention to tow a 2 horse gooseneck trailer and tow a bumper pull utility trailer with a 30hp tractor,, so it should be cake. When I start doing this next month I want the steering to be better then it is. It is to the point that I don't drive it durning the week, and carpool with the wiffe. I like the truck, the power and brute force that you can do with it, but this steering crap has got to go, or the truck is going to go.

 

Maybe this will help you http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm

and here's 27 pages that cover almost any pull or wandering condition
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/05-03-97/05-03-97_p1.htm

 

Thanks Infidel I'll give this a shot.

 

There is an adjustment, but I found it does not help much. You can purchase a rebuilt box from Autozone for $128, Advance for $148, or NAPA for $230, DC wants $600+ for one. I ordered one from Autozone, and just ordered a Borgeson steering shaft! So my steering should be back on track soon!! I had all the some problems you did and rebuilt the whole front end track bar, ball joints, wheel bearings/hub assemblies etc... and it didn't help. So I hope this fixes it!


Tom

 

Thanks for the tip OHF Farm Boy, I'll keep those prices in mind.. They seem a bit lower then I would imagine, seeing as every other replacement part for the 3/4 ton is ususally on the high end.

If you don't mind me asking what was the Borg shaft running you?


Thanks,

7mmrum

 

7mm - I've got the same problem... I'd bet it's the preload adjustment mentioned in the first TSB...

 

Shipped and out the door it was $275, the dealer wanted almost that for a OEM one that has a history of givin out at under 45,000. I know I couldn't believe the price differences in the box, but than again look at how the dealership prices are anyhow, that and the dealer sells new gear boxes and not rebuilds like the other parts stores. Advance had a $199 core charge so if you factor that in to play it kinda all makes sense. Adjusting the adjustment screw didn't help me at all, but it is worth a try, after all it is free and only takes a minute or so to do!

Hope this helps,

I will let you know the results when I get the new shaft in.

Tom