I have an 06 2500 short box, and this pickup is the worst wandering pickup i have ever drove. I put on a steering stabilizer kit and it didnt seem to do anything, what else can i try?

 

Starting at the cheapest, how about the Lukes Links trackbar poly bushings around $37 for the pair and the sway bar bushings for about $28? Then step up to the steering brace, (from $150 to $220), which supports the steering shaft end.

My 2007 seemed to wander about with only 40,000 miles. So I added the trackbar poly bushings, the poly sway bushings and the steering box brace which really tightened mine up alot. My ball joints and other components all seemed to be in good condition.

After that it's starts getting more difficult and expensive. I always try to do the simple cheaper fixes first before I jump in head over heels.

Also---
One other thought has your truck been to the dealer for the steering recall which I think all of the 2003 through 2007 trucks get. Many folks got the dealers to upgrade the steering under this recall even though the truck was long out of warranty.

 

Start with checking the entire suspension, front and rear. Anything loose or worn needs to be replaced. Put all 4 wheels in the air, and check with the suspension loaded and unloaded. be sure and check things like the steering box for slop.

Then get a good 4 wheel alignment. If your rear axle is off a bit, the truck will crab down the highway and wander all over the place.

 

By your post I’m not sure if you’re saying this is a new problem to your truck, or if you’re just new to driving these. You also don’t indicate if you have a 4x4 and that makes a difference.

If yours is 4x4, it’s just inherent with straight axle design. Mine has never tracked well from new and I really keep up on maintenance. Mine is stock and I’ve upgraded to the 2008 front end, put in new ball joints, and alignments. It tracks as good or better than new, but I’ve owned and driven other trucks (Ford & Chevy 4x4s), and my Dodge just tends to wonder around more than the others - not bad or unsafe, but it wonders more than other brands. Can't say tire type makes a significant difference either. I’ve run Michelins, BFGs, Toyo’s and now GY Duratrac’s – of these the Toyo’s (MTs) seem the worst… but they are the most aggressive tread and they will move concurrent with the road.

 

Good advice above. In addition, I'll point out that if someone has replaced the ball joints with Moogs, they may not have done you any favors. Have experienced it first hand, and read lots on here about the same complaint; Moogs are generally decent replacement parts, but their ball joints cause a lot of problems on 2000 and newer trucks. They can be too tight and not allow the steering to return easily to straight ahead after a turn. The result is a sensation of wandering. Not saying this is your issue, but thought I'd mention it.

 

My 2004 4X4 was always disappointing as far as wander from day one. It was not dangerous just annoying.
6 months ago I put a steering shaft stabilizer brace on and had the toe set to min spec (almost straight ahead) by the alignment shop. I was hoping for some improvement in the wandering but my main goal in putting the brace on was to preserve the steering box.
The pickup feels like a completely different machine. It feels very solid and the need to constantly make corrections has gone away. It is the most satisfying thing that I have done to improve drive-ability.

Obviously all of the mechanical parts need to be in good shape and your tires need to be good but I feel that the stock condition of the truck must just have too much flex in it to not have some instability.

Good Luck!
Jim B

 

I feel your pain. I feel like I had to go above and beyond in order to get my 06 to drive like it should! I agree with everybody who chimed in, but don't just throw .parts at it. Take some time to crawl under and watch what is going on underside with someone at the wheel for assistance. A close look at the front tires wear tells alot. For what its worth, a new steering box and brace made the biggest improvement with mine.

Mike

 

I put the new steering box kit in, Luke's bushings in the track bar, Maxx links on the sway bar, and a new steering brace to fit the upgraded box. This thread may interest you: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...w-t305868.html

 

Do you have E rated LT Tires, fully inflated?