The steering problem wasn't that bad. It was mostly fixed.

I'd rather have a minor steering problem than an engine that makes a noise that will drive you insane eventually.

Brian Elfert

 

Who ever said I was working against the techs? When I take it to the dealer, I just tell them what is wrong and never bad mouth them or anything like that.

I sold the Ford for two reasons:

1. I had a SRW and blew a rear tire pulling my RV which caused me to lose control. The blowout put me in the ditch, but luckily I didn't hit anything. I decided right then and there to get a dually truck.

2. I really wanted a more powerful stock engine than the 7.3. I didn't like watching the EGT guage all the time when towing.

The Dodge was $4,000 less than a new Ford, so I bought the Dodge.

Brian Elfert

 

Belfert,

There have been various posts of wind noise problems. If I remember correctly, the Dealers were able to resolve the problem by aligning/adjusting the doors.

I fixed my "drone" noise by tightening all the exhaust system clamps, drilling out my air box for less air restriction, and tye-wrapping the hydraboost hoses together. I also think that as the engine got broken in the drone noise was less.

 

As Dennis said, guys. Keep it cool here and lets try and help out vs. telling him to go away and buy a Ford. I don't think anyone here can tell me that they've never been frustrated with a product and said the same thing. I know when I had tranny problems on my '99, I had those same thoughts of going back to Ford. The key thing to remember is that each one needs to be worked out and you have to work through your dealer to solve these issues. I did that, and although sometimes it was frustrating, and I had to raise holy heck to get something done, in the end, you have to do that with any brand. I would agree with some that there are more problems with Ford right now, but that's only my opinion and I have no facts to back that up.

Keep working on it and hopefully, your result will be positive like mine was. I'm on my second dodge, and love the truck.

 

This is the kind of post that will not be tolerated here. Let this be a warning to all who may have thought about posting something similar.

If you don't have anything to say that is helpful to the man asking questions, and trying to get help, then pass this thread on by.

 

Belfert, mine too has pulled to the right since I purchased the truck in June, and after visits to the service department had all but given up on it. Then last week I took it in for a tranny cooling line leak and asked if they would try again on the steering issue. They had a "new" mechanic who took one drive in it and said the steering wheel was not aligned. I didn't believe it but gave him the benefit of the doubt. He realigned the steering wheel and when I went to pick it up, he went on a test ride with me to ensure I was satisfied - the mechanic, not the service manager. It worked! It drives fantastic like never before. This solved my problem but may not be what's affecting you, but it is worth a look.

As for the drone, mine too went away at 8000 miles.

Be patient as you're going to love this truck when you get the bugs worked out. Few trucks come out perfect and each has their quirks that need worked out, but it's a great truck with a fantastic engine. You'll love it!!

We've got Powerstrokes in the fleet that I manage and was an owner of a Duramax, and can say the best of them all is the Ram CTD....simple to maintain, powerful, fuel efficient, pulls like a team of 10,000 mules and lives up to it's reputation.

 

When my truck was new it pulled to the right and the steering wheel was off center. Plus the steering wheel was stiffer than most to turn. Took it to the dealer for the first oil change and they found a defective steering box. They installed a new steering box and did an alignment. Since then it tracks straight, the steering has a good feel and all the problems have gone away. I like the positive steering on my truck.
The dealer was fantastic because a replacement steering box was not available until the next day which would have meant me staying overnight in a motel. They brought a new unit off the lot and took the steering box off it and installed it on mine which meant that I was back on the road again in a few hours. Hard to beat great service like that!

 

wow ........ i can see this topic getting a lock put on it if some of us arent careful .. anyway...as stated before give your dealer a shot. if he cant fix it try another. if u keep getting the run around then try and contact the regional sales rep for d/c and if that doesnt work then d/c themselves. there are ways to get your truck fixed just do it in the right order and remember the techs arent brain surgeons. some are great and some are not. maybe check with another local diesel owner and see what dealer and what tech ( if he has 1 that he prefers ) that he uses then give them a try. i hope you get your problems fixed. ill be the 1st one to say im not a big lover of dodge but i am a big lover of the best diesel in the class ...... the cummins good luck, scott

 

Neither one of my 3rd Gen trucks pulled prefectly straight, FWIW.

Is there anything you DO like about your POS Dodge?

 

See peoples perception of a problem IS part of the problem. If your steering wheel is off center (not straight when driving down a FLAT (no crown) road but the truck drives in a straight line (ignore the steering wheel) then you DON'T have a pull. You have a misaligned steering wheel or steering wheel not centered. Now if you go to a shop and tell them you have a pull when you actually don't things are gonna get messy. If you drive down a flatt road and the truck pulls left or right (regardless of where the steering wheel is) THEN you have a pull. Have your alignment checked. If the dealer doesn't do a satisfactory job go to a trusted private shop, pay the 70 bucks and get it fixed. Man people here will put hundreds of dollars of synthetics in their trucks (unnecessary IMO) and change the oil every 2k (unnecessary IMO again) but won't spend some additional money to get a frustrating problem figured out. I realize the dealer should step up but if DC says they have a range to be in spec (the alignment I mean) and the truck is in that spec even tho it pulls they don't have to adjust it. Most competent techs will, but in all my years I have never seen a front end guy worth anything. In my experience it was the guys who couldn't cut it with the electrical and troubleshooting that they put on the rack.

 

With all due respect Jack I believe the subject line is a bit antagonizing. The original poster (thread starter) could have been a little more calm also.

 

On a flat road, if the steering wheel is released, the truck will start drifting to the right.

Finding a decent alignment shop that can deal with a dually is a bit of an issue. I talked to one shop about it and I might take it there. I don't consider most of the chain tire shops like Tires Plus to be a good place to take any truck for an alignment.

Brian Elfert

 

Also remember that sometimes 3 or 4 lbs of air difference in the front tires can make it pull. An old trick I would use when selling a used car that pulled.

 

and we wonder why used car salesmen get a bad rap...SPOTS ....

 

TSB Time for "The drone"

Models: 2003 (DR) Ram Truck (Diesel)

Overview:
This bulletin involves involves installing a power steering hose containing an vibration damper.

Symptom/Condition:
A vibration may be felt in the steering wheel and/or the accelerator pedal on Diesel engine vehicles with the engine operating between 2000 and 2200 RPM.

Diagnosis:
Operate the engine between 2000 and 2200 RPM. If the vibration is present, perform the Repair Procedure. The vibration may be more pronounced with the A/C compressor on.

Parts Required: Qty. Part No. Description
1 52113926AF Power Steering Hose - Pump to Hydraulic Booster
AR 05013457AA Fluid - ATF +4


Repair Procedure:

1. Remove the pressure power steering hose that runs from the power steering pump to the hydraulic booster.
2. Install the new hose, p/n 52113926AF, making sure that hose is routed so that it does not contact any other components.
3. Fill the power steering reservoir with power fluid (ATF+4, p/n 05013457AA).
4. Start the engine and allow the fluid to circulate for several minutes to bleed any air from the system. Check the fluid level and add fluid as necessary.

Policy: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Noticed that my 04 already has the hose dampener on it (Brothers 03 does not).