I've noticed that the steering on my '06 is a little "sloppy". Meaning you can wiggle the wheel a little and not have the steering react. It kind of reminds me of some older 60's muscle cars I had, although not as bad. I'm looking for ways to correct it. I remember seeing someone's signature about an upgraded steering box and would like to know more about that mod.

1. Is this just the way Dodge's are?

2. Can you make it any better or tighter?

3. What upgraded to the steering box are available?

TIA

 

I don't think that's normal. The steering on these trucks are very good, especially for a solid axle. At least until the ball joints begin to wear. Someone will chime in with some better info.

There have been some that leak, but that's not your problem.

Pete

 

There's always going to be a little play, as you know, so it's hard to say if yours has too much. But there is an adjustment screw and nut on the top of the box to take it's play to zero. I've adjusted mine, as I do on all my vehicles, to minimize that annoyance.

Wetspirit

 

Cool, I'll have to play around with it. Anything in particular I should know about it?

 

I shouldn't think you'd have to adjust the lash on a new saginaw-type steering box... is this your first "big" truck (heavy, no rack & pinion)?


the big rams do steer & handle exceptionally well for their weight & size

 

Yeah, if you have ANY doubts, go drive a new Ford! Geeeezzzzz.........Talk about sloppy steering!

 

Be carefull to not tighten the adjustment tight as that will put stress on the ***** and may cause them to go out of round, or break... but thats the same as about any recirc ball type gear used in the past 50 years. There is suppose to be some play to absorbe stressess and keep the box from breaking. I'm pretty sure the factory setting will be conservative, howver, and some play can be taken out.

 

Is your truck a 2wd or a 4x4 or did I miss somethimg?

 

My truck is 4X4.

Does anybody know about the aftermarket steering boxes that I have seen mentioned here?

 

4x4 are recircutaing ball and 2wd are Rack and Pinion.A lot of steering box companys out there.Do a Web search.

 

Anyone know the reason why the 4X4 doesn't have the rack & pinion?

Can it be retrofitted?

As far as a websearch I guess I figured this website would be the best resource and I would end up here anyway.

 

Not for a custom steering box.

 

Got truck back today.

Dealer straightened wheel.

On further examination and comparing to my Ford the steering feels fine.

For some reason it was feeling sloppy. Maybe the dealer tightened it too?

 

Not on a new box I would think.Several sites on custom steering boxes mainly for old muscle cars.I inquired to several about a differant ratio(quicker) box for my 1998 1500 and told it was NOT one they did etc.