trying to research why I can't keep my 2011 2500 in a lane of traffic, it wanders all over the road. truck has 72K on it, bought it used, it has handled like a water balloon since I bought it. there is noticeable play in the steering wheel "cold" when the engine is off. I hear a loud creak at low speeds whenever I start or stop or hit a bump.

I am thinking Bilsteins would help the handling a little, would a steering box brace help the wandering? love the truck otherwise.

 

Have somebody turn the wheel back and forth while you're underneath watching for play. My 2011 needed inner and outer rod ends before 33k miles. Other candidates are streering box, intermediate shaft, pitman arm.

 

I had the steering recall done which took care of the tie rods, then replaced the pitman arm and no difference. I had my friend shake the wheel and all the play is in the box. just had the pump replaced for $700, what is a box going to cost me?

 

On most steering boxes there is an adjustment that will usually take care of most of the slop. I adjusted it on my 2nd gen and it did wonders.
Normally the adjuster is located on top of the box. Its like a stud sticking up with a lock nut on it. Spray it all down with penetrating oil first. Once you loosen the lock nut a few turns, , slowly turn the stud clockwise( it should be an allen head ) until you feel SLIGHT resistance. THEN I always back it out about 1/8 of a turn.
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THIS STUD or you could mess up your box.
Hold the stud in position with the allen wrench and firmly tighten the lock nut being careful not to turn the adjustment stud.
I have done this on several steering boxes over the years and it works.

Dew