Gosh, I'm very fortunate to have stumbled on this site! I have a problem with my 1998.5 2wheel drive Automatic Tranny 24 valve Dodge Cummins extended cab. I purchased this truck about a month ago from a man out in Texas. The truck gets about 21.6 mpg running 70 on the interstate with the A/C on. I've noticed when trying to keep the truck straight, it wants to wander left to right a little on the road. When I change lanes, it almost jumps into another lane and feels like the tail end is loose feeling. Is there any way to tighten up the steering? I've just had the lower ball joints replaced and the front-end aligned, along with new 10 ply 245-78R-16 highway tires on all four corners. Was thinking about a set of Bilstein shocks. It really drives great, other than wanting to wander left to right. Also, about to have a FASS Lift Pump and Banks PowerPack System installed by Taylor Diesel in Jacksonville FL on the 11th and 12th of July. I'm disabled with a problem on my left leg and may require an amputation, so am wanting this truck to last. Can anyone offer any suggestions? I surfed briefly thru some of the questions about front end problems, but didn't see any that specifically addressed my problem. I did try to check the website: thurenfab.com and got some off the wall site that didn't even have anything about Dodge aftermarket parts, but did see one called: solidsteel.biz, located in Canada and wondered if this may help with my problem. Can anyone offer a new Dodge Diesel Fan any help?

 

It could be your track bar (golden rod ) cause they are known for failure. I replaced mine with a MOOG which had a lifetime warranty from Orielly's for around $180 I think. My truck was all over the road and this fixed it and the install was not hard at all as long as you have an impact and basic tools.

 

It's a 2WD, so no track bar.

 

There is an adjustment on the steering gear. On top is a allen screw locked with a 5/8" nut, this is to adjust the backlash in the sector gear. You can undo the lock nut and tighten the screw in a little bit at a time to remove some play.... CAUTION DO NOT tighten the screw all the way, you will not be able to drive it. Do 1/2 turn adjustments, then road test to see if anything has improved.
Did this to my gear with 221,000 miles on it and it helped it a lot. But I really need a new steering gear.