2022 Ram 2500 Loose Steering?

CMV157 · Dec 6, 2021

There is a decent difference between the steering feel of an independent (1500) vs. straight axle (2500+). All straight axle vehicles tend to wonder a bit more and have less of a defined center/neutral feel. Having said that, loose is a different problem. The tires should have an incremental visual movement with the slightest of inputs at the wheel.

Also, for road purposes I loved my Firestones. Just sold my 2018 with 36000 miles and the tires were just under 50%! They do suck on anything other than roads or dry dirt thought.

Dean2 · Dec 6, 2021

BolletuH said:
Don Thuren info to the rescue: https://thuren-fabrication.myshopify.com/pages/2014-2022-ram-2500-alignment

Very interesting article. Thanks for posting that.

crazy jerry · Dec 6, 2021

Bramic71 said:
A new truck should have everything properly adjusted before leaving the stealership.

ill have to check my paper work and see if theres any kind of inspection fee. still im not going to leave all the little details to some pimple face kid at the dealer. i inspect my own vehicle

Oliver Closehauf · Dec 6, 2021

fitz011 said:
here are several of us in the Cummins forum that have the free play the OP mentioned. Some are still looking, some have found play in the steering shaft coupling, front end parts (for those w/some miles) and some just live w/it. I'm at 65K and still looking...

I'm in the above group with my 2005. I did find the video on setting the free play in the steering box which is on my to do list. But yeah I have the steering wheel play you describe. Truck doesn't shake or wander, no play in associated linkages, just too much side to side play at the steering wheel which is all in the steering box. The amount of play that's in spec is actually way more than I was expecting but I can live with it.

Justin Stafford · Dec 6, 2021

Aking21 said:
I just picked up my new 2022 Ram 2500 Big Horn. I love everything about it, but the steering. It just seems loose and like you are always making subtle corrections to keep it in the lane. Nothing terrible but it's noticeable. I came from a 2010 1500 so maybe since it is a different set up, it just getting some getting used to?

Found a forum on another site where a few guys experienced similar things on the 2021 and it seemed like it was anything from its normal to the tires are the reason to the truck did have some alignment issues. Just wanted to see if anyone else has thoughts and or insight.

It has 20" Firestone Trans force AT tires.

Something else to note as well boss, your 1500 had rack and pinion steering where the 2500 has a gear box style set up. Just sayin its gonna take a bit to get use to is all.

Dean2 · Dec 6, 2021

Oliver Closehauf said:
I'm in the above group with my 2005. I did find the video on setting the free play in the steering box which is on my to do list. But yeah I have the steering wheel play you describe. Truck doesn't shake or wander, no play in associated linkages, just too much side to side play at the steering wheel which is all in the steering box. The amount of play that's in spec is actually way more than I was expecting but I can live with it.

I adjusted the steering box on my 96, quite a long time ago. You will be amazed at what a quarter turn will do to tighten up your steering. On the new trucks, you should see tire movement as soon as you turn the wheel even a hair. That said, don't over do it or you will get excess wear. Easy way to know it is right is it should still self centre. If you turn the wheel right or left, let go of the steering wheel and it stays there you have over done it. If it feels notchy coming back it is too tight as well. I would do 1/4 turn, try it out for a few days, then add another 1/8th at a time, not more.

Scott0700 · Dec 6, 2021

In my 2018 Ram 2500 diesel I ran 50 front 45 rear unless I was loaded.
Had similar (absolutely horrible) wandering problem. Increased toe in to slightly over spec (1/8” over) and it completely changed the vehicle. Zero wandering after that.

Zoe Saldana · Dec 6, 2021

Aking21 said:
I went out and did as you suggested. my steering wheel moves about 1 1/4" left or right before I see the slightest movement in my tires.

I did also lower tire pressures so I'd like to see how that feels tomorrow on my way to work

A couple of things to check:
Drag link - move?
Power Steering Fluid - LOW?
Tie rods - move?

---------------
Things that should not happen with new:
Loose bearing
Loose steering components

I have a 2500 and the steering does not move when going down the highway.Tire pressure 60front and 80 rear.

2021Ram3500 · Dec 6, 2021

When I picked up my new 2021 Ram 3500 I had the same thing, I just dropped the tire pressure down to around 32 psi and it stopped that and the ride was much much better! I didn't chalk those tires as I normally would but at max psi in an unloaded truck there can't be very much contact patch on those tires. New tires at the proper inflation for my load solved everything.

Bramic71 · Dec 6, 2021

crazy jerry said:
ill have to check my paper work and see if theres any kind of inspection fee. still im not going to leave all the little details to some pimple face kid at the dealer. i inspect my own vehicle

You should absolutely inspect your vehicle. A dealer should make 100% sure that your house priced vehicle is ready to go.

2022 Ram 2500 Loose Steering?

CMV157

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Dean2

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crazy jerry

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Oliver Closehauf

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Justin Stafford

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Dean2

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Scott0700

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Zoe Saldana

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2021Ram3500

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Bramic71

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