Steering

Scott0700 · Sep 8, 2022

On a solid axle vehicle you are limited on what you can adjust.
For sure I would recommend adding adjustable lower control arms to correct the pinion angle/caster. This will also prevent what is referred to as ‘death wobble’ which is a very dangerous situation.
Also, a slight increase of toe-in will help alleviate the wandering. Don’t go overboard. A small adjustment makes a big difference. Too much and you’ll accelerate the wear on the outer edge of the tires.
A shop saying that everything is ‘in spec’ is irrelevant if you have changed the suspension geometry with a lift. The factory specs no longer are valid for your vehicle.

Stuffpower · Sep 8, 2022

akguy09 said:
What are you comparing it to? My '21 Powerwagon steers about the same as my '12 Ram Cummins did, probably a little better due to less engine weight

If comparing to another brand, then its not apples to apples.

Remember I’m a stock 2021 power wagon on 35 nitto g2. Comparing it to 2020 f350 platinum, 2021 ram 3500, 2017 ram 3500. As I’m sharing. I love the truck. The steering isn’t horrible, but I’d vote it last out of the above. Only other thing is add is all those others are diesels. The ride is a lot better than all those. But I’m just talking steering. Low speeds but more importantly cruising and above. The other ram 3500 has the same nittos and the steering is night and day different. It’s much lighter and more precise. That’s where I was like whoa driving them side by side. Our group is big fans of those G2s They used to be cost effective, have good on road manners, respectable off road for an AT and we’re truer to size than many others.
I’m going to road force balance and play with the psi range as suggested. Then off to alignment. We have a great 4x4 shop nearby and will only charge full price if he’s gotta get in there and change stuff. So those are simple things to do. I’ve heard mixed things with the fox ats. I’ve heard it’s not needed which I agree, but I’m also seeing a lot of first hand experiences praising it.

Hopefully that solves it but I can’t imagine it helping that much.

SeppW · Sep 9, 2022

Alignment.

Stuffpower · Sep 9, 2022

Quick question. Do I aim for thuren alignment specs with the stock power wagon suspension???

mtnrider · Sep 9, 2022

Stuffpower said:
Quick question. Do I aim for thuren alignment specs with the stock power wagon suspension???

Yes, use those specs regardless. PW is only about ~1.5" higher then a standard 2500 and I use the specs on a 2.5" level

.

Dannycameo · Sep 12, 2022

Stuffpower said:
Quick question. Do I aim for thuren alignment specs with the stock power wagon suspension???

Yes when I bought my power wagon in March on the way home from the dealer it was pulling right.
I had the shop Foreman at my local shop drive it As well.
At 300 km we used the thuren Specs off their website, And it's been driving straight as a narrow ever since and I have wheeled it hard, On 37's and 35's and now at at around 8000 miles.

Stuffpower · Sep 12, 2022

Thanks for the input. That’s my next step. Mine doesn’t really pull. Just loves to wonder

runamuck · Dec 8, 2022

I know this is an old forum but I have a question about adaptive steering. am looking at trading my 1500 laramie for a 2500 and the steering on it is mostly slop. it only has 19,000 miles and feels like cars did in the old days when the tie rod ends were loose or shot. is this a sign of trouble or is this the way the 2500's are.

22hemi13 · Dec 8, 2022

2500 is not a 1500. It’s just not the same. At 19k miles I doubt much is worn on the 2500 unless it’s been beat. Switching back and forth from the 2500 to our 1500 always takes a min. I’m used to the the 2500 looseness although I’ve done lots of mods to it. Solid axle is old technology.

Zoe Saldana · Dec 8, 2022

runamuck said:
I know this is an old forum but I have a question about adaptive steering. am looking at trading my 1500 laramie for a 2500 and the steering on it is mostly slop. it only has 19,000 miles and feels like cars did in the old days when the tie rod ends were loose or shot. is this a sign of trouble or is this the way the 2500's are.

Put in a new steering stabilizer - it makes a difference.

olyelr · Dec 8, 2022

I have a ‘16 power wagon (personal truck) and a ‘17 1500 big horn (work truck) that i jump back and forth between almost daily.

While the 1500 definitely steers “better”, i certainly dont have any issues with my power wagon (at 70k miles and 100% stock steering). It just steers a little harder feeling i guess.

I dont have adaptive steering so cant comment on that. But i would think it certainly shouldnt make the vehicle feel like its got worn out steering.

Docwagon1776 · Dec 10, 2022

I have adaptive steering. It doesn't feel worn out in the slightest, but it does feel shockingly light. Like a mid 90's Lincoln Town Car with the steering assist set to near max. I wish it was adjustable like the old Lincolns, I'd prefer mine to be a bit heavier at speed. At low speeds it feels great, and it's not twitchy or anything at highway speeds.

runamuck · Dec 29, 2022

I drove my son's '20 2500 ram and the steering on it is tight. he does not have the adaptive steering. I passed on buying the '21 I drove because I would never be able to get used to the amount of steering slop. looking for one without.

4xdad · Dec 29, 2022

Check your stuff even new stuff can break or be faulty

Steering

Scott0700

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Stuffpower

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SeppW

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Stuffpower

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mtnrider

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Dannycameo

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Stuffpower

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runamuck

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22hemi13

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Zoe Saldana

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olyelr

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Docwagon1776

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runamuck

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4xdad

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