2022 Ram 2500 Loose Steering?

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Aking21

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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.
 

rule18

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Congrats on the truck. I would start by checking/adjusting the tire pressure, maybe they're set a bit high.
 

Firebird

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Just to note, those Firestones are horrible! Real tires will make a huge difference
 

Dean2

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I really don't like the Firestonce Transforce ATs that came on mine, switched them at less than 3000 miles, but they steered just fine on pavement and good gravel roads. They sucked the big Megila in mud however. That said, loose steering on a 2500 is NOT normal. If your tire pressures are at 60-65, you should not have to make anty corrections at highway speeds, nor should it wander. If it does, take it to the dealer and get them to fix it.
 
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Aking21

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The tires are a little high. Fronts are at 70 and rears 74 so I'll adjust then down to 65 on the front and 70 on rear per the door sticker.

It seems like driving down the road at 55mph, you can move the wheel side to side probably over an 1-2" without much movement of the truck. This would lead me to believe it's a gearbox issue vs a tire issue, but I am not knowledgeable enough to say that with any certainly.
 

Dean2

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That is WAY out of spec. There is no way you should have that kind of freeplay. Mine is dead tight. Take it to the dealer real soon. My 96 2500 v10 with 260, 000 k doesn't have freeplay like that.
 

rule18

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Yeah if that's really the case it seems out of spec.
 

crazy jerry

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dude start the truck in your driveway with the door open and watch the tire as you turn the wheel back and forth. if tire moves exactly as the steering wheel then your fine. sometimes new tires wander all over the road. or maybe firestones are just crap. or you have them pump up like a cinder block. you dont need to be any where near max psi unloaded. do a chalk test at 50psi and adjust from there
 

Bigrig6601

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Congrats on picking up your new truck. Hoping to pick up my 2022 Ram 2500 Big Horn in the next few days. Been waiting since July 6th. Enjoy! I'm certain that the difference in the steering input is the difference in year models and maybe tires.
 
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Aking21

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Thanks for all the input. I'll do the things everyone has mentioned above and see what happens.
 

mtnrider

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It may be just a transition to a HD truck your just not used to?. 1500's drive like cars, HD trucks drive like trucks.
Definitely get it check out but if I was a betting man I would say your just not used to it.

.
 

Dean2

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It may be just a transition to a HD truck your just not used to?. 1500's drive like cars, HD trucks drive like trucks.
Definitely get it check out but if I was a betting man I would say your just not used to it.

.
I will take that bet. I drive both regularly. Outside of ride there is little difference in how they steer and handle.
 

rparker1265

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I picked up my 2022 3500 Laramie on Tuesday and this seems to be the same with it, I am thinking its probalby with the larger truck and new tires, and new truck, was going to give it some time. I don't feel there is anythign wrong with it.
 

mtnrider

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I will take that bet. I drive both regularly. Outside of ride there is little difference in how they steer and handle.

Glad they feel the same to "you" but this is a common post we see All the time from people making the transition from a 1500 to a HD. We have 2 in this post alone feeling the same.

.
 
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Aking21

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It may be just a transition to a HD truck your just not used to?. 1500's drive like cars, HD trucks drive like trucks.
Definitely get it check out but if I was a betting man I would say your just not used to it.

.
It may very well be that simple.
 

Irishthreeper

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I’m not sure why dealerships don’t automatically set proper air pressure. My 2500 had 80lbs or better in all 4 tires when I got it and I’ve read on here that it’s common. How that resolves OP issue
 
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Aking21

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dude start the truck in your driveway with the door open and watch the tire as you turn the wheel back and forth. if tire moves exactly as the steering wheel then your fine. sometimes new tires wander all over the road. or maybe firestones are just crap. or you have them pump up like a cinder block. you dont need to be any where near max psi unloaded. do a chalk test at 50psi and adjust from there
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
 

crash68

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I will take that bet. I drive both regularly. Outside of ride there is little difference in how they steer and handle.
you'll lose the bet.. an independent front suspension w/rack and pinion like that found on a 1500 steers and handles differently from a solid front axle of an HD truck.
 

crazy jerry

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I’m not sure why dealerships don’t automatically set proper air pressure.

they have no obligation to do that stuff. some may do it for curtousy but when you sign your name its all on you now.
it seems alot of people in todays world need somebody else to do everything for them.
 

Dean2

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they have no obligation to do that stuff. some may do it for curtousy but when you sign your name its all on you now.
it seems alot of people in todays world need somebody else to do everything for them.
You are completely wrong about this. You are paying a PDI fee, pre delivery inspection fee, on most everything u buy. Part of pdi is setting tire pressures correctly. If they don't do the pdi correctly I would be demanding the fee back and I have been successful in the past doing that.
 

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