Wandering truck.

[RollinCoal]

I have a 2014 2500 6.7 mega cab. It has a 6” lift and 38” tires. All brand new professional install. Front end alignment done and still play in the steering wheel, any ideas? I’ve had whole front end rebuilt already, new tie rods and u joints, wheel bearings. No reason unless it’s a steering box issue? I’ve had the tracking bar replaced. Help.

 

[jws123]

It may not be your issue but on my fathers 2500 I wound up putting this to tighten up front end link below. I would also use a diffrent shop then you are now find someone who does lift kits ect they shouldnt have a issue figuring out a sloppy front end.

Steering Box Brace | Ram 2500/3500 4WD (2010-2016)

Steering Box Brace | Ram 2500/3500 4WD (2010-2016)

www.roughcountry.com

 

[Jeepwalker]

I wonder if there's excessive play at the steering wheel? Look at the intermediate shaft for 'possible' wear, freeplay. It only takes a micro-amount of 'play' between the steering wheel and the steering box to translate into a decent amount of steering wheel freeplay at the steering wheel ...which can be like a wondering condition. And there are like 4 joints in the intermediate shaft ..all which could contribute to a little excess play.

The easy way rule out the intermediate shaft is to have the tires pointing straight, and lightly clamp a vise grip pliers around the steering box shaft. Don't put it on so tight as to make 'marks' in the shaft. Then the handle of the vise grips down with string/rope or whatever using a block of wood against the frame/engine or whatever you have handy ...so the pliers is against something securely and it nor the shaft will move.

Then go inside the truck. With the steering column unlocked (engine off), rotate the steering wheel gently with your hand. You don't need to use much force. The steering wheel shouldn't really move. If there's wear at the U-joints you'll feel it in movement. If you do discover movement, have a helper gently rock the steering wheel while you inspect the joints to discover where any slop is coming from.

 

[Jeepwalker]

BTW, are you 'sure' the shop set your tow in far enough? Large tires bring greater rolling resistance. You definitely want plenty of tow (but not too much). You can measure it (roughly) with a tape measure from same-lug to same-lug front-to-back on the tires.

 

[czervika]

Need more caster.

 

[gofishn]

Need more caster.

need to find a better shop that can figure it out or go back to stock.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Yeah, probably some setting isn't quite right yet. Alignment isn't one process a guy can rush. A good alignment tech needs to be persnickity and persistent ...to stick with it to get all the settings right.

Lot of shops focus on ball joints & suspension, yet it's easy to overlook worn intermediate shafts. The slightest amt of freeplay will translate to a lot higher amount of 'slop' at the steering wheel. If yer feeling any slop in the wheel. (maybe you're not...??)

Worn steering box on a 2500 is probably the least likey of all the potential issues (even though that's one where owners tend to want to shoot at right away). They're pretty robust on 3/4T pickups. But of course anything can wear. Esp with 38's. There'll always be an ever so slight amount of 'freeplay' on a 'good' saginaw-style power steering gear due to the actual valving being part of the input shaft. (that 'micro-freeplay' is built-in valving to route assist-fluid one direction or another). One reason they didn't put normal powersteering gears on performance cars. But worth checking the output bearing for sure. And if you/they have doubts, remove the steering gear from the truck and have the shop reset the preload and adjusting screw to factory specs. (two different settings that need to be set in a vise (not on the truck)). Not that difficult to do. If there's issues, yer likely to find it during that process.

Good luck

.

 

[gtomike60]

To start,I would get the truck re-aligned,but to Thuren specs
Then look at other causes if there's still an issue

 

[2Tallguy]

I have a 2014 2500 6.7 mega cab. It has a 6” lift and 38” tires. All brand new professional install. Front end alignment done and still play in the steering wheel, any ideas? I’ve had whole front end rebuilt already, new tie rods and u joints, wheel bearings. No reason unless it’s a steering box issue? I’ve had the tracking bar replaced. Help.

The 6" lift and tires don't help. If all front end components are tight including the sector shaft it's the gearbox.