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1997 Dodge Ram steering has too much play and 4wheel drive

Tiny
WMARTDRIVER
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,000 MILES
I have replaced all the front tie rods. My steering wheel has alot of play in it, is that caused by power steering gearbox? Also, my 4wd shifter wont move from 2wheel into 4wd low or hi. I recently replaced the drivers side wheel hub assembly and the half shaft inside came out. Is there a SPECIFIC way to put that back in? Will inserting it back in the Wrong way mess up the 4 wheel drive?The lever got "stuck" after I changed the drivers side hub assembly
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Saturday, December 13th, 2008 AT 10:33 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
I would just put the shaft back in as you really can't mess it up it only goes in one way if were to put it in wrong it won't go in all the way. As for the steering yes it can be the box. I would also look around the box for any cracks on the frame as this would let the box flex on the frame and feel like it was loose too. Hope this helps let me know how it goes.
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Saturday, December 13th, 2008 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,395 POSTS
The 1/2 shaft can go back in any way, It doesn't make any difference. On your steering play, On your steering shaft between the sector and the firewall should be a flex joint. These joints are notorious for wearing out on dodge trucks. You can check it by grabbing the shaft above the joint and trying to turn it. If there is any movement at all, there is your problem. As long as you're at it, you can check for slack in the sector the same way.
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Saturday, December 13th, 2008 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
WMARTDRIVER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ok, Well what could be "freezing up" the 4 wheel drive selector lever? I cant move it even with alot of force
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Saturday, December 13th, 2008 AT 10:57 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,395 POSTS
Your stuck 4wh drive lever would be an unrelated issue to the axle shaft. With the engine off, trans in neutral, you still can't move the lever? If yes, have you checked the fluid level in the transfer case? Please advise.
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Sunday, December 14th, 2008 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
WMARTDRIVER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Your stuck 4wh drive lever would be an unrelated issue to the axle shaft. With the engine off, trans in neutral, you still can't move the lever? If yes, have you checked the fluid level in the transfer case? Please advise.

I havent check the transfer case fluid level. And I HAVE ried to shift lever with vehicle off and in neutral
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Sunday, December 14th, 2008 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok have you been under the truck and checked to see it anything is loose. You want to realy check the adjustmen swivel and make sure every thing looks like it should be able to move smoothly. Get back to me as to what you find and we take it from there.
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Monday, December 15th, 2008 AT 3:45 PM

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