1990 Dodge Ram front end

JESSE_CALLENDER6

MEMBER
1990 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

My trucks steering wheel has a lot of play. Sometimes my front end starts to bounce. I have brand new tires they are balanced. We have adjusted the steering knuckle all the way. I have replaced the tie rods. The next thing I was going to do is replace the power steering gearbox. I was wondering what else I should replace if anything?

Saturday, October 17th, 2009 AT 10:32 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Okay, I'm going back a few years so bear with me. Chances are the steering gear is ok. However, where the steering shaft (from the column) connects into the gear is the problem. If I recall, there are two half moon shape pins that sit in there with the steering shaft. They are what usually wear out causing excessive play. Hold the steering bear still and see if there is play in the shaft where it attaches to the gear. If there is, that is the problem and if I recall, they are cheap to replace.

Let me know wha tyou find.
Joe
PS: Sorry I can't remember the exact name. It has been about 10+ years since I replaced them.

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Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 AT 10:37 AM

JESSE_CALLENDER6

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3 POSTS

The power steering gearbox appears to be just fine after all. I am going put a new drag link on and need to go to a junk yard and pull an intermediate steering column.

Thank you

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Friday, October 30th, 2009 AT 2:02 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Was the item I mentioned bad?

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Friday, October 30th, 2009 AT 9:43 PM

JESSE_CALLENDER6

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I am pretty sure this is the part you were talking about and it was bad. I can't find it to replace it. The steering wheel has a little play still but it can wait till next summer. The drag link was the major issue and it stabilized my front end.

Thx

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Sunday, November 1st, 2009 AT 9:32 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS