OT Doge sterring

[james in mo]

I have a 1989 ¾ ton 4x4 doge. I took it out today to get it gassed up and to pick up some feed. This thing barely ever leaves the farm but when I got er up to speed the steering was all over the place (the truck was all over the road). I was aware of this but this time it was a lot worse. Last year when it first started doing this I called a shop and they said they could fix it for $400.00. This is steep for me. So does anyone know how to fix this without a lot of money?

 

[james in mo]

ok i know i spelled DODGE wrong

 

[Fawteen]

Nope. Dodges from around that time are notorious for using up front end parts, and if you can get it fixed right for $400 you'd best jump on it.

We have a '90 at work that has had TWO $1500 rebuilds and it's still screwed up. You don't drive that truck, you herd it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Also check the plate the steering box bolts up to. They have a tendency to come loose from the frame and also break. Alot of times Dodge steering and cheap can't be used in the same sentence.

 

[Steve from MO - dangit!]

You're safe in the truck. It's the people around you that have to Dodge.

 

[dandeere]

There is a coupling behind front wheel,sort of a cup affair universal joint. Water gets in and it rusts away. Parts are less than $50 at dealer. Check by twisting the coupling with your two hands. Dan

 

[Anonymous-0]

you spelled steering wrong too.

 

[Anonymous-0]

steering shaft coupler is bad a 40.00 fix auto zone has a new up dated one

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have an 89 4x4 Dodge that did the same thing. The most common problem is the joint that connects the steering wheel shaft to the gearbox. It does the same thing as a universal joint, but its not a universal joint like you would find on a tractor. There is a rebuild kit available that will take care of it. Was about $40 last time I bought one 5 years ago. Took me less than an hour in my driveway to do.

There is also an aftermarket shaft available from Borgeson that replaces it with a real universal joint.

Another possibility is you could have a lot of wear in your steering gearbox. With the engine off, have someone work the steering wheel while you look at the gearbox and steering shaft. If its the gearbox, that may get expensive as well.

 

[Anonymous-0]

There's an adjuster bolt on top of the gearbox. I don't know the exact term for this type of bolt, but it had a locknut(5/8) on it and takes an allen wrench. Use two 12" extensions(or equivalent) to get the ratchet up above radiator height. Turn it just enough to break it loose. Then hold the bolt stationary while you back the nut off with an end-wrench. Have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth as you tighten the bolt. When the play is minimal(you don't want it completely without play as the internal parts will wear excessively fast and the steering will be very touchy), tighten the lock nut.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Go to lukeslink.com. they explain what causes it to wonder and have a very good fix for it. My son's 98 went all over the road too. He tried replacing different parts but came across this fix. It took care of the loose feel on the road and it hasn't bothered the last 50000 miles since.

 

[KSTractor]

Better check the tie rod ends too, 1 fell off of my 2001 3500 4x4 with 95000 mi on it. The first owner had them and the steering gear replaced under warrenty at around 50000mi. because of wandering. The 4 ends and 2 rods that they are part of will take most off the $400. I was lucky I was only doing about 35mph when it happened and as soon as I hit the brake it turned sharp left into the ditch.In about 2 miles I would have been up to 65 and I'm sure it would have made it across the median.There is a company that makes a bracket with a bearing to support the lower end of the steering pitman shaft to cut down on the wandering I could look up where I got it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

That joint is know as a "RAG COUPLING".

 

[fixerupper]

Get down on your knees beside the left front wheel, reach in behind the wheel, grab the steering shaft coming down from the steering wheel and rock it back and forth while watching the steering box, tie rods, etc. I'll bet you'll find lots of things. Jim

 

[Anonymous-0]

Check these guys, they have a fix for Dodge steering problems.
Solid steel

 

[Joe(TX)]

It's not the rag joint. It's the other end. The coupling box. Replace the 2 small metal parts on the inside.

 

[Joe(TX)]

Fawteen
There is two things wrong with your statement "Dodges from around that time are notorious for using up front end parts". I had over 150000 miles on my Dodges before I had front problems. Same with my brothers. You may need to look for a real mechanic.
The other problem is that he was talking about a 4x4 which is identical to a Chevrolet up to 1987 in the front suspension.