'95 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, loose stearing.

Even though I recently had my stearing gear box replaced, and returned to have it tightened up a little later, my stearing is still sloppy. I have about 3 inches of play in the wheel, it causes me to go from side to side of my lane, and when I hit a bump or irregularity on the road i'm all over the place. I'm worried about slippery roads this winter, and losing control. I've had several people check it over and say there is nothing wrong with the stearing or shocks, but i've only owned this truck a few months and know little about it. A friend (that seems to know a little about everything) says it could be the "traveler bar", but I have no idea what that is. Any suggestions?
Roger.

 

Something has to be loose or worn if you and your freinds can't find it a professional opinion may be in order.This is a serious safety concern that needs adressed now.Your freind may mean what I call the panard rod,it keeps the front axle from floating right to left while driving and would give the symptom you describe.It may be worth going to the dealer and biting the bullet at least for a diagnosis since it's a safety item.It may even be cheaper than the steering box you bought that didn't fix it.Does it have a steering stabilizer on the linkage(looks like a shock on the steering linkage)?If so it may be bad causing the problem also.

 

I am a certified Dodge tech and I have replaced a whole bunch of steering intermediate shafts on all dodge 4x4 vehicles (they seem to be crap). The shaft runs from the bottom of the steering column to the gearbox. I am only basing this on the way you described it, our customers say the same things. good luck!

 

Thanks, I'll check it out.
Roger.

 

Absolutely agree.
We replaced our steering linkage and it magically fixed it (there wasn't much play either in the UJs when we got the old one off, but could feel a definite clicking when in place and truck was static, and frankly it didn't feel much different to the new one when off and in our hands, but boy what a difference in handling.)

$180 Canadian for the part and 20 mins to do the job - dead easy.

 

so i have the same prob in my 92 2500 GMC suburban. n e 1 know a web site that explains how to fix it? havent looked at my cars stearing yet but i know that i wont know what 2 look 4.

 

Alfa
With your 'Bourbon, first check the condition of your steering "doughnut" or "rag joint" they will deteriorate(sp), then your idler arm, then the shaft. On my 92 Blazer it was/is the shaft but good luck finding one.