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Old 08-06-2012, 12:39 PM   #1
moutard2
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Dodge RAM Steering Wander

The RAM is relatively new to me and my research suggests that the Dodge "steering wander" is to be expected. I see a number of add-ons available that claim to eliminate this issue. I've had all of the ball joints replaced as well as a few other front end steering components and while it dramatically improved the wander, I want to do more as I still detect more than my 2006 F250 which had virtually none. I'm looking at the BD Steering Box Stabilizer from BD Power. Has anyone intalled anything to correct the wander and if so can you recommend a product. Thanks!
 
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Old 08-06-2012, 12:47 PM   #2
Montana Sky
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My 2011 does the same thing, dealership claims that is normal for the Ram.
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Old 08-06-2012, 01:10 PM   #3
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My 2011 does the same thing, dealership claims that is normal for the Ram.
Yes, I understand that steering wander is "normal" for the RAM but I believe that it can be all but eliminated.
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Old 08-06-2012, 01:17 PM   #4
H. John Kohl
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I believe the TDR forum had a recommendation of replacing the steering box with a different brand.
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Old 08-06-2012, 02:01 PM   #5
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Mine is a 2003, I added a Steering Gear Support Arm, which greatly reduced the "steering wander". It cost about $250 for the part, and an hour of labor.
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Old 08-06-2012, 07:10 PM   #6
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I've had four Dodge trucks over the last 20 years and I guess I'm used to it. When I got that feeling I took it in and had new ball joints put on and never had the problem again. Did not replace the ball joints with stock, but the guy who did it didn't tell me who made the ones he put on. So far I haven't had a problem I recognize with the new one, but it hasn't got that many miles on it yet. Maybe I'm just used to what Dodges do.
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Old 08-07-2012, 01:20 AM   #7
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I had something similar when I bought this truck, it seemed to be a little more sensitive than my 2005. I asked the dealer to check it and they found either the castor or camber was out of spec. This is not adjustable normally but they replaced one of the ball joints with an adjustable one that allowed them to return it to spec. Took the sensitivity out or made it like my 05.
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Old 08-07-2012, 04:15 AM   #8
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It's odd that right after I switched to Michelin MS2 from the stock tire that came with the truck that I noticed this issue. I did go to a SLIGHTLY larger tire but I doubt that changed the Camber enough to create this issue. I did have the tie rod changed by the dealer when the original tires were on the truck. It drove fine then. Wonder if I need to get it realigned?
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Old 08-07-2012, 04:55 AM   #9
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I just installed a steering stabilizer purchased from Hell Bent Steel last week. It was one of the brands recommended on the Dodge Cummins site. My truck didn't wonder noticeably before the install but I believe its better with the brace. I had trouble finding a deep socket required to torque the steering extender bolt. Finally borrowed one from a heavy truck maintenance shop. The braces are not Expensive, nor difficult to install so not much invested if it doesn't live up to expectations. If I had to do it again I would.
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Old 08-07-2012, 06:05 AM   #10
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My sons 2008 is terrible, and told it was normal. It is not a fun truck to drive. They did adjust the steering box, and that helped some
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Old 08-07-2012, 09:36 AM   #11
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The "wandering" feeling is new to me and makes driving a challenge. It bothers me enough that I"m thinking of taking it back to the store that I bought the tires from. I thought the Michelin M&S2 were supposed to be good tires.
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Old 08-07-2012, 11:07 AM   #12
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Are you sure it's not doing this only when you're near a Ford dealer? It may be trying to steer you in and get you to try a different truck!! JUST KIDDING.

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Old 08-07-2012, 11:59 AM   #13
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Maybe...
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Old 08-07-2012, 12:01 PM   #14
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quote:Originally posted by seahunter

Are you sure it's not doing this only when you're near a Ford dealer? It may be trying to steer you in and get you to try a different truck!! JUST KIDDING.
HA! Good one however I just retired from the nation of Ford owners in favor of the more robust, feature plenty, reliable Dodge RAM with the bulletproof and proven Cummins diesel. AND, I love the engine brake which didn't break the bank to get. It's good though to see that the OB's have maybe finally caught up to the RAM when it comes to clean emissions ... it only took ... what is it ... 5 years?
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Old 08-07-2012, 12:18 PM   #15
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quote:Originally posted by moutard2

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by seahunter

Are you sure it's not doing this only when you're near a Ford dealer? It may be trying to steer you in and get you to try a different truck!! JUST KIDDING.
HA! Good one however I just retired from the nation of Ford owners in favor of the more robust, feature plenty, reliable Dodge RAM with the bulletproof and proven Cummins diesel. AND, I love the engine brake which didn't break the bank to get. It's good though to see that the OB's have maybe finally caught up to the RAM when it comes to clean emissions ... it only took ... what is it ... 5 years?
Yeah, I think all three are good trucks. I test drove the other two and really liked them. That Cummins was a nice engine and smooth transmission too. I didn't know about the steering wandering and must not have been too much on the test drive or I probably would have noticed it. I ended up with the Ford basically just because it is a little more roomy of the three and I needed the extra shoulder and hip room.

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Old 08-07-2012, 12:22 PM   #16
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I agree. I don't think the big 3 make a bad truck these days. They're all excellent quality IMHO.
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Old 08-07-2012, 12:56 PM   #17
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I am guessing most of you have 4 w/d trucks which might make a difference. With my 2 w/d I have not noticed any wandering to speak of. I have Michelin XLT A/S on the truck and they seen to do fine. I just ordered 2 replacements for the front of the truck as they are starting to look a little weather checked and have 87,000 miles on them.
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Old 08-07-2012, 01:39 PM   #18
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I have not noticed any wander on my 2012, but since i wasn't from a SRW to a DRW i do notice the longer frame seems softer. I will tell you from my own experience, that the Bilstein shocks on this truck will make a world of difference.
My 2012 came with a steering stabilizer from the factory, which is ok. But by the first birthday of this beast, it will get Bilstein. Was a great addition to my GMC.
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Old 08-07-2012, 06:26 PM   #19
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I have had 3 Dodges and none of them have wondered off yet. But for real I never heard of this yet. Mine toodles down the road in cruise at 65-70 with the Montana behind and I can 1 finger the steering wheel. Does this include duallies or is it just single wheel trucks.
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Old 08-08-2012, 03:36 AM   #20
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Mine is a 4x4 SRW and I'm not noticing a problem. But I do agree, all of the big three are making good trucks now days.
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