I feel my issue is also either the steering box or steering pump. They already replaced my u-joints, so it is not them in my case. Keep us posted.

 

Talked to a friend of mine. Local Mopar hot shot. First thing out of his mouth was a tight axle u-joint or the steering box is bad. He give me a few tips on what to check. I'm going to do what he said later today. Also have a date with the dealer on Monday. The PW is still under warrt.

If I was a betting man, I'd put money on it being the steering box or pump - because when my front axle u-joint went bad, it made a slight pulsation in the steering wheel while turning, but never made it difficult to turn. And, my u-joint was pretty bad & I have a particularly weak PS pump...so it's sort of a worst-case combination.

On the other hand, I could be wrong...which is why I won't bet any actual money.

 

opcorn:

 

How about the steering shaft u-joints themselves? Found this problem first hand on my dads Dakota... Sounds too new for that though

 

I forgot to add. When in 4lo. I get kick-back in the steering wheel too when making a left turn. PW has 25,000 miles on it.

 

I am getting the exact same thing Rusty.

 

Is it possible that the roller bearings in steering box has a flat spot from the box getting a hit? If you need a new one maybe look into the red-head steering box. :dunno:

 

My steering box and steering brace have never took a hit at all.

 

opcorn: opcorn:

 

From my google search tonight. I found this.
"The hydraulic control cylinder has a pin in it. The pin has broken loose and rocking to the one side a bit. Preventing hydro assist from happening. The fix is a new steering box."

I found other people have the same problem. Their fix has been a new steering box. :ugh

 

Time to look at an 09 box. I sure hope they are willing to put an 09 box on because from what I read it is the only upgrade from stock other than a hydro assist system.

KP

 

are you talking about this one?
http://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/...r-heavy-duty-replacement-steering-box-gear-box-03-10-59l-67l-dodge-cummins.aspx

 

You better hope its not the steering box cuse Ive been waiting over a month for mine and I'm #101 on the waiting list.

 

By the way mine has the same problem as yours its stiff going left so its definatly a steering box issue but I'm also leaking fluid.

 

What I been finding out, this is a common problem. The diesel guys have it the most. (I think it's because of the weight on the front end.) And they been thinking it's the pump that is the problem, and replacing it. But not replacing the box. :crazy: Alot of them just learn to live with it. :crazy:

I'm starting to see a pattern here in my research. The diesel guys because of a heavy front end, and guys who off-road.

 

yea i have it also. Should that link i posted for the upgraded steering box fix it? Is the pump inside the steering box?

 

No one has mentioned if this new box will work with the Hemi trucks. I see no reason it would'nt, but does anyone know for sure ??? Is it a direct bolt on ?

 

i thought someone reported in another thread that it will fit the hemi equipped trucks but i am not positive

 

I was never able to get an answer if it was a direct bolt in, chances are not many people have tired yet because they are all under warranty. Obviously the dealer won't be upgrading anybody if they don't have to. I don't know about mounting it, but I do know the sector shaft is much larger (hopefully indicating the rest of the internals are beefed up as well) So you'll need a new pitman arm I think and if you have a steering brace it won't fit anymore. But my guess is the rest of the steering will bolt right on.

In theory your not supposed to need a steering brace, that's why they finally made the new boxes bigger. But I think all you would need to do is drill the hole bigger and find a new bearing that is big enough to fit, as well as a way to connect it.

 

I was never able to get an answer if it was a direct bolt in, chances are not many people have tired yet because they are all under warranty. Obviously the dealer won't be upgrading anybody if they don't have to. I don't know about mounting it, but I do know the sector shaft is much larger (hopefully indicating the rest of the internals are beefed up as well) So you'll need a new pitman arm I think and if you have a steering brace it won't fit anymore. But my guess is the rest of the steering will bolt right on.

In theory your not supposed to need a steering brace, that's why they finally made the new boxes bigger. But I think all you would need to do is drill the hole bigger and find a new bearing that is big enough to fit, as well as a way to connect it.

The hole in the PSC is plenty large enough to accomadate a beefier sector shaft. I already e-mailed PSC & they assured me that if & when the new box with the larger sector shaft becomes common, they will sell me a new bearing block.

 

If it is exactly like the 09, the pitman arm is different but otherwise it is a direct bolt on item. That one shown on your link looks exactly the same as my 09 box.

I don't have the experience of owning the old box and old style linkage but I can safely say that the 09 I have drives fine and feels great everywhere other than over stutter bumps. This 09 even feels better off road than my 07 1500 ram did with the rack and pinon steering.

KP

 

Also sounds like the ball joints are shot. They warrantied mine out with less play than that.

 

good point. the hole probably is big enough on mine to, I wasn't really paying attention

 

I'm waitin' for Monday to come. To see what the dealership has to say. :SPIN:

 

Dont forget, that is a diesel site & thats what they are talking about---diesels.

 

The 09+ PW gas and the 09+ diesel gearbox is the same part # acording to the dealer.

They also said that it is likely that the new style box will become the warranty replacement for earlier applications that are still covered because the older OEM box is having supply issues.

KP

 

Spend the morning at the dealership. First they said it was a tight u-joint in the front. :crazy: Then I mention about the steering box could be the problem. Then they came back later with the right tie-rod end binding. :crazy: So now I got to go back next Monday for them to install a new tie-rod assy and alignment, as they don't have one in stock. I got an idea that when this is finish. I will have a bunch of new parts. They're not mechanic's any more, but parts replacers. :ugh

 

Yep, I agree. They follow a troubleshooting guide on their computer link to DCx. It seems that the steering box is probably at the bottom of the 'possible causes' guide. At least you will have new parts! Try to get them to replace the ball joints, too, since if I remember the play settings you posted seemed a bit high. Mine were less than that, and he put in a word for me to replace them, which was cool on his part. Hopefully the guys at your place will do the same.

If it comes down to the steering box, push for the newer, bigger one, free of charge!

 

It will be funny to see how many new parts they throw at your truck till they get it fixed...Just stand back and let them throw

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

When I e-mailed PSC, I asked them that very question. They said when that steering box becomes avail, they would just sell me a new sized nut w/extension to go through the bearing block & a new sized bearing block. Everything else should be the same.

 

That's a good point, the shaft could be the same size regardless it's just the nut part of it that would have to change.