WhozNxtLS1

Okay well here we go. I just installed

PSC Steering gear brace stabilizer
08-09 Dodge front drag link, and tie rods
08-09 Front Steering Dampener
Moog adjustable upper ball joints
Moog lower ball joints
Precision axle u-joints

I also had Dodge do the alignment, and something doesn't feel right.

Before even with all the parts bad the truck seems to be "tighter"

Now the steering wheel just feels "loose". Almost seems as though there is resistance in the steering wheel, and it seems to wander a bit. It takes more work to keep the truck going straight.

Now also, if I keep the steering wheel dead center the truck wants to drift right. If I let go of the steering wheel the wheel ***** to the right and the truck begins to drift right. Now before the steering wheel was off left and when I let go it would drift right. IDK, I just expected more from the truck handling wise after doing this. Now the suspension upgrades seems good. The truck turns smoother, handles bumps better. Much more fun to drive. Except having to fight the steering wheel all the time. I got the adjustable moog uppers which allow 1 degree camber/caster adjustment, and the lady advisor at dodge said they could do the alignment. What are the odds my problems are alignment related

CamperAndy

Could also be tire wear related. swap the front tires, left to right.

WhozNxtLS1

I was going to try rotating the tires front to back regardless because it's time. I'll let you know

rjm022

steering box going south?

WhozNxtLS1

I was wondering that about the steering box. How would I check that?

coblanchard

I had a similar problem with one of the pickups at work. All work was done at the dealer and most all the parts were replaced. One of the ball joints was installed too tight and caused a very poor on center feeling and you had to constantly correct the steering even going straight.

Just a thought???

WhozNxtLS1

Yeah, that's what it feels like personally. Like I can turn the wheel a bit to the right, let go and it won't want to go center. However, turning it to the left and letting go the wheel will correct mostly to center.

IDK just seems like I have to keep fighting with the truck to get it to track straight. I paid $800/tax I think it should be a bit better

Plus I also noticed a BAD BAD BAD rubbing noise when turning all the way right. Sounds like the tire rubbing on the control arm, but it didn't do that before either

BigIron70

They may have adjusted the sector gear too tight. That will make it very hard to keep truck going straight down the road.

torquefan

I'm thinking the new ball joints are too tight, and it is affecting the returnability of the steering. Now the steering doesn't return to straight ahead position after a turn and it feels like you always have to steer it, instead of it just tracking straight on its own. It's a very common thing with new ball joints, especially Moog, which just seem tighter than they need to be. Many people get alarmed and want to replace their ball joints as soon as there is a small amount of play in them, but it's there for a reason ,and that's why they do come with a wear spec. Perfectly tight isn't always better.

Breaking the new ball joints loose and carefully retorquing them sometimes helps, and sometimes not. My advice would be to just drive it and let the new parts break in. Drive over some rough surfaces, and hopefully that condition will get better quickly.

Tejasdge

Take the truck to an off road or alignment shop with a good rep since your sig states you have a significant lift and much larger than average tires. I have a mild lift and 315's and it makes a huge difference who I go to. At the good shops, you can tell them if you want it tight, loose, neutral, left, right, etc. The guys that rely on the computer don't know how suspension works. FWIW.