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i have a 1999 ram 15004x4 with free play in the steering, the front end is in good shape. i was told to adjust the power steering gear box, can someone please tell me how to go about it. thanks  

first....   adjusting the power steering gear box requires some experience....  its a feel thing.. and knowing what's going on inside the steering box..

i would like you to first examine the entire steering linkage system...

this takes 2 people....   one in the drivers seat...  working the steering wheel back and forth just past the limit of the slack in the steering...  the amount of movement may need to be more or less depending upon which part you are looking at..

start by seeing if there is any side to side play between the pitman shaft and the lower steering box housing..  if there is play here....  the steering box will usually need to be replaced ..

you will also want to verify that the steering box is not twisting on the frame rails...   and that the frame rail is not flexing...

there is a special pitman arm nut/adaptor that allows an arm with a bearing on the end to stabilize the pitman shaft to the other frame rail... talk about tight steering..  if you come back.. i will see if i can find a picture of it over in the truck magazines on this site.. there are a dozen...

next is to look at the steering linkage ends..  if one part moves and the next part does NOT or there is a delay.. that part might need to be replaced..    side to side play in tie rod ends is not acceptable..   vertical play in the tie rod ends is not acceptable..

i would also like you to see if the front axle is staying centered under the truck when your friend is rocking the wheel back and forth...    

this is the track bar...  that keeps the front end centered under the truck.. keeps the steering tight...  as the steering box pushes one way to turn the wheels.. this keeps the front axle from just pushing aside.. these are KNOWN to wear slightly..  and cause Havoc...



if you get any movement in either end .. or the bracket on the frame is moving.. those come loose also.. you will have problems..

if just the rubber bushings on the axle end of the track bar are worn.. you can get them at some stores like AZ..  part number HB1820..  about 15 bucks..   takes 10 minutes to install..


 

Thank You so much for responding to my question.
Brad  

i guess i missed the point about the front end being in Good condition.. but i just have run into so many slightly worn parts...

this is one of several steering braces available for some dodge trucks..




the link to the full article...

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/dodge/0807dp_db_diesel_performance_steering_box_stabilizer/index.html




this link shows the proper way to adjust the steering box play... after you have verified that the pitman shaft  IS NOT loose in the case....

http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/steering/steering_gear/Adjust.htm


but if you want to know how i do it.. i find the proper tool to fit the lock nut.. and the proper allen wrench...

i being a mechanic.. usually use a crow foot line wrench on a wobble end extension..   and a allen bit socket on a wobble end extension but not a ratchet  i use a cross handle or small breaker bar so i can control the set screw in small increments..


with the allen wrench holding the set screw...  back off the lock nut probably 1/2 to 3/4 turn..     the front wheels need to be ON the ground..   pointed straight ahead..  perfectly ahead.. the steering wheel unlocked..    i reach in and rock the steering intermediate shaft back and forth.. while turning the set screw clockwise.... warning.. this is an adjustment.. do not try to bottom it out..     you probably won't make ONE turn in maximum..    this is where people screw up.. they just crank it down and lock the jam nut..  then the steering does not work right..

you have to rock the input shaft to see how much slack there is inside the box..   you need to remove NOT ALL THE SLACK..

if you go too tight.. the sliding part inside the box will be forced into the groove too tight.. either wearing the box.. binding.. or cracking the box..

once you have gotten to the exact adjustment..   continue to hold the set screw while you lock the jam nut down...

this is not an impossible adjustment to make.. it just takes a LOT of explaining..

the gear teeth on the pitman shaft have a slight taper....  the gear teeth on the sliding part are also tapered..

when adjusting the top set screw.. you are changing how far down into the gear the pitman arm fits into the sliding block..

this takes the play out.. but if you get it to tight.. there will be friction between the parts...  because of mechanical ratio.. you can really screw this up....

this is why i would say.. find a specialist wheel alignment or frame repair shop.... have them do this adjustment..  and specify that the tech is over 40 years old..  so he really knows what he is doing..  

try this link ...

it has some good tips also..


http://dodgeram.org/tech/troubleshoot/steering.htm