I just bought a real nice 97 3500 long bed Dodge Truck.  It has 77k miles
and is in pristine condition.  The steering has play in it and wanders on
the road.  I had it adjusted, and now it is hard to turn and still wanders
on the road.  The Dodge dealer said the box may be worn and would cost $785
for a new one?  Does anyone have any suggestions what else may be wrong?

Ask if he can get a remanufactured one - about $300

The mechanic who did the "adjusting" has probably ruined the gearbox, IMO.
It is very easy to screw up that job, and I think he's done it.

There may or may not be a connection between "play" and "wandering", and
there are several things that can produce a wandering sensation that are
unrelated to the adjustment of the steering box.  Find a competent
mechanic who will investigate a wide range of possibilities including (of
course):

        - correct adjustment of the steering gearbox
        - power steering control valves (in the box)
        - bolts securing box to frame loose
        - frame cracked or flexing
        - rod ends worn
        - idler bushing worn
        - worn suspension components
        - misalignment (specifically inadequate toe-in)
        - incorrect inflation pressure
        - wrong tread design

etc, yada yada.

The point being that IMO you are not getting good information or help on
the problem. Steering gearboxes are among the sturdiest devices on your
truck, since no manufacturer dares to cut corners on such a critical
component. Failures are very rare.

Will KD3XR

On Fri, 10 Sep 1999 20:15:56 -0700, "William Brown"

Check back with the dealer about recalls for steering problems.  I
remember some sort of steering recall on my '96 Dodge 3500.  The
dealer can tell you if any recall service has been performed on your
truck and there were about 6-8 that I remember.

Gary

Will gave some very good advice.  It is highly unlikely to need a new
steering gear and you don't ruin it by adjusting it too tight - but you
might not like driving it either too loose or too tight.  Ask around
where the various repair facilities in your town send their problem
cases.  Then go there and tell them all the symptoms (not your
diagnosis) and let them figure it out.  Will gave an excellent list to
start on - if you know what you are looking for.  If not, go to a
professional - but ask around as to who is good.

You might look at these two sites. There are some TSB's for steering problems
on Dodges. They have had some problems with "track bars or front radius arms"
prematurly wearing.

Bear

http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/technical/TSB/00tsb_indx.htm
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/member-registration.htm