[squirrel64]

Thanks for having me in your forum ! Have missed my 95 dodge diesel ever since I had to get rid of it 6 years ago. Well I'm starting my tree business again and just bought a 1996 Ram 2500 Club Cab 5.9 360CI. It's seen a pretty rough life but motor is dry and will do for a work truck. The biggest issue is the guy I bought from said that steering is REEEEL loose. I drove it about 2 miles today, and the steering is REEEEEL loose ! He told me that tie rod may have to be replaced. I'm sure that's not all.

My mechanical abilities are moderate. My steering and suspension capabilities and knowledge are are slightly less than moderate. I have access to a garage and tools. What are the main things I can get under and look for and do myself to help tighten this thing up ? My budget is kind of low right now and if you all can make any suggestions I will try everything within my scope of abilities to fix and report back with the results.

From searching and reading earlier posts I know that troubles occour with the track bar, steering box and tie rod ends. I was looking at a master bushing kit. Should I start with that and move on from there ?

Thanks guys for any help

Edit........ I probably have 6-8 inches of play each way in steering

 

[panhead]

You need to check out the whole front linkage and suspension. Have a friend turn the wheel back and forth and you should see whats worn when you are underneath the truck. You'll know when its worn when it has play. Front linkage parts aren't cheap. Then raise the truck up and check your ball joints.