Steering issues 2500 2WD

**safetyfast** · 06-02-2009, 10:27 AM

I'm the proud new owner of a 1997 2500 ext. cab, long bed 2wd. I've been fixing lots of little things and want to improve the steering. The steering is a bit vague, like the big old 70's cars. I know that it also needs an alignment by the uneven wear on the front tires, plus the steering wheel is pointing off center to the left, but don't want to pay for an alignment before I fix any suspsension problems. I greased all the fittings, and the tie rods look okay. Will replacing the pitman arm fix the issue? IF so, how hard is replacement? Should I also attempt some adjustment on the steering column?

**Z71_guy** · 06-02-2009, 10:38 AM

best thing to do is bring it to a shop and have them check out all the steering components, ie. idler, pitman, ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings and such most shops have a steering and suspension inspection we charge 40 bucks for it but it will tell you every thing you should replace before you align the vehical.

**Jimmiee** · 06-02-2009, 10:40 AM

What I would is take it in for a free estimate at a good front end shop. Then you will know for sure which parts are worn out. Otherwise it's just hit or miss and you will have 10 different people telling you to change bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bars.
Have fun and welcome aboard.

**safetyfast** · 06-02-2009, 02:09 PM

No offense intended, but I'm a little surprised with the advice to go to a shop. While sound, I'm in a rural area, and usually fix everything I possibly can myself.

**Jimmiee** · 06-02-2009, 02:18 PM

You mentioned it needed an alignment and if it's wearing tires it does. I just assumed you had an alignment shop near by.

**safetyfast** · 06-02-2009, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmiee

You mentioned it needed an alignment and if it's wearing tires it does. I just assumed you had an alignment shop near by.

There is. Well, technically not a front end shop, but a couple of tire shops that do alignments. I just usually do the suspension work, then take my vehicles into town for alignment. Never occurred to me to get a shop to diagnose something I wasn't going to hire them to fix. I probably should have made that clearer.