Dodge Ram 1500 Pick-up

1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick-up Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction Happens always Always

may 97 has allot of play in the steering (12:00 to 3:00) back and forth. I've taken it to 4 shops and they all have replaced different things but has had little real effect on the problem. Can you tell me what it might be? I realize its and older vehicle and has a few miles on it (180,000 miles) but I really enjoy driving it and this is the only real problem I've had with it. Could I put a new 2006 dodge suspension under it? Or would that take an act of rocket scientist?

What was replaced?

Shocks, bearings repacked, bearings replaced and repacked a 2nd time, idler arm ( and another rod thats used to help stabilize, not sure what it was though) also was suggested to try a different tire. Changed tires and there was no difference.

Tire would not affect play in steering, front bearings would, if they were falling off.Idler arm, pitman arm , drag link, tie rod ends, all will affect steering though.
Next time some one suggests tires, its cheaper to swap the front tires front to rear and to see if it changes anything.

The idler arm and pitman were also replaced. The alignment is good it doesn't pull one way or the other. Is it possible that I could just put a new front suspension from a 2006 dodge?

Although the temptation to put a new '06 Dodge front end in,I believe the parts are not interchangeable.
You might do your research and see if a few of the parts are interchangeable.
The 97 truck steered good new and should still do so.
Have a friend turn the steering back and forth, while you are under the truck with a flashlight or a trouble light.You will probably quickly see where the excessive play is.For example if the steering input shaft moves back and forth lots and the pitman arm moves little or none, then we can assume the fault is in the steering box. etc
PS:The truck need not be running for this test.

1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick-up All Part Groups   

I am trying to change my water pump out to put a new one in I am having troulbe with taking off the cooling fan with the wrench witch is a 36mm not sure how to wedge the pully so I can take it off if u could help me out plz I am a woman trying to do this on my own ty

Hello, Which engine do you have, please? Are you confident you are trying to remove the correct pulley?

Please advise,

Roger

ok I am sry for not giving u all the info u needed I am using the dodge pickup automotive repair manual from hayness...and the pully I am trying to take off is the one that the fan blands goes to it and u can not get the shroud off with this in place ..the book tells me to us a 36mm fan wrench us to ture the large nut while the fan pulley is held with a large screwdriver or piliers..well I am not sure how to place the screwdrive to hold it I have tried but it sill is free to spenn so I know I am not holding it right the book dont give much on it but that on taking it off..I am sry If I am not helping u out with the right qu ,,I am just trying to get help and I do ty u even if u can not help me u try ty again so much.....I have a 1996 dodge 1500 p/k 5.2 liter maybe that will help......ty again for ur time.

I don't have a manual but I'll get you some information this afternoon. Will that be soon enough? I have a doctor appointment i must go to first.

Roger

OK, I see what's going on. Does the fan tuck up inside the shroud so far that it is hard to wedge a board between the blades to block rotation?

Roger

Hello?, Please update this query! Did you get it going? :)

Thanks,

Roger

Please take the time to update/close this question. I hope to provide the help you asked for. Please update.

Thanks,

Roger

Hello, I've asked repeatedly for an update here. Won't you please reply?

Thanks,

Roger

Still need help? Ready to close this question? Please update.

Thank you,

Roger

Hello, Can you tell me if you are having problems with the All-Parts Web Site? This question has been open quite awile. Please update or close it.

Thanks,

Roger

1994 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick-up Ignition System Won't Start Happens always No pattern

no ignition when key is in starting position

Please give more details on your problem. Does the starter crank the engine but the engine don't start (engine cranks no start)?

Or does the starter not crank the engine (no crank no start condition)? If this is the case do you have the normal dash lights that come on with the key on (check engine, etc)? If you are missing both of these start by checking the battery, fuses, battery cables, grounds, etc.