99 Dodge B250 3/4 Ton Van 4000# Frontend

lokoutshop · 02-27-2008, 09:04 AM

I have a 99 Dodge van, with a 4000# front end, i ordered it new always drove great until about a year ago, im a locksmith and have a full work bench and tools total weight maybe 200-300lbs on drivers side, never seemed to bother it, it has no on center feel to it driving, replaced lower balljoints, and all linkage twice, steering gear box 6 times dealer, new tires and a good set of helper springs on back new shocks and swaybar endlink bushings, have had it to the dealer 3 times and to 6 other local shops, i have a spent a ton, its killing me, anyone got any ideas ??? from about 5 inches either way from center the steering wheel wont return to center

cardoc · 02-27-2008, 03:33 PM

Good afternoon lokoutshop
Seeing youv'e had it to many shops I'll assume they've checked the usuall.The next steps would be to ck for binding at the ball joints. On a lift separate tie rod from steering knuckle.Knuckle should turn very easily.Also tie rod assembly could be over centered causing a bind.When assembled and adjusted correctly after alignment they should be able to rock back and forth.Also check for a binding intermediate shaft joint between column and steering box.I'm sure they would have checked for an overadjusted steering gear(common in rmfg units if shafts and bearings aren't assembled correctly),alignment angles, bad steering stabilizer(if equipped)etc.Did something happen just before this started (new parts,accident or alignment)or did this happen gradually.The tool weight should be just fine,it's meant for it.
I'm assuming in the five inches of no return the van is going in that direction and it's not just free play. Good luck / hope I've given you some new ideas.
Also your answer to the Malibu ignition tumbler problem was spot on.Been there done that.They're a pain.
Cardoc

02-27-2008, 09:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
lokoutshop Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2 OS: XP	99 Dodge B250 3/4 Ton Van 4000# Frontend I have a 99 Dodge van, with a 4000# front end, i ordered it new always drove great until about a year ago, im a locksmith and have a full work bench and tools total weight maybe 200-300lbs on drivers side, never seemed to bother it, it has no on center feel to it driving, replaced lower balljoints, and all linkage twice, steering gear box 6 times dealer, new tires and a good set of helper springs on back new shocks and swaybar endlink bushings, have had it to the dealer 3 times and to 6 other local shops, i have a spent a ton, its killing me, anyone got any ideas ??? from about 5 inches either way from center the steering wheel wont return to center

02-27-2008, 03:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ct. Posts: 195 OS: win xp sp2	Re: 99 Dodge B250 3/4 Ton Van 4000# Frontend Good afternoon lokoutshop Seeing youv'e had it to many shops I'll assume they've checked the usuall.The next steps would be to ck for binding at the ball joints. On a lift separate tie rod from steering knuckle.Knuckle should turn very easily.Also tie rod assembly could be over centered causing a bind.When assembled and adjusted correctly after alignment they should be able to rock back and forth.Also check for a binding intermediate shaft joint between column and steering box.I'm sure they would have checked for an overadjusted steering gear(common in rmfg units if shafts and bearings aren't assembled correctly),alignment angles, bad steering stabilizer(if equipped)etc.Did something happen just before this started (new parts,accident or alignment)or did this happen gradually.The tool weight should be just fine,it's meant for it. I'm assuming in the five inches of no return the van is going in that direction and it's not just free play. Good luck / hope I've given you some new ideas. Also your answer to the Malibu ignition tumbler problem was spot on.Been there done that.They're a pain. Cardoc