Steering problem 2wd

[oldbeek]

My 2001 2500 2wd is starting to wander. I continually have to steer right then left to hold it straight down the road.  Had it into my alignment shop. All specs are ok. I thought about adding caster, but at spec 3 1/2 degree positive already they said that was enough. I am used to 1.5 to 2 degree with the dana 4wd axle. As I said this is 2wd and all  front end components except steering box  have under 25 k miles on them. Steering sector box? Truck has 175 k on it and I live 1 mile down a washboard road.

[Buzzinhalfdozen]

If it has the original steering box and if it hasn't seen periodic adjustments, more than likely the box is getting worn. 

Take a real hard look at the control arm bushings because they can be deceiving.  Jack it up and move them  every direction with a pry bar looking for excessive movement I know I've been fooled more than once. 

Lastly have the alignment shop max out the caster adjustments. You should be able the get 6-7 degrees out of it. There is a special tool involved for caster adjustments on a 2wd that not every shop has. 

[Mopar1973Man]

I've had to re-adjust my steering box a few times. Eventually I'll have to pull my box and do both the sector and bearing pre-load adjustment of the box. All listed in the FSM. Also if the is wear occurring and the fluid is dark colored its time to flush the system out.

[oldbeek]

Had the alignment shop go to 5 degree pos. They said I had the steering box set to tight.  What is the procedure for adjusting the box?