Will 2024 Ram 2500 steer bad when it ages out?

[Fordiesel69]

I know I am not comparing apples to apples here. I test drove 2003 Ram 2500 with low miles way back in the day and although the steering was not very responsive I specifically recall it being excellent and effortless to keep on the road. Fast forward to today I drove a 2024 Ram 2500 with a 6.4L hemi and it steers utterly perfect. Guitar string tight as they say!

Unfortunately every part has been rebuilt and this 2003 in question has 8 inches of slop, and walks all over the road. To drive it with a plow installed takes 100% concentration, a mere sneeze will have you on rumble strips. It is beat up and has 150K. Was curious if this will occur with this 2024 or if great engineering strides have been made?

My spare 2016 mode year 1500 series drives at 225K like it did with 25K.

 

[ctechbob]

With a plow installed? No engineering on the planet is going to keep that front end from wearing out.

 

[bullwinkle]

2003 have a Cummins? They are bad for sloppy steering gear, and need the front frame rails tied together to stop the frame rails from flexing. Not to mention track bars, and a bunch of other wear-prone front suspension parts. The extra weight of a plow isn’t going to help either!

 

[JavierH19]

Never had that issue with my old gm's and fords, two decades old and they drive the exact same. Maybe the steering gear wears out quick on rams but I've never needed to change one. Have you at least changed the steering shaft or rack and pinion bushings, a heavy steering load like a plow can ruin them.

 

[JWC86]

As far as the 2003 goes, it “everything was rebuilt and it has 8” of slop” then everything wasn’t not rebuild… could be the steering box itself also.

Dodge 3/4 and 1 tons have the worst steering of the big three, they have made improvements since 2003 but still isn’t great.

That said, they all wear out…

 

[JavierH19]

As far as the 2003 goes, it “everything was rebuilt and it has 8” of slop” then everything wasn’t not rebuild… could be the steering box itself also.

Dodge 3/4 and 1 tons have the worst steering of the big three, they have made improvements since 2003 but still isn’t great.

That said, they all wear out…

Definitely, there's no such thing as mystery steering slop. Something wasn't done right or done at all, I'd start with bushings and such.

 

[Fordiesel69]

The 2003 has the 5.9L but the magnum. When plow is not on, it is not a great experiance but it is doable. With the plow it is almost a learning experiance each time it is driven.

I really want to spend some time learning and nailing the issue some day, but I would imagine it is impossible. Add in the play in every bushing on the rear suspension, and all the new parts of unknown quailty on the front end, and there is not really a golden nugget. It is is the frame then that might be the issue. No frame work or braces have been added.