1981 Dodge Ramcharger steering gone out

1981 DODGE RAMCHARGER
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ELEPHANTMAN
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Steering problem
1981 Dodge Ramcharger V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic ? miles

Steering became very hard to turn truck. It was all I could do to turn the wheel then it got easy and then hard again. I parked the truck, jacked it up and with tires off of the ground can turn wheels. Looked at tie rod, it didn't pop or jump around but did hear a poping noise in or around the steering gear box. Also noticed that the universal joint located at the end of steering colom is very slopy. The truck has p/s. Could it be the steering gear box is striped? The p/s pump fluid is full.
Apr 30, 2009 at 8:38 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the steering turns easily off the ground, chances are the pump is the problem. As far as the axle joints, if they are sloppy, I would replace them. Also, check the pitman arm if you heard a popping sound near the steering gear.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
Jan 25, 2010 at 9:25 PM