Symptoms
Wandering steering, a steering box that moves when someone turns the wheel with the engine running, or cracks around the box mounting plate or the frame rail.
The fix, step by step
- First find the actual cause.
- Ramcharger Central members point out that worn couplers and loose parts cause wander too, and a pot-coupler rebuild kit is available.
- If the plate is cracked, replace it.
- Dodge's thicker 1988 plate is discontinued, but Autofab builds a heavy-duty bolt-on version for 1972–93 trucks.
- Far From Stock's brace works with the stock plate on 1976–93 trucks that keep stock 4x4 steering.
- On 1974–76 trucks with the early reverse-rotation box, members suggest the 1977–93 box and its parts as a straight swap.
- Weld any frame cracks before you add a brace.
Tools & part numbers
- Socket set
- torque wrench
- pitman-arm puller
- welder if the frame is cracked
Where to buy the parts
72–93 4x4 stock-steering box braceFar From Stock ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Dodge Ramcharger (first generation) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.