1998.5-2002 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Steering Parts

Steering on the 1998.5-2002 Ram 5.9L Cummins

These second-gen trucks use a Saginaw recirculating-ball steering box bolted to the frame rail. Inside it, the sector shaft is supported top and bottom only within the box, and it swings the pitman arm, drag link and tie rod that turn the knuckles. On 4x4 trucks a track bar locates the coil-sprung Dana 60 front axle side to side. Power assist comes from the power steering pump, which is bolted to the vacuum pump as a tandem unit driven off the gear train of the 24-valve Cummins. On hydroboost-equipped trucks that same pump also supplies the brakes, so it matters for stopping as well as steering. The linkage changed partway through the run: 1994-1999 trucks share one taper at the knuckles and pitman arm, and 2000-2002 trucks use a different one.

What fails and why

Sloppy steering, wander and death wobble are the signature complaints on this platform, and the causes tend to stack:

• Track bar. The ball-stud end wears and is the leading cause of wander and death wobble. Worn plastic tension bushings in the tie-rod ends add more play.
• Steering damper. A worn damper is a major contributor to death wobble and should be replaced along with the track bar.
• Steering box. At high mileage the over-center and worm-bearing preload loosen, so you hold more wheel to keep a straight line and may hear a clunk. Side play in the sector shaft also lets the box weep at the lower seal. Dodge TSB 19-10-97 is the adjustment procedure.
• Column and intermediate shaft. The lower column bearing and the intermediate shaft develop rotational slop that feels like a clunky wheel. One documented truck showed it at about 120,000 miles.
• Pump and fluid. Many owners report power steering fluid running hot on these trucks. A worn pump then gives weak assist at idle, and weak brake boost on hydroboost trucks.

Death wobble itself is a violent front-axle shimmy after a bump. Track bar ball-stud wear, worn tires, a worn steering damper, ball joints and caster alignment all feed it, so one new part rarely tells the whole story.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

If the box is worn past adjustment, the XDP Stock+ power steering gearbox is a new replacement listed for 1994-2002 5.9L Cummins. If the pump is tired, the XDP new power steering pump comes with its reservoir. Do not chase more assist by shimming the stock pump's pressure regulator; that can make the pump fail and take power steering and hydroboost brakes with it. The common upgrades add stiffness. A steering box stabilizer adds an outboard bearing that carries tie-rod load from the sector shaft to the frame rails and reduces frame flex. An adjustable track bar replaces the worn factory bar. A dual steering stabilizer kit adds damping on top of a sound front end. If you are looking at used parts, skip the 2003-up Delphi box; it has reliability issues of its own and is not an automatic upgrade.

What we carry

Steering parts here come from BDS Suspension, BD Diesel, XDP and Lucas Oil:

• BDS Suspension dual steering stabilizer kits with FOX 2.0 Performance shocks or NX2 shocks, a dual stabilizer mounting kit, and a 5 inch drop pitman arm
• BD Diesel steering box stabilizers for 2WD and 4WD, an adjustable track bar for 4WD, and a replacement bushing kit
• XDP Stock+ new power steering gearbox and a new power steering pump with reservoir
• Lucas Oil power steering fluid

Fitment notes

Drivetrain matters. BD sells separate steering box stabilizers for 2WD and 4WD trucks, the BD track bar and bushing kit are 4WD parts, and the BDS stabilizer kits are listed for 4WD. The BDS FOX 2.0 kit is listed for the 2500, and the drop pitman arm for 2000-2001 2500s only. Year matters too: 1998.5-1999 and 2000-2002 trucks differ in steering tapers, front brakes and spindles, so 'fits 24-valve' is not enough; confirm the half-year. A 2002 2500 or 3500 is still a second-gen truck, and 2003 parts such as the Delphi steering box do not carry back. When you pull the steering shaft, strap the wheel so it cannot spin and damage the clock spring. Verify by VIN before you order.

Frequently asked questions

What causes death wobble on a 1998.5-2002 Ram 2500?

Usually several worn parts at once. Track bar ball-stud wear is the leading cause, and a worn steering damper, worn tires, ball joints and caster alignment add to it. Inspect the track bar and damper first, then work through tie-rod ends and ball joints.

Will a new steering stabilizer cure my death wobble?

It handles the damper's share. The damper is a major contributor, but a new damper alone leaves a worn track bar ball stud in place, and that is the leading cause. Replace the damper together with the track bar.

Is a 2003 or newer steering box an upgrade for my 2002 Ram?

No. The 2003 third-gen trucks moved to a Delphi steering gear that has its own reliability issues, and 2003 steering parts do not carry back to the second-gen chassis. A new box built for 1994-2002, like the XDP Stock+ gearbox, is the direct path.

Why does my steering feel heavy at idle?

Many owners report power steering fluid overheating on these trucks, and a worn pump then gives weak assist at low speed. On hydroboost trucks the brake pedal can feel heavy at idle as well. Look for burnt, dark fluid and hot fittings, and replace the pump rather than shimming its pressure regulator.

Do I need a steering box stabilizer?

The factory sector shaft is supported only inside the box. A stabilizer adds an outboard bearing that carries tie-rod load to the frame rails, which reduces stress on the shaft and stiffens the frame. BD Diesel sells separate 2WD and 4WD versions.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.