Hey everyone got a few questions. This last weekend I went riding on what said was atv trails but was more like motorcycle cause was so tight. Well I hit stumps or rocks twice that jerked the front end so bad that both times caught a grip to the gut. My questions are how much play should be in the steering. I can wiggle the bars a bit with out the tires moving so is this normal and I just never knew it or think need new bushings? The other is the toe in/out i can look at the tires from the front sitting in my garage and they both arent lined up exactly so what is the easiest way to get them to match?

Thanks for any help anyone. Hey also check out the link on my signature the little man has been shreddin.

 

Dodge, the outer tie rods are generally the culprit for play in the steering. Being a 02 model you will have the large bearing in the lower steering post. Those are much beefier and better than the early designs. By moving the steering gently you should be able to see where the slack is. It should only be the inner or outer rod ends. My wife's 01 had one outer that seemed to get slack almost all of a sudden. Only replace one if that's all you need. Also you use the tie rods to set your toe in/out. Chances are if you have a good amount of slack in a rod end then the toe in will correct itself if you replace the worn part. Hope this helps,Bubba

 

Ya that helps so think I should only have to replace the tie rod bearings I gotta go take a look to make sure im thinking of what you are talking about. I appreciate it. Also dont try to adjust them until replace the bearings is what you are saying?

 

Mark the postion of the old tie rod ends on the rod so you have an idea of how far the new one should thread on. If your toe is still messed up after that, then you loosen the jam nuts on the rod and turn the rod t adjust the toe. You want it to be 3/16"-1/4" toed out. You can use a long straitedge or string going from the rear tire to the front tire to measure the toe.

 

Gracias guys. Gonna give it a whack here in the next couple days.