[ramwild]

Hello,

Just got back from SEARS Automotive where they told me that they can't work on my truck due to a worn steering shaft that goes between the rag joint and the steering wheel. The slip joint below the rag joint and the rag joint itself are fine. It is movable from side to side and up and down from the ragjoint into the firewall. Now is this actually worn or do they just not know what they are talking about. Also they tested my battery and said it is good but yet it keeps going dead.. No known shorts. The gauge doesnt seem to really go discharging or charging either. I do read 13 volts at idle with just the engine running but nothing on. Then if I turn a bunch of accessories on it starts to drop. I am going to check the cables tomorrow with an amp meter and making sure it is actual flowing properly to the battery otherwise I guess it gotta be the alt. I know the fusible link looks like it was messed with so maybe it finally went.
Thanks
Rich
If It aint a Dodge then it better be an International

 

[Pat88ramcharger]

13 volts is low if the engine is running.....would guess that the alt is going..

Pat

 

[DDGRC84]

and they are saying that the steering column is shot? that doesn't make a whole lotta sense

Jake

 

[ramwild]

yea I am going to check the cables on the alternator.. I accidently actually posted this twice with two different subjects lines close but different cause the first time it claimed it failed to post.... I am not sure why the alternator would be going as it was just replaced a little while ago. I think about a year ago. Thanks any other ideas I can check.. worse comes to worse I might go and pull it too take to autozone to have it tested... Oh does anyone know where to get replacement fusible links for 1985 Dodge Ramcharger 318 cid 4X4 I think they are 100 amp
Thanks

 

[Chump]

Well, don't forget rebuilt alternators can go bad in a matter of hours. Rebuilt parts are not what they used to be! Do you have a warranty on the alternator? It also may put out what appears to be an acceptable voltage but will not supply the proper amperage. As far as the steering column goes...why would this play have any affect on what you were having serviced? What did you want them to do that the steering column play would affect?

 

[ramwild]

Ya know I didnt even think about it but there is an external voltage regulator on it so I am going to check that first before I go buying an alternator along with just checking all the connections. The service I wanted was just to have new shocks put on. Go figure. Some local junkyard wanted $100 for the column which moves worse then mine lol. And 10 for a voltage reg.. Advance auto sells them for 11.49 New go figure... told him that and he just winged it into a junk pile.

 

[ramwild]

CHARGING SYSTEM IS CHARGING AGAIN IT WAS THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR All Fixed now well at least the charging system.