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1972-1993

Classic Dodge truck and Ramcharger steering

The D and W series, the first Rams and Power Rams, and the Ramcharger: what the factory did and what changes when you go crossover.

Decode the name

  • D or W: in the D/W series, D is two-wheel drive and W is four-wheel drive. A W150 is a half-ton 4x4.
  • Ram and Power Ram: Dodge introduced the Ram name in October 1980, for the 1981 model year. The 4x4 versions are Power Rams, and the line carried on through the 1993 model year.
  • Ramcharger: built from 1974 to 1993 on a shortened version of the pickup chassis. Plymouth sold a twin, the Trail Duster.
Two-tone 1990 Dodge Ramcharger 4x4 on grass at a Mopar show
A 1990 Dodge Ramcharger, the shortened-chassis SUV that shares the pickup front end. Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0 (resized), via Wikimedia Commons.

Factory layout

These trucks use a power recirculating-ball steering box bolted to the driver-side frame rail, turning a pitman arm that drives the linkage. On 4x4s, the box sits on a bracket in a more forward position than on 2WD trucks. That matters as soon as you start changing the linkage.

Frame rail (driver side, side view) · front of truck at left4WD position(on a bracket)2WD position(further back, on the rail)Crossover conversions on1978-93 trucks commonlymove the box back
Box positions on the frame rail. The 2WD mounting holes are usually already in the frame.

Going crossover or high-steer

A crossover conversion runs the drag link straight from the pitman arm to the passenger knuckle, usually on top of a high-steer arm, and lifts the tie rod above the leaf springs. Instructions from crossover kit makers and owner write-ups agree on the main steps for these trucks:

  • 1978-1993 trucks: the existing box generally works, but it moves back to the 2WD location on the frame. The 4WD bracket isn't used to mount it any more, and the steering shaft may need shortening, or a 2WD-length shaft.
  • 1977 and older trucks: the original box is a different design and isn't suited to crossover. The conversion calls for a different box mounted in the 2WD location.
  • Pitman arm clearance: owners report drop arms hitting the frame or dragging tie rod ends on the leaf spring under compression. Some have solved it with a 2WD-style pitman arm. Cycle the suspension and check clearance before you drive it.
Before you buy a kit

Read the kit's application list and instructions for your exact year, axle and box. Crossover kits are made for specific front axles, so match the kit to yours.

Fittings, shafts and couplers

  • Hose fittings: owners report that 1979-and-earlier boxes use inverted-flare fittings and later boxes use metric O-ring fittings. Borgeson's replacement box for 1980-1993 trucks lists metric O-ring ports and says it fits the original hoses. If you mix a box and a pump from different eras, plan to swap the hoses too. Look at your fittings rather than trusting a year.
  • Steering shaft and rag joint: the column end changed over the years. Some trucks have a welded-on rag joint and others a bolted, splined one. Measure both ends before ordering an intermediate shaft.
  • Quick-ratio boxes: aftermarket boxes for these trucks exist, so read the fitment notes. For example, Borgeson's 1980-1993 Dodge kit is listed as not for Cummins-powered trucks because of front-end weight.
Lifted two-tone 1991 Dodge Power Ram W150 at a Mopar show
A lifted 1991 Power Ram W150. Lifts and bigger tires are when steering box mounts and linkage get tested. Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0 (resized), via Wikimedia Commons.

The frame at the box

The frame rail at the box mount takes every steering load. Owners of these trucks commonly report flexing and cracking there, especially with bigger tires or crossover steering. That's why many crossover builds reinforce the inside of the rail: some box the frame, some sell frame support kits, and some trim the old 4WD bracket to sandwich the rail. Check the rail around the box for cracks every time you're under the truck.

1st-gen Cummins W250 (1989-1993)

The 5.9-liter Cummins 12-valve turbodiesel arrived in 1989 in the D/W250 and D/W350 pickups, and Cummins owners call these 1989-1993 trucks the first gen. Steering-wise they're D/W-series trucks, but the diesel puts a lot more weight on the front axle, so read box and linkage fitment notes for diesel-specific limits. Engine specs, injection pumps and known issues are covered on our sister site's 5.9 12-valve page.

Red 1993 Dodge Ram W250 Club Cab 4x4 Cummins turbodiesel with a bed cap
A 1993 Ram W250 Club Cab 4x4 with the Cummins turbodiesel. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized), via Wikimedia Commons.

Dodge Off Road and 1st-gen trucks

Nothing in Dodge Off Road's current catalog is made specifically for 1989-1993 trucks. DOR has built 1st-gen crossover steering and shackle flips in the past, and its 2nd gen shackle flip kit can work on a 1st-gen. You can ask the store about 1st-gen parts through its contact page, though availability isn't promised. Many owners go further and put 2nd-gen axles or a whole 2nd-gen frame under the truck, which opens up DOR's 2nd-gen parts. See 2nd-gen axle and frame swaps.

Checklist for a classic Dodge steering job

  1. Confirm the year, D or W, the front axle and the box position.
  2. Note the box's fittings (inverted flare or O-ring) and the pump's.
  3. Measure the steering shaft ends: diameter, splines and coupler type.
  4. Decide on factory-style linkage or crossover, and read the kit's instructions first.
  5. Inspect and reinforce the frame at the box.
  6. Center the box, align, and road-test carefully.

Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: verify with your service information and parts maker.