Obscure steering column question.

[blcarlsn]

Hello, I'm very new to Class B vehicles, having just purchased a 1996 Dodge B3500 with a Coachmen conversion, but I'm not new to mechanical things. I maintain my own car and motorcycle, etc.

So here's the obscure question. In looking over the van, which has had some work over the years, but in general is in pretty good shape, I noticed that the opening in the floor pan where the steering column goes through has a sort of hard rubber grommet of device bolted to it, but it still leaves a substantial opening around the steering shaft. I can see daylight and certainly heat, cold and fumes pass through easily. I can't find what's supposed to go there. Could someone with a similar Dodge perhaps snap a picture for me?

[D&J Phillips]

Welcome to the forum. Mine is a 1999 Dodge so it may be different. Mine does seal real well. Here are a couple of shots from inside and one from under the hood. Hope these help.
Dave

[blcarlsn]

Thanks. Yours is different but I gather there's some sort of additional boot. If nothing else maybe I can make one out of a CV joint boot. Nothing shows anywhere on any parts fiche I've found.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by blcarlsn

Thanks. Yours is different but I gather there's some sort of additional boot. If nothing else maybe I can make one out of a CV joint boot. Nothing shows anywhere on any parts fiche I've found.

Welcome to the forum blcarlsn!

Just make sure you seal out engine fumes as you realized in your original post. Don't give up on finding the original replacement part just yet as it will probably do the best job of protecting you and the steering knuckles.

How is the steering performance in general? Many Dodge model owners have replaced and reinforced steering boxes to improve handling.

[GallenH]

My 97 PW is built on a 1976 Dodge 3500 chassis. It's in storage now but if I go somewhere next weekend, I'll get a pic and upload if your issue hasn't been addressed by someone else.

[GallenH]

My 97 PW is built on a 1976 Dodge 3500 chassis. It's in storage now but if I go somewhere next weekend, I'll get a pic and upload if your issue hasn't been addressed by someone else.

[GallenH]

Not sure if I'm going to get out there this week. Here's a pic from the Dodge 1996 factory service manual. It does show a boot on the shaft. Don't know if this answers your question though.
IMG_6420.jpg

[ThunderAce]

my 97 looks like this.