Just took my 2000 dodge ram 4x4 truck to get looked at for the really loose steering. they said rt front strut tower needs to be replaced. would like to try it myself. What kind of manual should I buy?

You could've gotten dirt or grease inside the cam sensor connection. They are real fussy.

Have you replaced the transmission or steering column/steering gear?

You Tube Video has the movie on yours or
a similar job

You only have 3 nuts on top of strut tower
& 2 bolts on steering knuckle, on any vehicle
made for the last 30 years

they are struts and you will need a strut spring compressor to disassemble them. will need to align the car after install new struts.BE VERY CAREFUL THE COIL SPRINGS CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE SPRING COMPRESSOR!!!!!

You could have two diffident problems here.
1st the sound when you turn the steering wheel is most likely a loose or worn power steering pump belt. Check to see if underside of belt has any cracks, if so replace. Most likely at 55k miles it is just loose and needs re-tightened.
The squeak when going over a bump could be: a bad shock absorber, a bad or un-lubricated ball joint, or am "A" arm bushing. Check by having someone stand on front bumper and jump, or push up and down to see if that sound is reproduced.
If your truck is a 4x4, one other problem that could cause the sounds in these condition is a bad CVC joint (Axle joint).

You have to make somebody to check the struts, or shocks, and also the axles, this situation is very dangerous because if the problem are the terminals or the axles, they can be broke while driving and you will lost control of the steering wheel... completely. I mean, no steering wheel working, on a car running...

hope you can help. I have a 97 Dodge 1500 4x4 with a 5.2 litre and auto trans. After shifting to 4x4 high when you move there is a clicking sound form left front axel

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   • Spring seat. Tighten the new upper strut retaining nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm).
     
2. Remove the strut from the vise and disassemble the securing nuts and bolt.
   
3. Rotate the upper support so the lowest bolt on the support aligns with the projection part of the lower spring.
   

1. Install or connect the following:
2. Strut and tighten the strut to body bolts to 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm).
   

• Strut to the steering knuckle and tighten the bolts to 156 ft. lbs. (211 Nm).
  

To install:

1. Install the lower ball joint onto the steering knuckle and tighten nut to 90 ft. lbs. (123 Nm). Install new cotter pin.
   

According to the replacement parts guide, they are struts and I checked for all wheel drive and 2 wheel drive and all are showing struts.

Well, it is easy to test the struts. 1st look for oil deposits around the strut tower. 2nd push on the vehicle's bumper or hood, down with your weight. See how many times the vehicle bounces. It shouldn't bounce more than 1 1/2 times anything more than that might need replaced. As for the gear box...I think you got that right...needs replaced.