2009 Steering Upgrade

[Herman8r]

Just completed the installation of the 2009 T style steering linkage. The new setup steers much easier. The occasional groaning sound in the steering colm. is gone also.

I did not change the pitman arm due to the fact that I have the Borgeson Steering Box. It came installed with a pitman arm.

The only dislike is the slight steering bump or feedback that I feel on the steering wheel itself. When I go over a bump or dip the steering wheel turns on it's own---just a slight amount.



On the original Y style linkage I did not feel any feedback or steering bump



I do have the Carli 2. 0 Suspension on this truck.



Has anyone had this same issue?



Herman R

 

[AEdelheit]

That is the biggest complaint I've heard about the borgeson box, I know about 5 people with it that all have the same issue. Other then that they seem to hold up well.

 

[Herman8r]

That is the biggest complaint I've heard about the borgeson box, I know about 5 people with it that all have the same issue. Other then that they seem to hold up well.

AE--was the complaint about bump steering as it related to the Borgeson Box? I didn't have any steering bump before the 2009 upgrade.

 

[Regcabguy]

AE--was the complaint about bump steering as it related to the Borgeson Box? I didn't have any steering bump before the 2009 upgrade.

I noticed a dab more bumpstop with the new steering. Very minor though.

 

[EDankievitch]

I can't see for sure but it looks like you are still using the old style pitment arm. They changed the design to prevent contact of the crossover bar and the pitment arm from happening in extream cases. The new design moves the mounting point of the drag link lower more in line with the track bar. Bump steer happens when the track bar and the drag link are not parrell to each other. As the axel moves up and down the two links move in a slightly diffrent circles thus the feed back you feel. The higher the truck the more bump steer you will feel. If you haven't give the new pitment arm a try it did help on a few trucks that I've worked on that have the Koor kit installed.

 

[Herman8r]

the only problem I have is the Borgeson Steering box has a different shaft size---so I'm told. As it sits--the drag link seem to be parallel to the track bar. They are not the same height at the pitman arm location. Your thinking lowering it down a bit? I don't know much about the geometery ( although I am learning) of the front end & so I don't know what angles I should be looking for.

 

[EDankievitch]

Give Borgeson a call I belive that they have the right pitment arm that you need for the steering update kit. I should add that the new style pitment arm also keeps the tierod ends on the drag link in the same plane. Also make sure that the tierod ends on the cross link are in the same plane. There is a re-call and a TSB about this if they are not the there is a risk of driverside tierod ball stud failure. Aside from these issues the update kit is well worth installing.

 

[AEdelheit]

It was related to the Borgson box not the newer steering.

 

[cerberusiam]

The borgeson box has such good road feel with the t-type steering you feel the suspension working. Part of the problem is just the enhanced feed back makes it feel like bump steer. Mine feels like that but it never changes the direction of the vehicle. Borgeson has a pitman arm for the updated steering that will fit the shaft and the heavier tie rod end. It might be turned a bit more also, don't remember.

 

[Herman8r]

I have emailed Borgeson about the pitman arm.



I am not clear about the ends "being in the same plane". Is this in regard to the relationship between the track bar & the drag ling?





I see what is meant about "feeling the suspension". The steering wheel seems to demand less effort yet --that's for sure.



I just finished up at the alignment shop---all is well with the front end as far as being within spec. The tech did not have to adjust anything. I guess I was lucky setting the toe-in. The tech did not charge me anything because he said he didn't have to do anything. I asked " what about alignment rack time--that has to cost something?" He said "no--have a nice day". I am going to get him a Starbucks gift card. Kindness works both ways!



Thanks for all the feed back.

 

[cerberusiam]

The ends being in the same plane means a straight line drawn throught the tie rod end and the pitman arm end would have the shafts perpendicular to said line. That way as they move back and forth with the steering they do not bind. Same thing for the tie rod ends, they need to be at the same angle at each end or they will bind at full extension and break.

 

[Herman8r]

Just put on the pitman arm from Borgeson. It is the replacement arm for their steering box the fits the 20o9 Mopar steering linkage. IT WORKS. No more feedback (steering bump?) in the steering wheel. The truck handles awesome & the steering is effortless. I adjusted the toe-in to 1/16"+/- (3/32??) and I am a happy camper!!
Thanks for all of your suggestions.
Now it's time to go Fly Fishing!!

Thanks All!!!
Herman