08 steering upgrade pics

[Yo Hoot]

I did not get the stabilizer as I am hoping it is in the kit with the AE.

I'm pretty sure the stab is not included. I didn't get one with the AE kit and I believe no one else did either.

 

[Yo Hoot]

From these pics it looks like they reduced the separation angle of the linkage. Should equate to less bump steer and less unwanted input into any harmonic tendancy.

For those interested what the deal is with the pitman arm I took some pics-

This first one is with the 03-07 pitman arm & new linkage, remember the

axle & center link will also come forward some when compressed:

#ad




The next one is with the 08 pitman arm, notice the added clearance so

when the suspension is compressed fully you have no chance of the center

link contacting the stud that drops through the pitman arm, that would be

pretty hard on the gear box if it happened:

#ad




Thanks everyone for the part numbers, tips and all about this upgrade.

 

[pullya]

The stablizer does notcome with that kit. At least it did not come with mine and a couple of other guys I know that ordered it. You must purchase it seperately.

Jay

 

[seafish]

The stablizer does notcome with that kit. At least it did not come with mine and a couple of other guys I know that ordered it. You must purchase it seperately.

Jay

The stabilizer does not come with the kit, but it IS replaced as part of the TSB.



Here are part#'s off my invoice dated 12/19/08



#52122362AE Steering Upgrade Kit

#52122370AB Steering Damper

#68039930AA Pitman Arm



The arm was the ONLY part I had to pay for as Part of the TSB covered by my extended warranty. The dealer also did a wheel alignment AND steering wheel centering, payed for by the warranty, as part of the TSB repair.



I also had them install a Defiant Steering Box Brace at the same time. NICE part. Between the TSB and steering brace, my truck handles like the 9000# sports car that it is!!!:-laf



Seriously though, both the TSB and steering box brace were a MAJOR improvement in handling and response. AND I didn't even think the truck handled poorly before them, but the DIFFERENCE is PHENOMENAL and immediately noticeable.

 

[pullya]

I too installed the "kit" and the stablizer and the pitman arm and had the truck aligned. The truck drives much much better and after app. 3k miles no death wobble(yet). As I was out of the warranty period I was responsible for the purchase and installation of all the parts. Best money I have spend on the truck so far.

Jay

 

[WOT]

Does this TSB fall under the 7 year/70K mile powertrain warranty or just the 3/36 basic warranty? I'm guessing at 44K I'm out of luck, but figure worth asking...

 

[Bob4x4]

3/36 basic and some levels of service contracts if the steering parts are out of spec

 

[pullya]

IMO it never hurts to ask the dealer--I always give them the opportunity to say no :-{}

Jay

 

[topcat]

Seafish, I saw that you had the TSB done,and a Defiant s-box upgrade also. Did you feel that the steering shaft was OK, no play in the shaft at all.

 

[seafish]

Seafish, I saw that you had the TSB done,and a Defiant s-box upgrade also. Did you feel that the steering shaft was OK, no play in the shaft at all.

Topcat, i asked the mechanic to check for play in the steering shaft before he installed the Support. He said all was good! I think that it IS important to note that I only have 45,000 miles and have run only stock rims and tires and have no lift kit. It seems pretty clear from posts here that running larger wheels, tires and adding lifts CAN lead to premature where on our front ends. Now, with the upgrade and support plate, I am pretty darn confident that I will get MUCH more longevity out of the steering box and shaft because so much of the road and suspension forces are now transferred to the support and frame, instead of to the box and shaft. Please know that I cannot PROVE any of this, but that is simply how it literally feels to me based on the phenomenal change in handling and responsiveness the truck has now versus before I did the upgrade and installed the Defiant support.

 

[topcat]

I have been watching this post with great interest because my truck too wanders without any input from steering wheel. It is just abit right now but if you take your eyes off for a minute you will drift over to the other lane. I talked it over with my dealership and found that the wandering is caused by the excessive play between the sector and worm gear in the steering box. It will require it to be removed to be adjusted. Over-center adjustment is what it is called. Since it is under warrenty they may decided to just replace it with a brand new one. I thought about the TSB 22-005-06 but I feel it is not going to solve the problem. I will talk some more tomorrow,with my Service writer and Tech. Aligment and tire pressure has already been done,per the TSB. The sector shaft needs adjusting. I still have my Michelin's on too Seafish. I though about a steering stabilizer but feel that supporting the sector shaft will help some but excessive clearence between the sector and worm still is the problem. After the repair is done I might put a steering stabilizer on. Will keep you posted. Mileage is only 29,000 miles.

 

[seafish]

I have been watching this post with great interest because my truck too wanders without any input from steering wheel. It is just abit right now but if you take your eyes off for a minute you will drift over to the other lane. I talked it over with my dealership and found that the wandering is caused by the excessive play between the sector and worm gear in the steering box. It will require it to be removed to be adjusted. Over-center adjustment is what it is called. Since it is under warrenty they may decided to just replace it with a brand new one. I thought about the TSB 22-005-06 but I feel it is not going to solve the problem. I will talk some more tomorrow,with my Service writer and Tech. Aligment and tire pressure has already been done,per the TSB. The sector shaft needs adjusting. I still have my Michelin's on too Seafish. I though about a steering stabilizer but feel that supporting the sector shaft will help some but excessive clearence between the sector and worm still is the problem. After the repair is done I might put a steering stabilizer on. Will keep you posted. Mileage is only 29,000 miles.

Topcat, what size Michelin LTX/AT2 are you running. My AT2 265/70/17 ARE E rated at 3195 # at 80 psi... Heres the Michelin page--
LTX® A/T2: Browse Tires in Light Truck: MICHELIN® Tires: Michelin Tires.

Definitely think about the Defiant Stabilizer (or whichever one you like) after (or even during) the repair. Since they are changing the box, I would think that it would save you a little money to have them install the brace at the same time. My dealer had no problems doing that as they were doing the TSB. Good Luck.

 

[topcat]

Sorry I must of edited while you read,I felt I was getting off topic. But what I have now is the Michelin LTX A/S rated at 3195lbs@80psi. The tire I would like to used is the Michelin LTX A/T2 rated at 3195@65psi. They have rated it a D rating though. If I went with either the Nitto,or Toyo the wandering would increase. So I will wait till this problem is solve. I hope that Michelin will rate it for a E rating. I called them and ask if it will happen,because they are losing alot of customers to Nitto and Toyo just because of that,he had no idea. I would like to have the same tread width for less rolling resistance. That is what were are looking into tomorrow,I found one from Poly Performance. A PSC design from Texas,129. 95 plus shipping to me for 17. 00 dallors. I wonder if they will do the TSB, and replace the steering box. Who know's I will update as when they deceide.

 

[pullya]

Topcat,

I bought my Michelin's AT2's about 3 weeks ago from my local Discount Tire( 265x70x17) and they are rated as Load range "E"--121/118. After reading your post I just went out and looked again just to make sure this is correct and they are in fact "E's".

Jay

 

[seafish]

Topcat,

I bought my Michelin's AT2's about 3 weeks ago from my local Discount Tire( 265x70x17) and they are rated as Load range "E"--121/118. After reading your post I just went out and looked again just to make sure this is correct and they are in fact "E's".

Jay

Pullya, just curious what you paid installed and balanced??

 

[pullya]

1K---ouch--hope they last longer than the revo's and the BFG Long Trails before the revo's. Driven about 1k--so far so good. With the new steering kit and stablizer and pitman everything is doing OK.

Jay

 

[seafish]

Yeah. that's about what I paid from my local garage; So far I have 17,000 on them and it looks like I got about half the tread left. They DO drive and handle EXTREMELY well on dry, wet AND snow.

 

[pullya]

WOW with 17k and half the tread gone it looks like your only going to get about 35k out of them. I was hoping for a lot more than that. I think they have some kind of a mileage warranty--maybe 60k??? don't remember exactly I'll have to review my paperwork.

Jay

 

[PBrodeur]

excuse me---------------where do I go to have a discussion on FCAs and code symtoms?

 

[topcat]

Pullya,sorry forgot to mention size that would be LT285/70/R17. The cheapest I have seen on these are $208. 95 a tire. And to update on the steering box,my dealership ordered a new one. The sector or pitman shaft with engine off makes a sound and can see it wobble while just moving the steering wheel slightly. With the engine running same results. Also ordered a defiant steering brace.