2004.5 Haltenberger Linkage - can it be used with updated box?

[FJfonda]

I am preparing to upgrade my steering pump and steering box to the 68170214AA box and associated upgrade pump parts. The instruction sheet for the box indicates that the earlier (2003-2004) Haltenberger type linkage needs to be upgrades to the 52122362AH (now AL) new cross-car linkage. Unfortunately this is the same linkage that is not available due to the re-recall. Anyone know the answers to these questions?
- Does the Haltenberger setup 04.5 match the 05 and not need to be replaced?
- What is the difference between the 05-08 vs the 03-04 Haltenberger set ups that would require replacing the 03-04?

I am thinking the tread match on the inner drag link is different between the 03-04 and the 05-08 making the one supplied in the box kit not fit. if that is the case I may be at a stand still until the new linkage is available.....

My current box leaks a quite bit and the pump is straining to keep up with the steering and brake booster demand -- need to fix before towing much more!

 

[Bob4x4]

Yes it is compatable and all the steering gear kits that I have installed caIll have to look to see if I saved any of those cobme with the correct end link to tie into your old style linkage.looks like they have changed what comes in the kit.I will have to look to see if I saved any of those conversion links

 

[FJfonda]

Yes it is compatable and all the steering gear kits that I have installed come with the correct end link to tie into your old style linkage

Thanks for the input. Any reason why the instructions state to change out the early type Halterberger linkage?

 

[Bob4x4]

Just edited my post-Looks like they changed the kit to save some money

 

[FJfonda]

Thanks,
let me know if you find anything

 

[Freebore]

FJfonda,
I purchased both the 52122362AJ steering linkage and the new 68170214AA steering gear for my 07. I understand your frustration finding an answer, but the answer regarding the gear box and the Haltenberger linkage is pretty straight forward. I don't have any plans to keep the Haltenberger on my truck as I want the heavier duty cross car linkage that they have been using since 08.5 - it is simply heavier.

I am not aware of anything forcing you to switch to the new linkage but it does stiffen things up a bit.

1. If you replace the Haltenberger linkage with the cross car linkage and you KEEP your original steering gear - you need to buy a different pitman arm.
2. If you replace the Haltenberger linkage with the cross car linkage and you upgrade to the 68170214AA gearbox - it comes with a pitman arm that works on BOTH linkages (stock ride height).

This is all for Mopar hardware and all stock, not sure about aftermarket gearboxes or lifted trucks. So - the new steering box comes ready to go for either linkage as the pitman arm in the box is design to work on both stock linkages. That's right out of the instructions with my new hardware.

Now, with respect to the 52122362AJ linkage kit that I bought, the first recall using kit CBUEN491AA would upgrade it to 52122362AK, which became the recalled recall in late Feb / early Mar and now uses kit CBUEN491AB which would upgrade the linkage to 52122362AL. My last conversation with a dealer parts department indicated there were no 52122362AL kits anywhere in the country and that was about a week ago. CBUEN491AB is also in short supply from Mopar, not sure what the aftermarket parts houses are doing but it would be interesting to find out. There were rumors that Moog is the OEM supplier. I would expect that Spicer and other companies would produce the tie rod end replacements as well.

 

[FJfonda]

Freebore,
Thanks for the detailed description it will help in my discussions with the dealer about part availability. I need a new box and pump definitely, and planned on doing those 1st before the cross car linkage due to both cost and 52122362AL availability. My concern was the instruction set I have for the 68170214AA steering gear states it would not work with the 03-04 Haltenberger linkage forcing me into the cross car linkage in order to use the new gear box.