2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 3rd gen steering upgrade. Question for those who have done it.

[2broke2smoke]

My truck currently has 230k on it with ALL the original steering components.



I do have a third gen track bar.



Wife is driving the truck this week and noticed a slight shimmy that I hadn't noticed driving it day in and day out.



Called the local dealer and he keeps the swap in stock for 262$ and 60$ for the stabilizer.



Mopar # 52122362AH Complete kit including all tie rod and drag link components.



Would like to hear any comments from anyone who has done the swap.



Plan on picking it up friday and putting it on this weekend.

 

[BarryG]

I am pretty much just subscribing to this as I have one sitting on my bench just waiting for time to swap it in. Also are you referring to the 08 upgrade I cant remember the part number I purchased but it was the whole deal sans the damper very beefy setup changing it from inverted Y to T style on my 01.

 

[2broke2smoke]

I am pretty much just subscribing to this as I have one sitting on my bench just waiting for time to swap it in. Also are you referring to the 08 upgrade I cant remember the part number I purchased but it was the whole deal sans the damper very beefy setup changing it from inverted Y to T style on my 01.

Yep ... that's the one I am referring to.

 

[SierraRam]

Much improved over the Y style old linkage. Big difference in steering after the upgrade and the components appear to be beefier.

 

[WalterRyan]

SierraRam and anyone else that has done this did you have to make any modifications to make it work? I remember reading about this before and I can not remember iff the holes in the knuckles need to be modified. I had planed to do the 99 T conversion (I think that was the year) and I think that one neads to have the holes reamed larger.

Thanks
Walt

 

[Bunyan]

I changed to the T style in May of last year and the driving is great. Wish I had known of this years ago. Steering wonder is gone. I used moog parts and they were much heavier because of them being larger in diameter. Do a thread search search and all the part numbers are there for anyone wanting to change. I had to grind the tie rod end on the right side just slightly do to the inside bead of the right alloy wheel rubbing. I ground off less than 1/16th of material. The moog parts fit the knuckle holes without redrilling. There is a kit out there that requires redrilling, but I can't remember who makes it. Good luck on your swap.

 

[SierraRam]

SierraRam and anyone else that has done this did you have to make any modifications to make it work? I remember reading about this before and I can not remember iff the holes in the knuckles need to be modified. I had planed to do the 99 T conversion (I think that was the year) and I think that one neads to have the holes reamed larger.

Thanks
Walt

I did not have to make any modifications. I have heard if you are running aftermarket steering stabilizers or differential covers you may have some issues.

 

[Bob4x4]

Much improved over the Y style old linkage. Big difference in steering after the upgrade and the components appear to be beefier.

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Ypu need to fix that excessive angle on the tie rod end or it will shear

 

[JFought]

i did it i love it!
My wife drive it very seldom, and she noticed it was tighter.
The parts are much larger, and i had no modification needed for a lower than stock frt due to heavy bumper and winch.

 

[DAN V]

Right part # ?

My truck currently has 230k on it with ALL the original steering components.



I do have a third gen track bar.



Wife is driving the truck this week and noticed a slight shimmy that I hadn't noticed driving it day in and day out.



Called the local dealer and he keeps the swap in stock for 262$ and 60$ for the stabilizer.



Mopar # 52122362AH Complete kit including all tie rod and drag link components.



Would like to hear any comments from anyone who has done the swap.



Plan on picking it up friday and putting it on this weekend.

Is this the right part# ? My parts guy at the dealer says it will fit an '03 to '05 model year. I don't want to sound like an idiot but just thought I would ask. He also said I need 3 new nuts?

 

[2broke2smoke]

Is this the right part# ? My parts guy at the dealer says it will fit an '03 to '05 model year. I don't want to sound like an idiot but just thought I would ask. He also said I need 3 new nuts?

It is for the '03 to '05 models.

That is why I asked how those who've done it on our second gens liked it.

Haven't done mine yet as alternator went out since my post.

Next paycheck and I will do it.

 

[DAN V]

cool

Sounds good. Looks like I will be going to the dealer Monday and getting one of these kits.

 

[PToombs]

Will this upgrade work on a '97? There is a guy local that is parting out an '04 for some reason and I was going to get the trackbar and do that upgrade. If this will work I may get all the sterering parts if they are available!

TIA guys!

 

[HHhuntitall]

You'll have to have the conversion kit for the track bar to fit the upper joint on the frame..... It's made for a ball joint type bar, while the '03 and later has a bushing with bolt on BOTH ends..... There are kits out there..... Here's a kit for the whole link and bracket from Geno's, to give you an idea..... http://www.genosgarage.com/BD-ADJUSTABLE-TRACK-BAR-KIT-94-02-4WD/productinfo/BD-1032011/

 

[Axtell3]

From what Iv'e read else where, it dose not work on pre 98. 5 trucks, too wideapparently. The alternative is the 99 HD setup, which must have more adjustment in it.

 

[HHhuntitall]

That BD kit listed above "says" it's for '94 to '02. I've seen them or something similar used on some of the older trucks. I see no reason why the later model ball joints won't work on the older trucks..... Unless the holes are bored at different angles... .

 

[Axtell3]

I should have specified, that the tierods set up was what I'd read won't work on the earlier 2nd gen trucks. Trackbar, is supposed to be a-ok.

 

[PToombs]

Thanks guys. I knew I needed the adapter bracket for the frame end on the trackbar. I just don't have $450 to buy that whole new trackbar setup. If the whole steering linkage would work I would buy that also off that guy and be ahead on everything.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have used take off 3rd gens on many stock height 2nd gens
Since I was upgrading to Carli adjustable track bars I had some good low mile bars to use

 

[HHhuntitall]

I've looked at it several times... . it wouldn't be hard at all to make a bracket that would bolt through the factory tapered hole and up the side of the frame for a little extra support, converting it to the later style track bar... . Methinks I like this idea.....