2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission '96 4x4 Steering Fixed!!! Finally!!!

[myneckbred]

Hey Guys:



I bought a '96 2500 4x4 about two years ago. The truck only had 47,000 miles on it but, still suffered from crappy steering. Since then I've been trying to improve everything to do with the stock steering setup. The steering was very "heavy". It wasn't a binding feeling just heavy. When stopped if you turned the wheel and let go it would rebound as much as half a turn. It currently has 33" BFG AT's and I will soon be moving up to 35's so I wanted to fix the steering first. My truck came factory with the inverted "Y" tie rod/drag-link setup. The first thing I did was to convert it to the inverted "T" setup. This helped some but, not enough to call it good. This past weekend I installed a PSC steering box along with one of the steering box brace setups. I spoke to PSC before ordering the box and requested them to build it with lighter valving than normal. I did not replace the pump at this time. Just drained all the old and refilled the system with Valvoline synthetic. The steering is unbelieveable now. Minimal effort is needed to steer the truck. It no longer feels like a big heavy truck. Tracks so much better down the road I can't believe it. I've had to adjust to driving it. The steering is so responsive from what it was. I'm not sure which of the two things made the bigest improvment and at this point I don't care. After seeing how much the frame deflects when the wheel is turned at a stop I think the steering box brace is a must even if you are happy with your current setup. Regard: Chris

 

[KevinLewis]

Good to hear. I plan on buying the dss first and then the psc box when the funds become available

 

[csutton7]

fyi--the steering pump replacement is no fun---there's a dog on the end of the pump shaft that needs to be replaced(you can't remove the old one-no way to get puller jaws on it) and you need to buy a new one and press it on and that's not fun---also you need to take off the vacuum pump at the same time--I'd check to see if the dog is supplied, cuz it costs about an extra $80 if you can get a dealer to give you a deal otherwise I think it's $100 give or take---chris

 

[SEmerson]

Hey Guys:



I bought a '96 2500 4x4 about two years ago. The truck only had 47,000 miles on it but, still suffered from crappy steering. Since then I've been trying to improve everything to do with the stock steering setup. The steering was very "heavy". It wasn't a binding feeling just heavy. When stopped if you turned the wheel and let go it would rebound as much as half a turn. It currently has 33" BFG AT's and I will soon be moving up to 35's so I wanted to fix the steering first. My truck came factory with the inverted "Y" tie rod/drag-link setup. The first thing I did was to convert it to the inverted "T" setup. This helped some but, not enough to call it good. This past weekend I installed a PSC steering box along with one of the steering box brace setups. I spoke to PSC before ordering the box and requested them to build it with lighter valving than normal. I did not replace the pump at this time. Just drained all the old and refilled the system with Valvoline synthetic. The steering is unbelieveable now. Minimal effort is needed to steer the truck. It no longer feels like a big heavy truck. Tracks so much better down the road I can't believe it. I've had to adjust to driving it. The steering is so responsive from what it was. I'm not sure which of the two things made the bigest improvment and at this point I don't care. After seeing how much the frame deflects when the wheel is turned at a stop I think the steering box brace is a must even if you are happy with your current setup. Regard: Chris

I did the PSC steering box along with one of the steering box brace setups on my 97. It helped alot. But I do have some slop I am trying to get out.

 

[myneckbred]

I've replaced the pump on a customers truck before. The first time around it's a real pain in the ***. Next time I did one it wasn't so bad. I found it easiest to bite the bullet and remove the intake horn and the tube to the intercooler. Then it isn't too bad. The drive dog on the pump can be removed with a clamshell puller and a press. Still isn't fun but, beats $80 on top of everything else.



Forgot to mention in my first post that I had also addressed the track bar with a Luke's Link. Definatly helped out but, I have a Thuren track bar sitting here. Just waiting for a little more time to slap it on. Chris

 

[csutton7]

how the 'ell did you get a puller on that dog--there was no room on mine to even attempt to grab an edge of the dog---I had to modify a basic pulley puller/press to get the new dog on--took a ton of washers and a lot of patience to complete the job---my truck is a '99 --I have the AGR rock ram system on mine with DSS system--7" lift also--works awesome---chris

 

[myneckbred]

csutton7:

Do you have any pictures of rock-ram installation? I was thinking about adding one to my truck just couldn't visualize a mounting setup. My email is: -- email address removed --

 

[csutton7]

maybe somewhere--I still need to buy some different fittings so that I can make the hoses run like they should--I'll have to see about the pics---I modified(some grinding and welded on tabs to make it stronger) the stock steering stabilzer mount to handle one side of the ram and welded tabs on the tie rod---the only issue I had is the ram fittings need to be angled down and towards the front as I was concerned about when compressing the front end it might shear them off--thus my need for some different fittings to get the hoses from dangling so much--but it is simply amazing on the responsiveness and the way it holds the truck in place---TSL superswampers 36x14. 5x16. 5 or boggers 15/35x16. 5---I'll try and see if I have pics some where--I should take a bunch and keep them handy. but over the years and changing computers things get lost---chris

 

[RDelissen]

the steering on my truck was already pretty tight, but after changing the gear box to a PSC and installing the DSS it got even tighter

 

[Double J]

I have lukes linked everything but the TB, I have the 3rd Gen TB conversion, DSS, PSC box, and new ball joints... . still feels like I'm driving in mud :{ That only leaves a Borgeson steering shaft that I need to get and if that don't do it I can't say I didn't try. :-laf