2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission DSS and TBK

[McLaughlin]

the '03 track bar really makes that much of a difference in our trucks?



I'm talking about the one from solid steel. DAT 3029402-4 with the adapter. Right now when I go over a speed bump the steering wheel turns itself 6 inches left, then 6 inches right. Other than that the steering isnt' bad. I've never had a death wobble. Is it worth $500?

It made a large difference in my truck. Before I put the 3rd gen track bar on I had about 6in of slop in the steering wheel. Afterwards I had about 3in of slop (it corrected about half the play). I then put a DSS on that cut the play about in half again so I only have about 1 1/2 in of play or less.

 

[Hammer]

the '03 track bar really makes that much of a difference in our trucks?

The difference it makes can not be accurately described in words. My truck drives straight as an arrow at any speed my fat right foot has the loud pedal stomped down to. When asked at my Fall Brawl dyno rip about the parts the way I describes it was like this,You get in the truck to go for a drive and you do not want to stop as it makes you really enjoy how the truck rides and handles. It was well worth the money.



philabuster. .

I am not sure what type of lift you have but your should have a new trac bar to accomodate the lift. The Solid Steel adjustable version will not go more than 3" and I am not sure about if it would fit your lift. One option you have that you didn't mention is a Thuren trac bar as they make one for the lift height you have. I will add a link below for you and hope this helps you some... ... Andy



http://www.thurenfabrication.com/products.html

 

[MErickson1]

anybody know if winedecker machine is still in buissness ????? i wanted to ored a dss from them but i sent the email with cc number bad mistake and i have tried to call three times no answer service and i have sent a dozen more emails nothing ? anybody ever buy from them ?

I sent an email to them and posted almost the exact same question on TDR, with no responce.



This is the email I sent:



I tried calling your company about 3 weeks ago. I must of called 4-5 days in a row and twice each day. If your company is still in business, can you let me know what is a good time to call if your still in business ?



Thanks !

Matt Erickson

 

[mymtnhauler]

What year is your CTD? The SolidSteel 3rd Gen retrofit bracket utilizes the existing bracket on the 2nd Gens. On my 99, it was a bolt up job, no other mods required.

Sorry abought that it is an 2002!!!!!

 

[arollan]

I sent an email to them and posted almost the exact same question on TDR, with no responce.

This is the email I sent:

I tried calling your company about 3 weeks ago. I must of called 4-5 days in a row and twice each day. If your company is still in business, can you let me know what is a good time to call if your still in business ?

Thanks !
Matt Erickson

I have tried off and on for the past 6 months to get a hold of those guys, obviously with no luck. That said, and the fact that the front end of my 98 was getting worse and worse, I used their many pictures of their DSS design and fabricated my own. I have made several improvements allowing more flexibility for mounting as well as apearance. I have detailed drawings available if anyone would like to attempt to build one, or have one built (ProEngineer is a great CAD package and I was bored at work one day... ). I can build a couple at a time, however my machine shop is not here local to me so it would take a little bit of time. I have pictures of the unit I fabricated, message me if you are interested.

 

[McLaughlin]

I sent an email to them and posted almost the exact same question on TDR, with no responce.



This is the email I sent:



I tried calling your company about 3 weeks ago. I must of called 4-5 days in a row and twice each day. If your company is still in business, can you let me know what is a good time to call if your still in business ?



Thanks !

Matt Erickson

Try calling Rip at Source Automotive or 1 (866) 211-1533. He is really good about answering questions and returning telephone calls.

 

[BILLVO]

I'm hoping my stuff from PSC shows this week. I ordered it on 12-30.



for those wondering if the track bar works for anything lifted more than 3 inches. From what I see all companys have a solid 3rd gen for 0-3 in lift and the adjustable tb is for anything lifted. most of the companies I have looked into have the adjustable ones also.

 

[TJSHOTROD]

Hello guys,



I recently purchased a 2001 CTD 2500 which came with a 5" lift kit. It appears like the track bar conversion kits are the way to go to reduce the steering slop issue, but most kits say 0-3" lift. The only kit I see that I can use is a DT PRO FAB track bar--rated 0-6" lift. Is it possible to use an adjustable trackbar from SolidSteel? It looks like the DSS is a no brainer and will be installed at the same time as the track bar, but only one aftermarket trackbar accomidates a 5" lift? Can they be used with the track bar drop bracket already installed with the lift kit?



Thanks for the help.

I have a 6 inch lift on my truck and have the DT track bar and drop bracket. It works great the only thing I did was weld the bracket.



TJ

 

[480RUGER]

Got the parts in today. DSS, Adj Trackbar and 03' Bracket. I'm working night shift so I'll try to put things on in the morning. Sad but my sockets only went up to 1-1/4 and 32mm so I need to get something from work to fit the nut on the bottom of the steering box. I'll pick up a calibrated torque wrench as I don't trust ol' Elvis anymore.



If anyone can think of something else I might need for a 2000 3/4 4x4 to put this stuff on let me know. It looks fairly easy from hanging out up under the truck while my better half was moving the steering back and forth.



Who has the best swaybar bushings to replace the stock rubber ones? Looks like that’s next.



Thanks TDR

 

[Cummins724]

Try calling Rip at Source Automotive or 1 (866) 211-1533. He is really good about answering questions and returning telephone calls.

Good guy to deal with... . highly recommended. I bought my dss & 3rd gen track bar from Rip... ... very knowledgeable.

 

[tom sweeney]

... . i have both installed. ,and at 218k... . i'm still going strong... . i would say to get both. . good luck..... tom

 

[RandallScot]

There's a place in Az. thay man. front end goodies called DT Pro Fab

 

[JPS]

Track Bar And Mag Hy Tec Diff

Will the trackbar conversion work with the Mag Hy-Tec Front Diff Cover? Dt,s says theirs won't. How about the others? This would be for a '95 CTD. TIA jps

 

[480RUGER]

I love the DSS! It took less then an hour and well worth it. I'm about to head to work so I'll do the Trackbar and Bracket when I get home. Is there anything to look out for? Is the steering stabilizer bracket in the way of the Trackbar mount?



Thanks for the help everyone and the comments.

 

[Dave M]

I love the DSS! It took less then an hour and well worth it. I'm about to head to work so I'll do the Trackbar and Bracket when I get home. Is there anything to look out for? Is the steering stabilizer bracket in the way of the Trackbar mount?



Thanks for the help everyone and the comments.

When you installed the DSS did you keep the sway bar and mount it on top of the DSS or does the sway bar have to be left off?



I can't decide which track bar to get... Thuerns or a new 3rd gen with DSS 3rd gen bracket. If I get a new track bar should I get an adjustable one... . I want to leave room for a 2 -3 inch lift for later.



Also, I'm thinking of doing the 'Y' to 'T" steering conversion. How will that effect the TBK and DSS fixes?



I'm ready to get this steering fixed!



Dave

 

[480RUGER]

When you installed the DSS did you keep the sway bar and mount it on top of the DSS or does the sway bar have to be left off?



I can't decide which track bar to get... Thuerns or a new 3rd gen with DSS 3rd gen bracket. If I get a new track bar should I get an adjustable one... . I want to leave room for a 2 -3 inch lift for later.



Also, I'm thinking of doing the 'Y' to 'T" steering conversion. How will that effect the TBK and DSS fixes?



I'm ready to get this steering fixed!



Dave

It mounts under the sway bar and the kit replaces the 4 bolts that hold it up. If you have the parts and tools ready it only takes 30 mins start to finish.



I have the 2” leveling springs so I went with the adj. trackbar. It seems like a much better trackbar then stock, I like how beefy the Bracket looks too.



I don’t know about the y to t conversion but from the looks of it I won’t need anything else.

 

[McLaughlin]

Both the DSS and the sway bar are mounted on mine. I think the DSS goes on and then the sway bar. I would definitely go with an adjustable trackbar. From what I can tell the choice between Thuern or 3rd gen is a toss up. That said I'm happy with my 3rd gen but now that I want to level the truck, I'm going to replace it with an adjustable one.

No experience with the 'Y' to 'T' conversion. Trunk handles well enough I didn't see a need for that conversion.

 

[Dave M]

Both the DSS and the sway bar are mounted on mine. I think the DSS goes on and then the sway bar. I would definitely go with an adjustable trackbar. From what I can tell the choice between Thuern or 3rd gen is a toss up. That said I'm happy with my 3rd gen but now that I want to level the truck, I'm going to replace it with an adjustable one.

No experience with the 'Y' to 'T' conversion. Trunk handles well enough I didn't see a need for that conversion.

I getting ready to do the new track bar (for sure) and PSS steering box (for sure since mines leaking anyhow). I guess I'll wait till that and the DSS is done before I consider the "T" conversion. I just want to be sure if/when I do the "T" conversion the track bar and DSS will still work with it.



Thanks for the heads up on your mods especially the comment on the adjustable TB. I'd want to be able to add a mild lift later if I decide to and make sure these parts will work with a lift.



Which TB are you thinking of getting... the Solid Steel?



We both have the same year truck so its good to see you are satisfied with the money you spent.



Dave

 

[480RUGER]

Everything is on and as many have said it does make a huge difference. I’ll be on the way to get the new tires in two hours. TGIF!!!!



Dave, did you get all your problems solved? I’ve been reading several posts all night and most of them were yours. Thanks for all the info. I just wanted to get the correct specs for the alignment to give the tech so there will be no question what I’m looking for. Now to find out what wrench size the jam nuts and sleeve are on the track bar so I can properly tighten them up before I leave work. Have a good weekend everyone!

 

[Dave M]

Everything is on and as many have said it does make a huge difference. I’ll be on the way to get the new tires in two hours. TGIF!!!!



Dave, did you get all your problems solved? I’ve been reading several posts all night and most of them were yours. Thanks for all the info. I just wanted to get the correct specs for the alignment to give the tech so there will be no question what I’m looking for. Now to find out what wrench size the jam nuts and sleeve are on the track bar so I can properly tighten them up before I leave work. Have a good weekend everyone!

All the front tire wear seems to be coming back. It looks like the Lukes Link on my track bar has loosened up again. I tried to tighten it without disasembling it without any luck... it still has some movement. I'm going to get a new track bar and see if that stops the front tire wear.



It seems when I put new tires on the front the wobble is gone till the tires wear and then it comes on with the wobble again. The tire wear is not as bad as it was before the alignment and camber correction you heard me talk about. Right now I'm wearing thru a cheap set of 6 tires until I get this steering fixed. There are so many factors involved in this death wobble its a battle trying to eliminate all of them for your particular truck.



I'm considering whether to use the SS TB or Thurens TB. Let me know how you like the SS. I asked earlier about where the sway bar mounts with a DSS cause I seem to remember somewhere that the sway bar had to be left off. Maybe that was if a "T" conversion is done... I have considered going with www.Bulletproofsteering.com "T" conversion and maybe theirs requires removal of the sway bar. I have considered using the Thuren "T" conversion if I go for it. I've read so much on this subject I'm going blind. :-laf



In a week or two I'll have some money for a new 3 1/2 turn steering box and a TB (probably adjustable one). After that I'll consider the DSS. For now I'm still frustrated.



Dave