2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission DSS install

[ProspectorTim]

I got my Steering Stabilizer today and got it *mostly* installed.



When I slid the bearing onto the shaft, the bearing holder does not even come CLOSE to sitting flat on the support beam! I took this photo; the cross-beam is torqued down, but the bolts for the bearing are not even "finger-tight". I don't think this is normal, and I'm afraid that if I tighten things down something is going to break or bend!



#ad




There is a quarter-inch gap there!



The steering box IS bolted firmly to the frame.

Is my frame twisted??? The truck has never been in an accident, but then it has NEVER quite steered right either.



HELP!

 

[ProspectorTim]

Update: NEVEMIND!



If only I had read ALL the instructions in the beginning:

... Do not worry if the bearing housing is not parallel to mounting plate as it is a self aligning unit and will align as bolts are tightened.

All is well

 

[ProspectorTim]

I got it all together, and went to town today.



From my house, it is a dirt road down-hill to a stop sign. Usually, as I stop, the truck tries to go everywhere BUT straight. It went straight today.



When I hit the paved road, I could tell for-sure that the steering was tighter and had less wander. I could even let go of the wheel and it kept going straight. I even went over a series of pot holes and "fixed" pot holes (bumps) with my hand STILL off the wheel, and it kept going straight!



When I got into town I hit heavy rain and standing water on the road. It went through the water like it wasn't there.



For a short trip to town, it turned into quite a "road test" for the new steering stabilizer, and I was impress every inch of the way. About the only thing missing from this test was high crosswinds and mud or snow. And I can get that almost anytime around here.



My truck now steers better than at anytime before. Better than new!

I can't wait for the next upgrade - probably a new track-bar and/or Luke's Links to take out ALL the free-play.

 

[csevers]

In a few days I hope to have that bracket on my truck so I can feel better than new steering like I have never had before.



Craig

 

[jcbrown]

Socket's required for installation...

1/2" square drive, 1-1/4" size, 6-point deep, and 1/2" square drive, 1-5/16" size, 6-point standard socket's.



Source McMaster-Carr Industrial Supply. Part number's 5545A295 and 5545A271.

 

[HOCummins04]

Got m 1/2" 1-1/4" deep well socket at Autozone for $15 plus tax.



And the DSS is really a must for the truck. For peace of mind steering-wise, very good value as well.

 

[GMocanu]

Where did you get it and how much?

 

[Bigstick]

Where can I buy one of these?

 

[csevers]

Piers Diesel Research

is selling them. There are a couple of thread going/gone on about the bracket and how it works, prices are on the web site.



Craig