2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission DT, DSS totally confused. . .

[Newf Limo]

My 2001 4x4 of course, wanders around and wears tires out like crazy. I've been reading the posts and have become totally confused. I know my trac bar is completely trashed. I will do what it takes to fix it but what do I have to do? I see the DSS aqnd the DT and the Lukes link and so on and so on. . . Does the DSS replace the track bar and reinforce the frame? Do I need a DSS and a DT? My tool availability is somewhat limited to not doing a lot of frame modifications, although, I may be able to catch a wrench day with the NE TDR. I'm assuming a front end allignment is required after the repair work is done?



Can somebody set me up on the right trac? (pun intended)



Thanks guys.



Dennis

 

[JPLB22]

The DSS stands for Darins Steering Stabalizer, which is a bar that mounts to the frame using the same holes that your stock stabalizer bar uses. Longer bolts are supplied with the DSS so you can remount your original bar also. The DSS is, from what I understand, for the steering box. It takes the side to side load off of the shaft at the bottom of the box, and transfers that load to the frame. I don't have one YET, but almost everyone who does have one reports that it does a great job at tightening up their steering.



Solid Steel Industries ( makers of DSS ) are also now making a bracket that allows you to mount an '03 track bar to a second Gen truck. You have to buy the '03 track bar yourself though. And once again there is no drilling, cutting, or welding.



I don't know too much about the DT trackbar, except that it is adjustable.



There are alot of members that have the DT trackbar, with a DSS, and are very happy with at combo. Me personally, I am going to go with the Solid Steel Industries bracket for the '03 track bar, and the DSS. I just had my stock track bar replaced under warranty at 35,915 miles, so I'm just waitng for it to wear out again.



Not affiliated with either company, soon to be a happy customer ( hopefully )



I hope I was of some help.



Jeff

 

[Newf Limo]

Thanks for the quick response Jeff. I guess I will start with the DT and do the DSS when money* permits (note *wife ). I just bought a new tractor, so I don't want to get into too much trouble:-laf

 

[wcjp]

For some the DSS has been great. Others felt it might've been a disappointment. My 96' had some wonder that the DSS cured. The DSS also eliminated driver fatigue after towing. I didn't realize how tired I was from driving until after the install. I went with a Napa tracbar soon after buying the truck. The Napa part has given me no problem for 40k. I won't say it's a cure.

 

[Mactruck]

I have both the DT track bar and then after a month added the DSS.



I think for the money the DSS is worth every penny.



The DT track bar I purchased for my lift and although I feel it's an improvement. It wasn't nearly as noticable as my DSS.

JM2 cents

 

[Newf Limo]

But if the trac bar is bad, the DSS does nothing for that, correct? So the Trac bar would be my first concern I believe, and the Dss would be next on the hit list.

 

[InThinAir]

Dennis,



Maybe I can give you a recommendation. My 01 4x4 has 90K miles. Want I did was start with the DSS, simple install low cost, see how much that helps. Did wonders for my truck. I decided I could live with the stock trac bar for a little longer. Then I am gonna install a Moog/Napa trac bar, I believe for me the DT is overkill since my stock one will be in there for 100k. And the Moog is a much easy do-it-myself install. I plan on installing a luke's link on the tie rod end after the Trac bar.



So what I am saying is that I started with the easiest install and am gonna work up to the pickle fork grinding installs if they are necessary.



---Doug

 

[Newf Limo]

Hey, I never noticed the reply box before Maybe the DSS will remove some of the excess load on the tracbar and make the Moog replacement part last a reasonable amount of time? I will consider this as well. Thanks.

 

[JPLB22]

IMHO, if your sure it is the track bar that is causing your problem then you should fix that first. InThinAir does make a good point about the low cost and ease of installation of the DSS, would be nice to just get it out of the way. But as cheap as it is, I too am waitng to order my DSS, money is pretty tight.



From what I read on Darin's site, the '03 track bar bracket should be a pretty easy instal. The price of the bracket is $129. 00 plus shipping. And from what others have reported a new '03 track bar is around $200. 00. There is a picture of the '03 track bar mounted to a second Gen on his site.



http://www.solidsteel.ca/news.htm



Jeff

 

[JGheen]

I am running the DT track bar and the DSS stabilizer and love them both. However, I had to weld my DT bracket on, being that it was moving too much even though all the bolts were VERY tight. Many others I have talked to about the DT recommend welding it for stability reasons and after I saw mine moving they had good reason to weld it. Kind of pricey though, but you get what you pay for these days. I would definately recommend the DT and the DSS combo for the best results.