2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help please ? Steering wander, trackbar questions ???

[MErickson1]

I have an 01 4x4 QC. When I bought the truck,a new trackbar and a new steering box were installed by the dealer 56,000 miles. The truck now has 62,000 miles on it and I notice that steering seems to be getting worse. I don't want to wear out these parts prematurely.



So my question is:



I have heard of upgrading to to 3rd gen track bar set-up is that the best way to go ? What do I have to do to upgrade to that ?



What is the next best alternative ?



I've read that the 3rd gen TB makes the truck drive completely different (in a good way).



I don't know much about this kind of stuff, so your help is appreciated.



Thanks !

Matt

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I put a Thuren track bar on my 01 and a DSS and changed the linkage to a 98 model year style, look for the thread titled "My steering sucks" for info on the 98 model year linkage. With my current set-up and 162,000 miles on the truck it is tighter than my 3rd gen, well I mean my wifes third gen. If you need more information let me know and I'll look for the threads for you.

 

[crobertson1]

Matt,



Do a search for "Darrens Steering Stabilizers" or DSS. I put one on my '01. 5 and it really helped with the wander. Since you have a new box and trackbar, the DSS may be just what you need.



Check out the links:

http://www.solidsteel.biz/product_tbdb.htm

http://www.solidsteel.biz/install_dss.htm

 

[johncameron]

I bought mine from Piers and it works well. It's worth the money for sure.

 

[MErickson1]

Thanks for the replys you guys !



So the cheapest route is this 2nd gen kit with 2nd gen track bar ? http://www.piersdiesel.com/DSS1.htm



http://www.piersdiesel.com/DSS3.htm So what difference is there bettween the 3rd gen track bar and the 3rd gen retrofit kit vs the 2nd gen route... listed above ?



So for $328. 00 extra, is it worth it ???



Thanks !

Matt

 

[hammersley]

I have both on

my truck - she steers fantastic... ... you do need both Darin's SS AND the 3rd gen bar..... in my case non-adjustable as I don't have a lift.

 

[MErickson1]

my truck - she steers fantastic... ... you do need both Darin's SS AND the 3rd gen bar..... in my case non-adjustable as I don't have a lift.

Can't I go with my existing 2nd gen bar and buy 2nd gen steering stabilizer from DSS ?



Or go the third gen route ?



So what I'am asking is:

Of the two routes to go... . is the 3rd gen setup better than the 2nd gen trackbar along with the 2nd gen steering stabilizer (DSS) ?



If so, why ? You would think the the third gen would be better as it is more expensive.



"I don't think it would be possible to fit the word (gen) in as many times as I have in a small paragraph"

 

[EBung]

Can't I go with my existing 2nd gen bar and buy 2nd gen steering stabilizer from DSS ?



Or go the third gen route ?



So what I'am asking is:

Of the two routes to go... . is the 3rd gen setup better than the 2nd gen trackbar along with the 2nd gen steering stabilizer (DSS) ?



If so, why ? You would think the the third gen would be better as it is more expensive.



"I don't think it would be possible to fit the word (gen) in as many times as I have in a small paragraph"

Yes just start with the DSS and if you have to later update the track bar. I would go with a Thuren track bar though.

 

[n7gxz]

Something else to look at is the bushing at the bottom end of the steering column. The OEM does not provide much support and will allow the bottom end of the shaft to wiggle around giving you a feeling of loose steering.



Kevin

 

[RCook]

You might want to take a look at what's loose before you start spending money. Could be ball joints, for instance.



I really like my DSS, but before I'd replace the track bar again I'd get under the truck and watch it while someone moves the steering wheel back and forth a few inches (with the motor going). If the ball end of the track bar moves up and down more than about 1/8", it needs replacing.

 

[MErickson1]

Something else to look at is the bushing at the bottom end of the steering column. The OEM does not provide much support and will allow the bottom end of the shaft to wiggle around giving you a feeling of loose steering.



Kevin

Even if mine is okay, maybe it wouldn't hurt to change it when I do the trackbar mod.



What do you suggest ?

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

So the cheapest route is this 2nd gen kit with 2nd gen track bar ? http://www.piersdiesel.com/DSS1.htm

Thanks !

Matt

The DSS as you've linked to above is not a track bar, it is a steering box sector shaft stabilizer and it makes a world of difference. The track bar is a seperate issue and the Thuren is an excellent option at the best price.

 

[n7gxz]

Even if mine is okay, maybe it wouldn't hurt to change it when I do the trackbar mod.



What do you suggest ?

Here is a thread talking about replacing the bushing: Steering Wheel Clunk / Rattle : Solved With Column Bushing Fix !.



I machined my own up from Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene. This stuff is very slippery and works good for making this type of bushing.



Were abouts are you located?



Kevin

 

[SnoKing]

Also do a search on caster adjustment. Adding more caster will improve tracking. This is something you can do in a few minutes yourself.



I have both the 3rd gen bar, and kit to installing it and the DSS on the steering box. Tracks well down the road.



Have you checked the ball joins?

SNOKING

 

[DNewell]

I just put on a Lukes link from www.lukeslink.com and did that on my track bar. It cost me $86 to get the link and a new polyurethane bushing, and this included shipping. the part takes about 2-3 hours to install, shorter if you have the proper tools and someone to help you, but it totally eliminates the slop on the track bar. My steering was wandering quite a bit before, but now it's quite a bit better. I think that I've got to check the pitman arm off of the steering box to see if there is any slop there, but otherwise, my truck drives nice. For a cheap alternative, I would HIGHLY recommend it.

 

[MErickson1]

Thanks for all the replys guys !



I tried calling Solid steel! I've tried calling them four times at different times and on different days. Are these guys still in business ? If they are, they really don't seem not to give a flyin flip !

 

[SnoKing]

Thanks for all the replys guys !



I tried calling Solid steel! I've tried calling them four times at different times and on different days. Are these guys still in business ? If they are, they really don't seem not to give a flyin flip !

Just call RIP at Source Automotive. SNOKING

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

It seems as though Dodge put wrong ratio steering boxes on some of our Rams. With the engine idling turn your steering wheel as far as it will go and count the turns it takes to hit the stop when you turn it the other way. If it is three and just a tad more it is the right box. If it is 4&1/4 it is the WRONG box. Dodge buys GM boxes rather than design their own. Problem is the different ratio boxes look identical on the outside. I believe dodge does not know which box they are installing and if I know Dodge, would not care if they did know. Dealers don't know and alignment shops don't know. You will be surprised at the difference having the right ratio box makes. I worried I would get a DUI with my old box. With the 3 turn I now have it steers like a car. -- email address removed --

 

[jkalchik]

Just call RIP at Source Automotive. SNOKING

Ditto. You will not be disappointed with Rip's service.