2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission If you could only do one, which one?

[sgoeing]

If you had some steering wander and you could only do one of:



replacing 2 somewhat worn tie rod ends (200 bucks)



or



a dss (200 bucks)





which one would you do?

 

[tp0d]

The DSS will mainly clear up the steering box wander. Try having someone turn the wheel while you lay under the truck. Watch the steering shaft for play. If you see any, the DSS will work well. If not, the tie rods will work better.



Where are you getting a full tierod rebuild (the only way to go) for 200$? The long link is 120$ from moog (i think, somethin like that)



You could also check out the intermediate steering shaft from the column to the box. Those can wear also. .



Good luck. .



-j

 

[KWentling]

The DSS will mainly clear up the steering box wander. Try having someone turn the wheel while you lay under the truck. Watch the steering shaft for play. If you see any, the DSS will work well. If not, the tie rods will work better.



In my experience, the DSS won't help a worn steering box. I put the DSS on my '98 with a worn box, and it didn't help and almost seemed to make it worse, although I don't know why that would be. I put a PSC box on it with the DSS and it drives like a new one. Have you checked you're track bar? That's another common problem area and the first one I'd address if it's loose. The steering box and track bar are the only repairs I've done to mine in 110K.



Kim

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

In my experience, the DSS won't help a worn steering box. I put the DSS on my '98 with a worn box, and it didn't help and almost seemed to make it worse, although I don't know why that would be. I put a PSC box on it with the DSS and it drives like a new one. Have you checked you're track bar? That's another common problem area and the first one I'd address if it's loose. The steering box and track bar are the only repairs I've done to mine in 110K.

When I put my DSS on, I adjusted the steering box at the same time. It made a big difference. Got about 30000 more miles out of the box, but it is time to replace it.



sgoeing - if your tie rods are bad, the DSS won't help, and it's more of a safety issue. Replace them, and do the DSS later.

 

[sgoeing]

The DSS will mainly clear up the steering box wander. Try having someone turn the wheel while you lay under the truck. Watch the steering shaft for play. If you see any, the DSS will work well. If not, the tie rods will work better.



Where are you getting a full tierod rebuild (the only way to go) for 200$? The long link is 120$ from moog (i think, somethin like that)



You could also check out the intermediate steering shaft from the column to the box. Those can wear also. .



Good luck. .



-j

I have two that I know are worn and two that are ok. The two worn ones are the long drag link and the long tie rod. 140+60=200.









at 183k on all original, I guess it all needs to be replaced, but I'm trying to get it spread out over some time and get maximum impact with each repair/upgrade.





edit: btw, excellent suggestion. I'll have my wife work the wheel while I check to see where most of my play is (everywhere). :laughing: