2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Installing DSS

[PRyker]

I am installing my DSS in a few minutes. Anything I should be aware of that the instructions do not cover? The only thing that worries me is that the instructions say that the stabalizer bar has a tendancy to move forward requiring you to push it back to get the bolts back in the holes.



Has anyone dealt with this before??



Thanks



Phil

 

[Mactruck]

just install it. It took me 15 minutes. The bolt thing never bothered me.



Probably the easiest B. O. M. B. I ever did.

 

[wes reeves]

It was a little tough doing it by myself. I had to put a jack under the sway bar to hold it up while it was unbolted. If someone can help you by handing you the bolts while you hold the sway bar it will be a lot easier. It's not too bad though.

 

[PRyker]

What size socket does the pitman shaft bolt take?



Thanks



Phil

 

[Mishkaya]

If I recall correctly it was 1 3/8 inch, but the tough one for me was the 1 1/4 inch deep socket required to install the one for the DSS kit.

Mishkaya

 

[rrausch]

I had to grind a little off of mine to clear the pitman bar.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

5 gallon bucket is Man's best friend with theese trucks. Not only can one fit under my oil pan unaltered but it simply is THE tool for DSS units ... simply amazing!

 

[DBrickel]

This is probably one of the easiest bombs you will do. I did mine start to finish in 1/2 hr. The directions are easy to follow, even gave a tool required list if I remember right

 

[PRyker]

The original pitman arm nut was 1 5/16th.



Well, I did it in 2 hours. It took me that long because I had to drive to Sears to get a deep set 1 1/4" socket for the pitman arm bolt that came with the DSS kit. I could of used a open end wrench I had but wanted a socket so I could use my toque wrench to get it on tight enough.



Sure was a pain holding up the sway bar and getting them bolts back in but all-in-all it went smooth.



WOW... noticable difference in steering!! much tighter feeling.



Thanks for all the help guys.



Phil

 

[benhall]

I had access to a drive on lift when I did mine back in Febuary. The mechanics that were around kept asking me what it was for. The both understood and remembered the problems that our trucks have with the steering box seals and the weak frame issue right there. One of them even asked where i got it at for future reference.



Ben

 

[PRyker]

I just had a chance to drive the truck some more today and I am really impressed. My truck has 55,000 miles + a bit and I did not notice a lot of play in the front end. I installed this addon mainly as preventative maintenance.



Well... little did I know how the truck was SUPPOSE to feel! It is much tighter and holds a very steady line on the road now. After seeing how much bang for the buck I got with this I am going to put in a new steering stabalizer next and all new shocks all around.



The DSS is an absolute MUST for any second gen owner. I HIGHLY recommend it



Thanks



Phil

 

[rmrc]

Ya know,,,,, I've been sitting on the fence saying that I'm going to order the DSS and as usuall, some other bills always surface to further delay getting the unit. My truck has 93,000 and the steering box still seems to be OK.



The roads I travel are narrow and winding so I can really use any type of improvement in the handeling arena. I just had one of the lower ball joints replaced and I have a long trip coming up.



Hell, I'll call Rip today an order the damn thing!!!!! There will ALWAYS be some unexpected bill to deal with! I'll just make believe that the DSS is one of those type of expenses!

 

[dresslered]

I just installed new ball joints, track bar, tie rods, and Rancho Steering Stabilizer. The front end then tightened up when I put the DSS on. It won't fix the above problems, but it sure made the final difference. Just by looking at the design, you can see how it relieves the stresses inherent to the steering box.

 

[rmrc]

DSS on the way!

Well,,, called Rip and the DSS is on the way. Should arrive by early next week. Looking forward to less wander. I'll post my first ride after installation!

 

[nfox]

DSS Picture

I was wondering if anybody has a picture of what the dss looks like installed on there truck? I am thinking about getting one for myself. Oo.

 

[dresslered]

I was wondering if anybody has a picture of what the dss looks like installed on there truck?

If you PM me with your email address, I can send you some pictures of mine, or, you can just go to the Solid Steel Homepage and view the pictures there (they don't get much better). http://www.solidsteel.ca/DSS photos.htm

 

[Mishkaya]

You can see a partial pic of the setup on the DSS website: http://www.solidsteel.ca/news.htm

I know I have seen other pics on threads about the DSS on this forum, you should do a search.

Mishkaya

 

[DBrickel]

I was wondering if anybody has a picture of what the dss looks like installed on there truck? I am thinking about getting one for myself. Oo.

If you go to their web site it will show you the pics you want

 

[JBlock]

Floor Jack

I used a floor jack to hold mine up it easy and give you plenty of adjustment.



JB

 

[rmrc]

DSS Arrived

The DSS arrived late this afternoon from Rip. I'll be installing it tomorrow morning.



Next will be the 03 track bar and special mount.