Loose steering box fix

[Pit Bull]

These look great but I don't think he will be overwhelmed. My truck only has 4K miles on it. I will not purchase this pitman arm support and install one until my 3 year 36K mile bumper to bumper warranty is up. My reason, I figure if I add this and have a warranty issue with anything having to do with the front suspension DC would blame this addition and not cover it. I will be buying one in a couple of years when my warranty is up. I am sure I am not the only member that thinks this way. That should spread out some of the demand. Also with-in a couple of years they will be offering them in different colors

 

[Dane]

Pitt Bull,

I agree and understand the warranty concerns, but...



I think the original design is bad to begin with. The amount of side thrust generated at the shaft bearings is huge, especially with larger tires. Try and turn the wheels without the power steering and you get an idea of the side force at the shaft. Yeah, it's a lot less when rolling, but the shaft also has to adsorb the force when the wheels are turned at speed and over bumps.



Just like the clutch pedal, there needs to be support on both ends of the shaft imo. I like this guys design, simple, has grease fittings, easy to install and service. The price ain't bad either...

 

[Pit Bull]

Dane your right. I will buy one and install when the warranty is up.

 

[Extreme1]

Does this work with factory tow hooks?

 

[hirschjn]

I think this will help with my side play in the pitman shaft. I will be having one ASAP if money allows. Has any one looked at the 03 track bar yet!!! almost the same as DT track bar, no ball joint on the frame end... ... HM!! think DC will retro fit or make parts available Oo.

 

[Dave Zuber]

Very ingenious. This won't cure any loose track bar problems and in MHO it won't save the steering box bearings over a long period. But, it would really cut down on the frame flexing at the box mounting area.



I can see a problem with the threads inside the nut getting loose after a year or so. I'd really pour on the blue loctite and check the nut every 20k miles or so!

 

[jman]

Is this things intention to help out wandering problem or am I missing something. Mine wanders even with a new track bar on it so I am looking for a fix for this. Steering boxes are expensive and a pain to change so if this will help the wandering problem and maybe extend the steering box life I may look into it. What are you thoughts??



TIA

 

[Josparkz]

They look pretty nice. And one more piece of armor plate for the front end

 

[Steve Campbell]

Simply.....

a good Idea

 

[moon]

Looks like the guy has a lot of interest in this product,as i have used one for over 50,000 miles now i will address some of the above concerns. The bearings or bushings in the steering box probably will never have to be replaced as most of the side to side thrust is now taken by the new bearing. There is a posability that this bearing might have to replaced in the life of the truck and if so $5 to $10 bucks and ten mins. work. The new threaded nut and the shaft the bearing is mounted on is a one piece machined unit,if tightened to 185ft pounds like the org. there is no posable way it can come loose. I guess if one is concerned about this one could put a drop of loc-tite on,i didnt and no problems. If for some unknowen reason the bearing did sieze the bearing will turn in the self alining cast holder. The bearing has a grease nipple on it and i give mine a shot of grease every oil change. As for helping the track bar situation i really dont know,i am thinking that taking all the play out of the steering so the truck dont move side to side maybe,just maybe there wouldnt be so much stress on the track bar but again this i dont know,just hoping it helps. Going to put one on my 2001. 5 to prevent any and all wear in the steering box,not worried about warranty as this unit doesnt change anything except make it stronger and safer. Dealer says its alright with him, should have been done way back in 94. Furthermore if something did go wrong in the power steering and one has a finnicky dealer just remove the unit and put the org. nut back on. Havent looked at the 2003s,wonder if they changed anything in the steering?

 

[Bob Horrell]

This is great. I have a friend in the movie business that fabricates custom cars etc. He is a really clever guy and he made a very similar bearing bracket for his Dodge several years ago. It really made a difference and I always wanted to do the same but never got around to it. Now I don't have to, I'll just order one. This site never ceases to amaze me.

 

[pathaymond]

I only have one problem now. I sent the guy my money today since I am not around the house much for Cod Payments. I just read a email From the man it says OOOPs I gave you the wrong postal code!! I bet I will wish I had just done the cod thing. if it can Happen it WiLL happen to me! Please dont think I am complaining It was a honest mistake I am sure. I do think this product will make a good BOMB for the truck.



Patrick

 

[Marv Windecker]

Hi guys,



I guess I may as well jump in here now since Darin has asked

me to help him out with the manufacturing of these things. He's

gotten too many responses to handle it alone.



I do want to emphasize that the concept is his and not mine.

I'm glad to hear most of you like the design.



Please don't direct any orders to me. I will be glad to answer

any other questions though.



We've decided to go with laser-cut parts to save some time

and improve quality. The first ones will go out the door this

weekend.



Later,

Marv

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Darin ought to hook up with Piers. Ship the brackets out of Piers's

Washington State address.

 

[Extreme1]

BUT....

DOES IT WORK WITH THE FACTORY TOW HOOKS?!?!?!?!?

 

[Marv Windecker]

RE: Tow hooks



We've been watching out for a truck with tow hooks to determine

that but haven't spotted one yet. This attaches with the anti-sway bar bolts and extends a couple inches in front of the

anti-sway bar brackets if that helps.



Where are the tow hooks mounted?



We also have to capture a 2003 for a few hours. The frame

is different on these. The '03 tow hooks certainly won't be in

the way though.

 

[pathaymond]

Correction to my earlier post about improper postal code. while neither myself or the vendor intended to sound confused I had totaly misinterpreted his email to me. all is good No problems with any postal codes etc. Sorry for any confusion or concern I may have created. I need to learn how to cut and paste so I can display Emails I receive instead of writting my perception of them. Thanks for understanding.

Patrick.

 

[SnoKing]

I have looked at the pictures, and just went down and looked at my 2001. 5 factory tow hooks. Hooks and brackets are about a foot away from this setup and should not be a problem. Now if I knew the shipping to Edmonds, Wa I would sign up for the setup. I agree, lets get him hooked up with Piers for us left coast guys. SNOKING

 

[Weidner]

Sounds great. But I wonder if it will work with my Boss plow mount? I need to get under the truck as soon as it gets above zero.

 

[Snow man]

Im wondering the same thing,will it fit with my boss plow mount? Im going to order one anyway,since i drive the truck 8 months with the mount off, iwant it anyhow. I know I can modify it to fit with the plow mount if I want to. I know this will help espeically with a 1000 lb plow on the front of my already heavy truck,with larger tires.