New Tie Rod Assembly - Kore stabilizer doesn't fit!

[hearingyourlies]

Figures. I just got a new drivers side u-joint and an entire replacement assembly for the tie rod's and ends on my truck. Apparently Dodge redesigned the whole assembly and is suggesting full replacement of all the components - it was only 204 bucks, so hell, go for it! Just the one would have been 150.



Unfortunately, my Kore steering stabilizer clamp no longer fits on the damn rod #@$%!



Does anyone know if there exists a new, updated clamp? I've looked at recent pictures of the stabilizer on Kore's website and there seems to be a clamp made out of diamond plate ... i'm guessing that would be what I need ...





Any help folks?!

 

[Kry226]

Have you called KORE about it?

 

[kentkroeker]

KORE is aware of this problem.



The new tie rod and drag link assembly are a single part number: 52122362-AB. It is standard equipment on later 2008 Rams and is a much less expensive retrofit than the previous assembly.



The new tie rod directly attaches both steering knuckles and the drag link intersects it across from the passenger-side track bar pivot point. It's a much better design than the older version, since toe change while the suspension cycles is impossible. Our findings have been that dynamic toe change introduced into tire sidewalls is the number one cause of death wobble. Evidently Dodge got tired of their trucks exhibiting DW right from the dealer.



We've been testing this new steering assembly and have found that although the pivot point for the drag link is now horizontal instead of vertical, it offers plenty of articulation. And although the tie-rod ends at the knuckles no longer have zerk fittings, since they mostly rotate in a circluar fashion, they should last a lot longer than the previous design.



I have heard that Rams that DW are being upfitted with this new steering set up and a new steering box under a TSB. I have heard this, but can't confirm.



And yes, we are working on a stabilizer clamp that will fit the new tie rod.



Best,



Kent Kroeker

 

[hearingyourlies]

So are there any solutions for now? Because driving without a steering stabilizer is, well, a royal pain ... .

 

[231jasonS]

Did the new kit from dodge help any with the way the truck handles and did you get a stabilizer to work?

 

[hearingyourlies]

No. The new front end actually drives worse. But I didn't get the steering box done. Is there a part number for that?

 

[231jasonS]

The steering box brace i have is the Defient part. I dont have the part number but if you go on the site you can see it.



Defiant Offroad Truck Suspension Parts - 03-08 DODGE 2500-3500 4X4 STEERING BOX SUPPORT

 

[hearingyourlies]

What exactly did the brace help with?

 

[231jasonS]

It takes a lot of the slop out of the steering. The Boxes tend to have a lot of movement on the bottom end of the shaft. The brace adds another anchor point which essentially stops the shaft from moving.



Do a search on DSS or steering box brace and youll find numerous threads on them. Lots of people swear by them. I have replaced my steering box under warranty at about 20K miles due to the other end of the shaft/top cover plate leaking fluid. (due to the shaft moving around)



I didnt have excessive movement, YET. But i figured for less than 2 bills I would stop it b4 it was a problem.



It does seem to be tighter and more responsive to steering wheel movement. I have very little free play in my steering now. I had about 1/2-1" of freeplay in the wheel b4 and now less than 1/4"

 

[hearingyourlies]

I can't seem to get a straight answer on any of the posts. Will this work with my Kore lift kit, and is there a difference between this one and the one available from Windecker Machine LTD. ?

 

[231jasonS]

The only interferrence is with the sway bar drop down brackets... ... But i think Defiant has a solution for that.



I dont know about the Windecker one. Never heard of it.



What question is not answered straight?

 

[231jasonS]

Well after looking up the windecker its sthe same product, except they use the 2x2 square tubing welded between the mounts (kind of like a trailer hitch) between the frame and Defiants is 1/4 steel one piece. I would think the flat steel would have more clearance. but the other would do the job as well i think.



And one is made in USA the other is canadian. Shipping might be a consideration.

 

[hearingyourlies]

Ah. I read the description closely on defiants website. They supply longer bolts if you have a Kore kit. Guess i'll head over and order it up!

 

[MartyK]

I have the Kore Chase suspension on my truck. I just put the Defiant steering brace and dual stabilizer on. I believe the Kore drop blocks will work with the Defiant steering brace because it is a flat plate with a radius and it won't affect the drop blocks. I removed the Kore drop block and went with longer end links. I got the Maxx links from Geno's. Which is another option.



Marty

 

[clndesl]

the new 08 steering is a direct bolt on for my 07. if i get it i just bolt it on and go right.

 

[hearingyourlies]

Far as I can tell, yes. But i'm not convinced on it yet. I still have some serious steering wander.

 

[hearingyourlies]

DSS is up and running. Made a HUGE difference in the way the truck reacts to steering inputs. Lazy steering no more. Unfortunately, still wanders and feels vague. Really think it's because I need to put a real stabilizer back on the front end. COME ON KORE!!! LOL

 

[Bob4x4]

I don't think a steering stabilizer will correct wandering,check your steering gear and alignment,as well as your tires.



Bob

 

[hearingyourlies]

How would one go about checking steering gear?

Alignment was just done with new u-joint.

And tires have been perfect for last 35k miles...

 

[DonFitzwater]

Fyi, the wifes mega cab "femi" just got a new tie rod warrantied at about 5000 miles and it drives like it should now. Before it drove like the tie rod system was made of spahgetti.