2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Play in steering ?

[pete97]

I have new upper and lower ball joints on both sides and a new track bar about 15,000 miles ago. No other problems I can see in the front end. May need a new stabilizer shock. What else? May be the steering shaft fix. Is that the root of the play in the steering? Thanks

 

[rotohead]

Is it a OEM track bar? I wouldn't trust those (even the MOOG TB upgrade) for more than 5k miles on a good day. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra cash whenever you do replace the TB with a 3rd gen bracket and bar. It's more expensive initially but you won't have to do it again for a long time if ever. Sector shaft on the steering box, tie rod ends and intermidiate shaft would be the next items I would look at. I'm going thru all this myself right now so I know what your dealing with. The DSS stabilizer bracket, either from DSS or PSC is a great upgrade too. I was skeptical about it doing much good at first but after I installed it I would not do without it.

Chuck

 

[pete97]

OK. It gets to be so expensive sometimes. I haven't had to put any money into the engine except for fluid and filter changes and power upgrades> Everything else has been on the chasis and drivetrain!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rotohead]

OK. It gets to be so expensive sometimes. I haven't had to put any money into the engine except for fluid and filter changes and power upgrades> Everything else has been on the chasis and drivetrain!!!!!!!!!!!

I've replaced four lift pumps, 2 window, headlamp and multiswitch, brake upgrades, 3rd gen tb, upgraded the inferior headlamps system, and transmission mods and all those, IMO, are design deficiencies for this diesel truck. I've done many other upgrades that I don't consider deficiences in design and I'm spending alot more soon on steering box upgrade, water pump, vacuum pump/ps pump overhaul and Mr Bob's hose kit that just come from passing the mid 100,000 mile mark. I feel I come out way ahead b/c the motor is so superior to any other diesel out there... I'm willing to put up with all the other stuff. I'm sure this opinion has been noted on this site long before I'm saying it but it's all about the motor. The rest you got to deal with.

Chuck

 

[pete97]

I totally agree. I wouldn't buy any other truck. It is all abount the Cummins. If chevy had a Cummins, I would buy that. I'm happy with the truck. Just trying to keep the costs down. I have a 3rd baby on the way and not alot of extra cash. Where would you start with the front end? How do you take the play out of the sector shaft? Pete

 

[JKinney]

Hi Pete



You gotta get someone in the rig turning the wheel from left to right. You gotta take a good look at the track bar where it attaches and look for slop. look for the steering box flexing, look for slop in the tie rods etc. where ever you see something not tight its gotta be fixed. I went with a thuren track bar 30,000 miles ago because it seemed at the time to be the cheapest way to fix the track bar and the steering is still good.

 

[pete97]

My budy Oil Burner has one on his. He likes it. There are just so many options. The DSS, Thuren, Lukes Link, the fix for the steering shaft etc... .

 

[rotohead]

Even at 15000 miles, I'd still be highly suspicious of the trac bar if it's still the original design 2nd gen. Someone behind the wheel and u under the truck and have them move the wheel side to side aggressively and watch mainly where the tb mounts to the frame, not the axle. If you're short on cash and want to get most of the slop then spend the money on a 3rd gen bracket and appropriate tb. The rest can come later.

Chuck

 

[pete97]

Ok Thanks. I'll take a look at it and let you know. It is due for inspection this month too. Pete