Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) premature trackbar/draglink failure

[Whitmore]

and a sugestion to help prevent it from happining to you.



It takes alot of torque to move the steering tires while the truck is standing motionless! This puts alot of uneeded stress on your steering components to say the least.



Therefor to make it as easy as possible on the system and its integrity DO NOT turn your steering wheel unless you are moving, rolling friction from your tires is prolly 50 to 60 % less damaging on the system as is static friction. This will also include your steering box and p/s pump.



Many drivers like to turn the wheel while standing this practice has always made me angry and than people get mad when the mechanical components fail prematurly.



Do your rig a favor if you Love it .

 

[Smills]

I always drive like you describe as being the smarter way for less wear and tear and right know my tie rod ends and trac-bar are worn at 42k. I dont understand why a heavy duty pickup is falling apart so early

 

[Whitmore]

at 35k

my parts are all doing good and I have a 200 pound Ranchand bumper hangin off the front, I did when the truck was new drill and tap to install a grease zert on all moving parts or the steering linkage.

 

[Smills]

Whitmore



Thanks for the idea I will try that if I dont get new ones with zerks already

 

[BK]

I had '80 yota 4x4 , worked, lifted and 33x12 that spent most of it's life off road and was my daily driver. I put over 150K miles on it before a truck load of fences totalled it.



I always greased the front end at every oil change and never turned the wheel unless the truck was moving (no power steering). The front end was as tight as new... nothing wore out...