2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Report on outcome of "Rock Solid Ram Steering - New Lower Column Bushing" Install

[Joe Mc]

Finally did the install and in a word "WOW!!!"

I'm sure there are many posts on our site about this pretty easy fix as I read a bunch before purchasing, but I wanted to add my $0.02. Pretty easy job. Would never have thought this simple thing would resolve the "slight wander" my truck has always had since I purchased in 01 w/75k miles, presently 223k miles. Wish I would have done this 145k miles ago. It really does drive much better and steers "Rock Solid". One of the best $60 and 2 hours I've invested in my truck's steering over the years!

http://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com

 

[SAndreasen]

So did you check for play in the shaft and housing or did you just put it in? Mine checks out ok with no slop but maybe I should try the bushing just to see if it helps

 

[Joe Mc]

I took the column out as I'm chasing electrical gremlins instead of doing the job in chassis. I placed the column in a vice clamping the bracket where the column bolts to the lower dash. There was a very slight bit of play side to side, which I didn't think was abnormal. I almost decided to not install the new bushing and figured since the column was in the vice and I had the part why not. Glad I did.

Note: An interesting thing after installing the column as far as steering effort, first drive of the day there's a bit more than usual effort, not much just a bit, but as you drive and turn the wheel a few times and things start to warm up in the engine compartment the steering effort is as stock. If I had it to do over again I might sand down the inner diameter of the bushing a tad.

 

[petersonj]

If I had it to do over again I might sand down the inner diameter of the bushing a tad.

You may have to do it over again. When I installed my Rock Solid bushing, I followed the instructions and all was well for about six weeks. Then I started noticing a subtle drag when steering which slowly became worse. I removed the bushing and sanded down the inner hole and actually made the diameter larger than I intended. The end result worked out fine and the truck steers well since September of 2015 (50,000 miles later). I think the bushing concept is a good idea, but I don't think it takes into consideration that moisture, dust, and debris can get into the area where the steering shaft passes through. I have always wondered if a grease fitting could be installed to give it a touch of grease one in a great while.

-John

 

[Joe Mc]

I think the bushing is made from material that doesn't require lubrication, but I too was thinking about a zero fitting to give the bushing a stroke of grease every now and then.