Solid Steel Industries Products any opinions?

[rootmanslim]

My 2002 2500 4x4 LB EC has the usual wandering problems apparently aggrevated by The big Rixon wheels and tires (are they still in business?). I tried the Luke's link tracking bar fix, Borgeson shaft and positive camber. It still has to be "driven" all the time or you end up in the grass or median (depending on the crown). SSI's track bar and steering box gizmos (see TDR 46 p 154) look like an answer BUT I'd like to hear more than one opinion. thanks, Larry

 

[RDHamill]

I also have the Luke's link , and the burgeson shaft, but it was the DSS that brought it all together and made the truck handle well. Steering is no longer a full time job. These improvments together with an alignment with some added caster and my truck is better now at 200,000 miles then it has ever been. I highly recommend the DSS.

 

[Bob Wagner]

The DSS is money well spent to help save the steering box. I've never had any issues with the front end but the dss is cheap insurance and it really helps with bump steer

 

[BRobertson]

My 01 with the DSS, 03 track bar conv. ,is BETTER than new. I'm sure the KORE system helps also!!!!!

Bob

 

[DBrickel]

Helped mine

 

[SKneeland]

highway driving was pretty much a whiteknuckled operation after i put in my lift, installed the DSS not long after and handles like a sports car now

 

[wcjp]

I'm running the DSS on my 96'. It helped reduce driver fatigue after towing. Probably my best upgrade.

 

[SnoKing]

I have both the DSS and TBK (3rd Gen Track Bar) on my 2001. 5. No more bump steer and less pull to the left than I use to have. Steering is very precise! I am very happy with both upgrades. The DSS has been on the truck for a couple years and track bar a month of so. Make sure that you deal with Darin at www.solidsteel.biz or one of his dealers and NOT www.solidsteel.ca.



See the other thread where Darin explains what happen.



here



SNOKING

 

[GMincher]

Yet again, nothing but good. I haven't seen the track bar fix as of yet, but am definitely interested. Chrysler should pay part of the cost of each DSS installed, it's a real steering box saver! Greg

 

[RDHamill]

I agree with you comment about Chrysler.

Chysler should buy them from Darin and sell them over the counter to the million or so guys that have the same problem.

 

[McCRam]

Solid Steel has quality products, and excellent customer service. I have both the 03 trac bar and the DSS. Best thing I've bought for my truck. My uncles 98. 5 and my 97 drove pretty much the same before the install. After the install, the difference is dramatic. Two other friends have ordered their parts after driving my truck.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Mine has begun the dreaded 'wander' at 66,500 miles. Stock wheels, and stock tires (2nd set of Michelins). Probably has been doing it all along but to a lesser degree, and increasing over time and miles. Recently had front of truck repaired after a hit N run incident. Not sure if there was any misalignment of the frame rails themselves, but the right front body mount where the radiator support bolts to the frame took most of the impact.

I do notice a lot more slop (slack) in the steering since the accident. While driving down the road at highway speeds it's as if the wheel is connected to the steering box with a rubber shaft and the first few degrees of steering wheel input do nothing, then responds as if I turned it too much.



What I plan on doing is buying a NAPA track bar, and also one of Darin's DSS kits. Then another trip to the alignment shop.

 

[McCRam]

Chris

I would have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look at all the steering components. There could be other things such as tie rod ends that could be causing problems as well. If you want to stay with the original track bar,I would get a lukes link to repair the original. However, The 03 track bar bracket that Solid Steel sells is a permenant fix.

 

[Supermod56]

I put 4 degrees positive caster in mine, helped a ton!!! Not to mention 2 track bars(the dealer replaced under warranty) And the next mod is the Luke's Link and the DSS unit. Anybody know how long the Luke's Link lasts, or should I just put the 03 track bar on it???



Tom

 

[RDHamill]

As far as I can see, the luck's link will last forever. Even if it should wear, your able to replace the internal parts. I have been using one for over 2 years, put on about 100,000 miles, no trouble at all, just grease it.



the DSS and camber increase, with a proper alignment, will work wonders.



have fun

 

[Supermod56]

Great, Thanks!! I learned the caster trick from the race car, we run 15-20 degrees positive to help it track straight, and not "hunt"



Tom

 

[bubba_zanetti]

I have had the DSS in for about a year and a half now... before I put it in, I could see the pinion shaft wobble a bit if I just moved the steering shaft a little (lying underneath it).



It still tracks down the road just fine, at some point I probably ought to tighen up the steering box adjustments, but at 167K it only has a little play in it (with DSS)

 

[fbadmaev]

I'm convinced based on all the great posts that a DSS and Track Bar Bracket would solve the problems I'm having on my 97 3500 4x4. Where's the best place to purchase and how much should I expect it to cost.



Thanks and have a great holiday season.

 

[SnoKing]

Check Dealers on www.solidsteel.biz SNOKING

 

[fbadmaev]

Thanks for the info. I went into the site and could not find DSS or the Trac Bar. I'll keep trying. Whats the different between these products and the DT Heim Joint Trackbar?