2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering fix questions

[DVR]

i have a 2001. 5 4x4 quad cab. i really like the truck and need to tackle the steering. my mileage is 112k at this time.



my truck wanders and requires alot of correction as you drive. at times it seems to have a mind of it's own.

i have read the steering threads until my eyes are crossed.

can someone recommend a good starting point? replace or upgrade trak bar? luke's link???



better yet does anyone know of shop experienced with our trucks steering issues? i live in columbia sc but would travel if there is an "expert" within a reasonable distance.





thanks in advance.

 

[WyattEarp]

that would be my first choice is the tracking bar, that is what happened to me, it got so bad that i thought it was me and i actually threw my keys down for a few days, thats hard to do when your 30yrs old. When mine went it wanted to go to the right on a constant basis, correcting had become second nature until it was replaced.

 

[DVR]

thanks for the reply.

i will give that a try.

 

[Extreme1]

Find the bad part. It's either the trac bar like Wyatt mentioned or the steering box shaft is loose. Lay under the front and have someone turn the wheel back and forth. You might have to put your hands on the tie rod ends to find the slop.



If it's the steering box, replace it and add the steering brace. If it's the link, replace it with an adjustable unit.

 

[DVR]

who's adjustable track bar do y'all recommend?

 

[RCook]

Checking the track bar visually is easy. If the ball joint end moves up and down more than 1/8" when your buddy moves the wheel back and forth several inches with the engine going, replace it.



I've been using a NAPA track bar, because they guarantee it lifetime, and when it wears out I go get another one no charge. It's not very hard to replace - you don't even jack up the truck.



If I were doing it over again I'd get the Solid Steel bracket which allows you to use a 3rd gen track bar. From what I've read, they don't wear out. I don't think you need an adjustable one unless you're lifted.



I also put in Darin's steering stabilizer, which keeps the steering box from flexing around. The combination of that and a good track bar works wonders.

 

[DVR]

rcook-



thanks for the reply. i will check with napa for the part and pricing.

i imagine a new stabilizer would help too.



i plan to keep the truck along time so i need to get it sorted out.



thanks again.

Don

 

[Mbalice]

I've been using a NAPA track bar, because they guarantee it lifetime, and when it wears out I go get another one no charge. It's not very hard to replace - you don't even jack up the truck.

[/QUOTE]



Do you mind sharing the Napa part number??? I'm unable to find one through their website.....



Thanks.....

 

[LDeangelis]

There are a number of deficiencies in the front end design in your vintage 2500. I have a 2000 version and decided to eliminate all the weaknesses. First was junking the rag joint and installing a Borgeson steering shaft, then a DSS, a Solid Steel trackbar bracket to accomodate an 03 track bar and finally an entire new axle with a true trac real bearings and hubs. Expensive-yes!!! But now it tracks like sports car with rack and pinion steering.

 

[blmyachtsales]

I have had a 1996 3500 4X4 for 7 yrs (have an 06 now but still have the old girl). I started with a DT Track Bar (03conversion will work good to) and DSS. Big difference there, also eliminated all tie rods with thuren custom steering cross link and tie rod (uses huge heim joints). I have replaced 4 steering boxes 41/4 turn jobs but they are lifetime warrenty from auto zone. now that I do not drive the truck i realy tore into it, It had real bad rortors which I am sure has been mutilating things and the lower steering column bushing is worn. If I were still driving it every day I would buy a 3 1/4 turn box. Good luck

 

[SnoKing]

I have the DSS, 3rd gen track bar and adjusted in more caster as a thread here instructs. You can add the caster your self in 15 or 20 minutes. Mine pulled to the left all the time. After the caster adjustment it tracts straight as an arrow towing or not towing. SNOKING

 

[blmyachtsales]

Ya Snoking is right, I also put in more caster myself and it made a differeance. The more posative caster the more the wheel will want to return to center.

 

[Hobart]

How do I get more caster "myself"? Had it in the shop to try to fix the pulling to the left. I had added SS bracket and 3rd gen track bar they replaced left ball joints with offsets to compensate for the camber. But still wanders left. Dodge says I have to live with it.

 

[blmyachtsales]

Check out this thread (sorry if this doesn't work, first time trying to attach another thread)http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157368&highlight=eccentric You can adjust the caster with the eccentric bolts/washers on the front of the lower controll arm (where they attach to the axle). Lift the wheels off the ground, loosen the bolts, and You want to move or rotate the bottom of the axle forward by moving that eccentric washer. Make sure you move each side the same amount. I would mark you starting point with a paint pen just incase you want to move it back. I also oredered new bolts and washers which made things alot esier. Good luck.

 

[SnoKing]

I believe that you can do it without jacking it up. Move the index pointer to the front on each side. That is on the drivers side looking out you turn it clockwise, the passengers looks counter clockwise. SNOKING

 

[RCook]

The NAPA track bar part # I've been using is 272-4229. A couple of years ago the price was $203.

 

[Jim Brewer]

With 21 months and ~20K miles on the setup I wrote about in this thread

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119499

I've been pretty happy. I had to replace *all* of the ball joints earlier this year to get rid of the death wobble - and I put on an aftermarket (Rancho) steering damper. It's rock stable and easy to steer now...

 

[Mbalice]

RCook, Thanks for the Napa part number on the track bar... .



Warning Newbie question... .



Regarding the write up that Jim Brewer did, can I use this same parts for the "T" upgrade on my 96? The truck has 194K on it and everything looks shot and I have shakes when stopping from 40-50 mph.....





Thanks.....