2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering fixes

[RRuggles]

Reading here, in the mag, and on other forums, it becomes clear that there are several fixes for the lousy steering on the 2nd gen trucks. Is there any consensus as to which works the best?

 

[SnoKing]

Reading here, in the mag, and on other forums, it becomes clear that there are several fixes for the lousy steering on the 2nd gen trucks. Is there any consensus as to which works the best?

The DSS is a no brainer. Contact Darin or one of the dealers listed on his web site. www.solidsteel.biz



The track bar fix is offered from a number of sources. I was very pleased with my DSS for a couple years, so I chose the TBK from Darin also that uses the 3 gen track bar. That bar will always be available if needed and should last a long time. But front end damage from a wreck or such, could require a replacement some day down the road. "Hello Dodge send me a 2003 track bar, for this 2001. 5 on my front end rack".



If the front is lifted then the choice could change. TBK is good for some lift, but is not adjustable. The DT track bar is adjustable. There is also Luke's Link, but by the time I got the drivers side of the original track bar loose, I would not have wanted to install it again.



Some require welding to install. Darin's TBK does not.



Do a search on solidsteel and read about an unauthorized product to stay away from.



You will be really pleased with how tight and precise the steering is with a DSS and TBK.



SNOKING

 

[RCook]

You probably need to crawl underneath and do a little diagnosis. I would guess that the most likely culprit is a worn track bar. If the ball joint on the one end of it moves more than 1/8" when the wheel is turned back and forth a bit with the engine going, it's worn out.



What works for me is a combination of a new track bar (got it from NAPA, with lifetime warranty), and a DSS (Darin's Steering Stabilizer). Takes less than 1/2 hour to replace track bar, and not much more than that to install the DSS, which won't need replacing. Truck steers much better than new.



Darin's new track bar mounting bracket and a third-gen track bar is supposed to be a better fix for the pooorly-designed 2nd gen track bar.