2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering / Front End servicing

[rmrc]

I think it's time to give the front end a look over. I recently had an aliginment and had no report regarding worn parts from the shop tech.



The steering has a,,, "loose",, feeling as if something if ratteling around when you go over small bumps or semi rough roads. Wandering seems about average for these trucks with OEM parts from what I've read.



The truck has 98,000 miles and the track bar and tie rod ends were replaced at aprox. 50,000.



I've read in other posts about better after market products ( Lukes Link, DSS, steerig shafts, ect. . ). What should I check for and what products would be good replacements. I plan to keep this truck until it rolls over and flaps it's wheels!!!!



Thanks in advance!

 

[TboneMan]

I put a DSS on at 88,000 miles and it made a significant difference in feel.



The DSS is relatively inexpensive (about $150 I think) and it is easy to install.

 

[Dane]

2 most common wear items -



1) Trac bar - check the archive or FSM on how to check for wear.



2) Steering shaft - often overlooked. Mine had about 1/8" play after only 15K miles. That play is amplified at the steering wheel. I went with a Borgeson and like it.



Also - The shaft from steering box has lots of side to side play on new trucks and gets worse over time. A DSS will fix it for good.

 

[Beast2B]

Ditto those before me! DSS made quite a difference, maybe more noticeable because of oversized tires. I haven't decided on track bar yet, but leaning towards doing it once with adjustable DT instead of repeatedly replacing or re-"tuning" another one...