Steering Gearbox Sector Shaft Support Bars???

[Buffalo]

My truck is an '03, 3500 SRW, 4X4 with a Lorenz Bilstein 5100 Suspension System that involves taller new front coil springs. The system incorporates a 1-1/2" aluminum drop-block to re-align the front sway bar into it's correct position.



I called Lorenz & it sounded like the only sector shaft support bar that would work along with the drop blocks is the Defiant product. With the other sector shaft support bars, you have to eliminate the drop blocks & go with longer sway bar ends (don't know what they call them).



In the latest issue of the TDR, Doug Leno has an article, with pictures, where he has installed a BD Steering Box Support with no apparent problems & he has the aluminum drop blocks (Kore). Both drop blocks look identical except for the Kore name on the sides of Mr. Leno's.



Since I have already paid for my drop blocks & would rather not have to buy the new sway bar end pieces, I'm just curious as to whether there is a problem using another (BD) sector shaft support bar.



Anyone have any thoughts or experiences using the blocks & the BD (or similar) sector shaft support? Anyone know if the Defiant product is as strong as the BD, etc. ? Are they ALL strong enough?



Thanks for your input.



Joe F.

 

[Bob4x4]

Simple test Joe. Grab a flat bar with a couple bends like defiant bend it over your vise. Now take a squre tube and attempt the same thing

 

[foolkiller]

yes both units you're considering are strong enough for what they're designed to do...



Will one be stronger if you put it in a vise and try to bend them?? yes... . but the forces they're designed to resist are not dupicated by that test.



i'd recommend going with longer end links, eliminating the drop blocks, for your sway bar no matter which sector support you go with and get some good (maybe just new) replacement bushings for the straps. won't be stronger but it'll eliminate play in the sway bar function..... and you won't have to worry about what's compatible with the drop blocks any more.



also. consider any future upgrades you might want. your choice of sector shaft support could bring compatibility issues up again.



fortunately most of these upgrades are affordable enough to make changes later, the parts involved have resale value, and the performance differences are minor enough that you're taste for "form over function" or "bang for the buck" can move up in priority a touch, so don't sweat this one too much.



good luck, j

 

[hearingyourlies]

I've got Kore drop blocks and the BD stabilizer on my 06, and it works perfectly.

 

[CDonaldson]

I've got the KORE blocks - came with my leveling kit, Defiant stabalizer, Defiant SS Rock Shield, and MAXX Sway Bar Links on my 2006 - ALL work great together.



I think all the steering box stabalizers are centered around the same dimensions as far as fitting up to the sway bar and the steering box. From there, whether you use the blocks or go to longer links would just be a matter of your preferences.



When I decided to install the Defiant stabalizer, I considered taking out the KORE blocks and just going to longer links. Most all the longer links over the stock length are designed for lifts 3"s and up. They all have a sleeve over the threads for that 3" rise, I suppose you could cut the sleeve to the length/height difference that the block drop?



Anyway, it was easier to just get a better replacement sway bar link in the standard/stock length and keep the blocks.



CD

 

[MartyK]

Here's another similiar thread.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...cussions/208215-dss-kore-hp-leveling-kit.html





Marty

 

[seafish]

My . 02 cents... The Defiant Stabilizer is a well designed, well made, well finished and well packaged product that does what it is supposed to do extremely well. I DON"T have any connections with Defiant, but I did buy Paul's product, even though I originally was going to buy a DSS. Paul is extremely knowledgeable about what he builds and also has great customer service. Installing the Defiant Stabilizer on my truck tightened up the steering immediately, to where now when I turn the steering wheel less then 1/2 inch in either direction, I can feel the response on the road!!! I am sure the BD and DSS are also good products, but I did read in other threads, that the BD has issues with it's powdercoating failing often and early.

 

[schv]

I have a Kore Recon and a DSS. I installed Carli links just because the factory links are weak junk - mine were bent within hours of installing the lift. Once I had the Carli links, I eliminated the drop blocks.

 

[DLeno]

The BD steering bar in my article attaches to the frame just as intended for a stock truck. Thats the reason it works with drop blocks -- which themselves don't care if they are mounted to the frame or on the steering bar itself. I just had to get longer bolts, thats all.



-doug