2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering inverted Y or change to T?

[hilda]

Read a lot earlier post on switching over from the inverted Y steering to the T that was in 98 & 99 HD"s. My question is to the people that did the change over, is it worth it, how is it for long term? I’m at the point where I have to replace all my tie rods end, I’m thinking now would be a good time, if I’m going to do it.



Thanks as always.

Hilda

 

[jkern]

not sure what the difference is but i have a 99 HD and i have rebuilt the steering gear twice in 70k miles... i sure wouldn't change to something like that!

 

[hilda]

not sure what the difference is but i have a 99 HD and i have rebuilt the steering gear twice in 70k miles... i sure wouldn't change to something like that!

With the T the tie rod end are on the same shaft and the steering shaft connects to it. The Y the steering shaft connects to right wheel and the shaft for the left wheel connects to that.



The T has been around for 30 years or so.



Hope this makes sense

 

[analog]

I converted my 2001 to the T setup. My truck doesn't wander down the road now, but I did other fixes at the same time including a DSS and 3rd gen track bar conversion. The T setup is a better setup in my opinion. It has nothing to do with the steering box. If you are going to do new tie rods anyway, now's the time to do it. Search the forums, there are plenty of write ups on the parts necessary to do the job.

 

[hilda]

I converted my 2001 to the T setup. My truck doesn't wander down the road now, but I did other fixes at the same time including a DSS and 3rd gen track bar conversion. The T setup is a better setup in my opinion. It has nothing to do with the steering box. If you are going to do new tie rods anyway, now's the time to do it. Search the forums, there are plenty of write ups on the parts necessary to do the job.

I just did the TB, so now it's the tie rods, next will be the DSS. I going for the long term fixes. I'm pricing out the T setup, went to Kragen Auto parts store today and got a diagram of the 99HD T steering set up. Now I can shop on line and get the best deal. It nice to have the diagram as a reference.



Thanks for the input



Hilda

 

[StevenMiller]

What is DSS?

 

[Pavemen]

i believe that all the parts are around $275 or so for the conversion. the conversion is worth it if you are running a lift and bigger tires as it keeps the angles much nicer and also keeps the wander down due to how the TREs are aligned.

 

[Dave M]

What is DSS?

Dodge Steering Stabilizer. Its a bar inserted between the front frame rails under the sway bar mounting bolts and a bracket on it holds a bearing with a special pitman arm nut that is inserted in the bearing. It protects the steering box output shaft from stress to help with steering.



Source automotive has them:



Source Automotive Performance Diesel



A picture is worth 1,000 words. The last pic is the DSS on my truck:

 

[Davcruz]

I would recommend checking Auto Parts Fast at RockAuto for the 98-99 1 ton steering parts. I put this on my 2000 1500 4x4 about 4 months ago, enormous improvement over the "Y" setup. The stabilizer from Solid Steel Industries (the one shown above) is also a great item to install as it will keep your steering box from wearing out.

 

[DJAustin]

Did Mine

I converted mine last year and think it is most definetly worth it. Also did the DSS and track bar.

 

[NWhitney]

Y to T

I did my Y to T swap 2 years ago (about 55,000 miles ago) and it was well worth it. When I would go over bumps and swallows before it would try and turn the wheel out of my hand. Now with the T it does not jerk the wheel out of my hands as much. I did not do the 3rd gen track bar change or the DSS at the time. Both are currently in my shop and awaiting time to put them on (also waiting on a 3rd gen bar). steering is still tight and good, but my track bar that I rebuilt with a luke's link is trashed. I can adjust the luke's link and it only stays for about 1 week. I hope that I can get the "new" Bar, DSS, and T setup to last to my goal of 300,000 miles (currently 202,000)

 

[hilda]

I would recommend checking Auto Parts Fast at RockAuto for the 98-99 1 ton steering parts. I put this on my 2000 1500 4x4 about 4 months ago, enormous improvement over the "Y" setup. The stabilizer from Solid Steel Industries (the one shown above) is also a great item to install as it will keep your steering box from wearing out.

Thanks Dave



Just ordered the parts from Rockauto.com, saved about 25% ordering from them. I talked to my local Goodyear store and they are going to charge me $180. 00 to install all the parts and dial in the front end



Hilda

 

[PC12Driver]

On the "T" conversion, what is everyone using as a dampener?

 

[NWhitney]

Single Rancho Stabilizer from summit

 

[analog]

I left mine off. Haven't noticed it not being there, but I don't run big tires.

 

[AFoulk]

wow, $180 doesn't sound bad to have all that stuff replaced and an alignment done. I'm either gonna go that rought when its time to change all my stuff out or go with a crossover steering kit.

 

[Davcruz]

On the "T" conversion, what is everyone using as a dampener?

You can order a complete damper for a 98-99 HD truck or you can go to the dealer and get the bracket that attaches to the tie rod and allows you to run the damper you already have. I got the bracket for my 1/2 ton and it ran me about $18 I think it was, so over half the cost of a new damper and since I already had a new Fabtech damper it worked out well for me.



The 2001 CTD that I just bought also has the 98-99 HD steering on it already and it has the damper bracket from Dodge also. When I get back home I will snap a pic of it if you want. I have the part number some where also.

 

[hilda]

wow, $180 doesn't sound bad to have all that stuff replaced and an alignment done. I'm either gonna go that rought when its time to change all my stuff out or go with a crossover steering kit.

That how I felt. The alignment is usually $80. 00 alone. The part came to about $300. 00. I just need to figure out what I'm going to do about the dampener, mine looks original. I may get the bracket and attach it to the tie bar.



Hilda

 

[PC12Driver]

The 2001 CTD that I just bought also has the 98-99 HD steering on it already and it has the damper bracket from Dodge also. When I get back home I will snap a pic of it if you want. I have the part number some where also.

A pic and a P/N would be great! I've been kicking around the idea of the "T" conversion for a while, but the dampener solution was giving me pause. I didn't know the factory stuff would transfer. Good to know!

 

[Davcruz]

Yep, you can utilize a factory type damper setup if you like by using the factory tie rod damper bracket. I will be home this afternoon and will get a photo and try to locate the P/N.