Steering linkage TSB ??

[BDaugherty]

TSB 22-005-06 has part numbers to change the whole steering linkage to the newer style.



Here is a good place to look at or order the parts: DODGE RAM 03 To 2010 2500 & 3500 Steering Upgrade Kit PN PK362AF



My question in regarding the connection of the drag link to the tie rod. It looks like the upgraded parts have the drag link end attaching to the tie rod vertically rather than horizontally like the old Y link did. Does anyone know if a 2" leveling kit would put the drag link ends at an extreme angle? Also, how necessary is the new pitman arm? My understanding is that the new pitman arm has a different angle to keep the threaded end of the ballstud from contacting the tie rod under suspension compression. With a 2" leveling kit, would it even be necessary? To anyone running this kit, what steering dampner are you running and how does this kit affect bumpsteer? I need to replace 2 tie rod ends on my truck and I'm considering the upgrade. I currently have stock height and 285 tires, but 315's and a 2" leveling kit will be coming very soon.

 

[EDankievitch]

I have the update kit on my 05 and have installed it on a few other trucks. First thing you'll notice is that the truck will steer better. The toe in setting does not change when the truck bounces. Tires will last a bit longer. The componits are heaver than what your truck was built with. My kit has lasted 90,000 miles so far and is still nice and tight. That said there was an issue with the early kits and the steering box tie rod end angles they replaced that end with one that has a bend in it. There was some concern that with out the bend it could be popped apart ball out of the socket. he kit will work with the old pitment arm however the concern is that if you bounce the truck hard the arm will hit the tie bar. As for bump steer there is some but much less with the new pitment arm on a truck with a leveling kit. When you rase the truck the angle of the linkage is not parelle to the axle that's what transmits the bounce into the steering. If you do the kit you can get the steering damper much cheaper from your local auto parts than from Dodge. or order the Bilstine (sp?) one from Geno's just remember that you'll need the one for an 08 or newer truck. Last issue with the kit there is a TSB on driver side tie rod ends failing. If the tierod is not installed parelle to the arm on the steering knuckle it will cause the ball stud to bind and break. It's a great kit, well thought out and if you need to replace your old stuff well worth the money.

 

[BDaugherty]

The kit I was looking at had a Rancho steering stabilizer included. I understand what you're saying about having the tie rod ends perfectly inline as well as having the drag link end that connects to the tie rod also inline. I guess my main question is, with a 2" lift on the front, would the additional clearance be enough to keep the drag link end at the pitman arm from hitting the tie rod? Or are you saying that if I plan to run a leveling kit that the updated pitman arm is a good investment?

Also, does the kit have all the same parts as would come factory on a late '08 truck?

 

[Bob4x4]

The pitman arm is mandatory not optional.

 

[EDankievitch]

The pitment arm keeps the ball joints on both ends of the drag link in the same plane. it will work but the chance of it binding is much greater with out the newer arm.

 

[timelessconstructionllc]

I've got it. Very happy with it. Between it and the steering box stabilizer, my steering is much better. I got the kit with the rancho shock. the kit is great, the shock is junk. get a bilstien and call it good. the new pitman arm is not optional. it is not only very necessary but absolutely mandatory.

 

[BDaugherty]

Thanks for the replies. Right now I'm weighing whether to just replace the TRE at the pitman arm and at the "Y" (where the rod from the lower adjuster sleeve meets the drag link) as those are the only ones with any play in them. My steering is not bad and there is no death wobble, it just has a little play.

 

[Bob4x4]

The oem replacement parts are no longer serviced,they supercede to the new style steering linkage. They may be serviced by the aftermarket but I would venture to say those will fade away just like the filter mounted fuel pumps.

 

[TPringle]

Guys, has anyone installed the steering upgrade kit that has grease zerks installed? I am curious as to where they drilled and tapped to install. I assume on the top opposite the the stud. Also, please explain the pitman arm apgrade. I saw this this listed with the kit, but with no explanation. Is this a dropped arm like what is used when a lift kit is installed? Does this make the draglink more parallel to the tie rod?

 

[Bob4x4]

I am not sure adding a zerk is the right way to go but yes it would be just like they were in the old days before everybody went to the lubed for life way.

The new pitman arm is not a drop design but rather a changed angle to line up correctly to the new style linkage

 

[TPringle]

I got to looking at the kit and I see they angled the pitman arm end of the the tie rod end like a "reach toothbrush". Not sure why or what they are thinking. So, I see the need for the pitman arm to match the angle ... or... maybe get the original style tie rod end that is straight... .

 

[SierraRam]

The reason for the new angle on the 4x4 is that there were cases of the pitman arm contacting the front axle differential housing, the redesign keeps that from happening.

 

[EDankievitch]

The bend (like a reach tooth brush) in the Pitment arm Tie rod end was done to prevent the ball from being popped out of the socket. If you drove the truck was driven up a incline from the flat while making a hard over left. The passenger wheel drops away from the truck putting force on the steering box tie rod end. The bend allows for more movement. However if you install a lift kit and use a drop pitment arm that flips the mounting position from over the top of the arm to the bottom side the bend in the tie rod end will be over stressed the other way.

 

[brillmtb]

I just bought the redhead steering box and the steering box cross member stabilizer (or whatever the heck that thing is called). I have an 03 2500, would this new steering linkage complement what I am installing and help and would a new pitman arm be needed with a stock ride height? Thanks

 

[EDankievitch]

YES! the new kit is night and day better than the older system. And Yes you need to install the new design pitment arm even with a stock height truck.

 

[Trino]

Just upgraded my steering 06' megacab 4x4 with 305s and no lift. Look up the 08' kore steering upgrade... . Have to say it did make a good improvement in my steering it comes with a bielstien stabilizer and mandatory pitarm. No cheap but well worth it...

 

[Prairie Dog]

I'm going to do this as soon as something gets loose up there.
Is the Bilstien stabilizer nitrogen charged like the Rancho? I've heard this can make it want to pull in one direction.

 

[brillmtb]

thank you for the info

 

[brillmtb]

i forgot to ask, the kit as posted in the link in the beginning of the thread, is this a good place to get it from, I assume the dealer charges more and what is needed to install, anything unsual tool wise if I attemtp to throw this, the steering box and cross brace in on the weekend. I noticed the pitman arm comes with this one and a steering stabilizer. I was considering bilstein given my recent experience with crappy Ranchos and upgrading to bilstein shocks. Should I try to independently part this out. Thanks

 

[TGVET]

Kit from link at MOPAR w/o the Rancho shock is $305. Has anyone looked at this kit from KORE >> KORE Dodge 3rd Gen Track Bar 2003-2009 - KORE Dodge Track Bar ?

It uses bearings instead of bushings and I'm curious if it would be worth spending the extra for it.