2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering linkage

[Flinty]

I canked my steering linkage coming out of a snow bank today. I think I have the "Y" set up. I want to switch to the "T" configuration. I found all the part#s from a previous post. In that post a '02 drag link was used. (it was an '02 truck) Can/should I use the same drag link on my '97? I intend to use a different track bar and put the steering box stabilizer on. link for part # reference below.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...scussions/216022-t-steering-finally-done.html



Thanks for your time.



Jon

 

[JMcCoy]

Yes, the '98-'02 drag link will be needed on your '97. The 3rd gen track bar and steering stabilizer made a huge difference. You will be happy. Good luck.

 

[Flinty]

Finally finished all the work on the front of my truck. With 175k miles on it I decided to install new greaseable link arms, bushings, and shocks along with all the other stuff that Dodge should have used in the first place. The bottom line for this little repair with the alignment, not including my time was almost $1800.



My research came up with a comprehensive description of work and part #'s needed at cumminspower98's web page. This was in addition to a few others that went to the trouble to list part #'s etc. Thanks, guys.



The job was mildly challenging with the exception of the link/control arms. They were a PITA to remove. 13 years of road grime and bolts under pressure do not mix. In fact, they break! My local dodge dealer charged me $22+ for the lower link arm bolt with the concentric washer pressed on it. Does anyone have a good online resource for these dealer items?



The truck's steering was never really bad and I had never gotten a taste of the death wobble with it. That aside, the improvements have made a marked difference in the way my truck goes down the road. I am happy. I am glad I'm done. 1800 frogskins is allot of dough to set something right, although this truck doesn't owe me a dime, it's a good one.



Jon

 

[JMcCoy]

Congratulations. Good to hear you got it done. One less thing to worrie about.

 

[Arctic Taco]

Where did you get those control arms? Do you have any front end lift- levelers? I have Hell Bent Steel levellers on mine about a 2-1/2" lift Definitely looking for new control arms, and finally, where did you get the steering stabilizer?, I am planning to put a new borgeson steering box on and i hear the Dss won't fit. May have to fab a new one.

Thanks for the photos

 

[Flinty]

Sorry for the slow reply. Been away from the board for a while. Everything is from DT Profab. As far as I know they make stuff for lifted trucks also. You would have to call them and ask about the steering stabilizer compatability. When I talked to their tech guy he was very helpful and was familiar with Dodge steering issues and modifications. They even sent me a tee shirt to honor my efforts to spend all my money with them, how nice!



Jon



Link: Welcome to DT PROFAB BEST DODGE PARTS



P. S. Stock ride height. Dang thing is high enough as it is!

 

[DIESELWRKS]

Glad you got it all together, when I did the conversion since its been what a year and more now and its great. I can drive the truck with eveything I have on freeway speeds and let the steering wheel go and the truck has no wander... truck looks good.

 

[RLHannink]

I put the Borg box on my truck, and it worked with the DSS. Maybe it was BD brand, but anyways the bolt holes were elongate so I just had to slide the steering stabilizer over a little. It was a non issue, I was prepared to modify it, didn't have to.



The Borg box is nice, tighter, but there's still some wander. I just look far down the road to decrease the wander... the Borg box does take a tad more muscle to turn at low speeds, but that's likely due to my (original) old PS pump.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I have the borg box and shaft with DSS steering stabilizer, DT profab adj trac bar for a lifted truck the tab that holds the bearing on the steering stabil had to be cut and moved maybe a 1/4 at most, but I believe not all have to be moved on a dss I believe. I know I talked about this from Rip at sourceautomotive he is a DSS dealer cannot remember what combo makes it to have to move the bearing. if you look up top on the T-steering finally done that was my post it has pic's on there how mine looks.