2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering parts install

[LBARTLETT]

I'm keeping my 01' and with 175k I need to do some more steering work. Although it doesn't steer bad I want to get rid of some of the noise and get it in tip top shape.



I have the DSS steering stabilizer and a new Thurlen steering damper. I have about 50k on my Bilstein shocks and the still seem fine. I also have about 50k on a Moog track bar which seems ok also.



I'm looking to install the MAXX LINKS SWAY BAR LINKS ('00-'02 DODGE) 4 X 4 I noticed mine look rotten! Is there anyh trick to this install or is it as easy as it looks? Looks like an unbolt and bolt but is that right? I'm also going to replace the steering shaft with the Borgeson unit. I put one in myself several years ago and it wasn't too bad.



Ball joints are getting weak but not terrible yet. I thought about Carli's on the top and Moogs on the bottom since Carlis doesn't make bottoms. I'll have the ball joints done in Wichita Falls as there is a dealer/reseller there who should do good work.



What am I missing? Any help or recommendations would be appreciated. I'm going to keep driving this truck as everything else is new and I bought it from a friend so I know the truck.



Thanks

 

[BDaugherty]

I would carefully inspect all tie rod ends for play and recheck the track bar. Lay under the front of the truck and have someone rock the wheel back and forth while you watch for play. While you're there, watch for play in the steering box. As soon as the steering shaft starts to move, the sector shaft (what the pitman arm connects to) should start to move. If it doesn't, you can adjust the preload of the worm gear into the pinion gear inside the steering box by tightening the set screw on the top of the steering box. Only tighten it a little at a time until you take out any play. If you go too far, the gears will bind and the box won't stay centered.

 

[LBARTLETT]

thanks for your input, I'll checki the steering box which I install the new Borgensen steering shaft I ordered. I have the truck in the shop and it will be done today, they're installing the sway bar links and new bushings and also shocks, with the new steering shaft and checking the steering box as per your input I should have another 100k trouble free miles

 

[Cummins Thunder]

I am pretty sure Carli only makes ball joints for the third gen trucks.



I am running drag links and tie rod ends for a third gen. They seem to be built a bit stronger than the second gen parts they replaced.

 

[bboxall]

When you take your steering shaft off the column, check the column shaft for play. I ordered and installed the lower steering column bushing from 'Rock Solid' Ram Truck Steering !.

I'll have to say that it is AWESOME. With this bushing, the Borgeson steering shaft, Moog track bar, my truck handles like a dream now.

 

[LBARTLETT]

sway bar links and sway bar bushings front and rear are shot, getting them replaced, have the borgeson shaft coming and will get the lower steering shaft bushing, he's very close to where I live, thanks again everyone

 

[LBARTLETT]

parts install

Just got my truck back with the new links and sway bar bushings front and back, also new shocks, I went w/heavy duty monroes whicle they had it in, didn't want to wait on bilsteins, truch drives so differnetly, can't wait to get the borgensen shaft and am also doing the rock bushing while I'm at it. very, very happy so far