2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Stabilizer Bar

[Silver Ratler]

I've been seeing a lot of ads in the magazines and on line for steering stabilizers for the 2nd Gen trucks made out of square tubing to help correct for steering issues. My truck wanders a little on the highway and I wondered if these things really work or are they just a way for some folks to make a $100 extra at my expense.



Read about the replacement steering gear but since my problem does not seem to be severe enough to go to that expense, thought that if these things worked it might be a simple way to improve handling.

 

[Bob4x4]

The brace only supports the bottom of the sector shaft. If that is where your play is it will help. Otherwise keep looking

 

[cerberusiam]

Crawl under there and watch the end of the sector shaft as someone turns the wheel. If you see the whole box twisting and the shaft moving back and forth then it is not a wasted $100. Makes a huge difference once you tighten that up.

 

[Joe Mc]

That and the third gen track bar conversion kit were the "BEST" things I ever did to the front end of my truck. I went with SSB (I think) kits, straight up "bolt-on". My buddy saved a few bucks by going with the BD kits. Broke a few $30 drill bits drilling holes for the 3rd gen conversion braket to "bolt-on" and the bolt holes (ones you had to drill thru the crossmember) support bushings were kind of cheesey. All in all both kits get the same results, but installing his after I had already installed mine he didn't save a dime (dont forget the 2 $30 drill bits and fuel to go and get other supplies to finish the install) and it took more time and cursing and beating on things to complete the install of the BD kits. My $0. 02 and experiences with both.

 

[Axtell3]

I put the synergy model from geno's on mine. seemed to help.

I'm saving up for the track bar.

 

[lt1harry]

lt1harry here.
go with the luke's link(if your track bar is in good shape on the ball joint end.
i did and it works.

 

[JMcCoy]

Both are great investments. The steering support also extends the life of your steering. I had the Luke,s Links on all my front end joints. I really liked them, but not for the track bar. The track bar just puts too much pressure and wears them out to the point that I could no longer rebuild them. Larger tires could have also caused some of my trouble. 3rd gen track bar is, without a doubt, the way to go. I would still use Luke's Links every were else. They are a great company to deal with and have excellent customer service. Once you install the steering support, adjust your steering box to get rid of any slack.

 

[bry1216]

DSS Steering Stabilizer by Solid Steel. biz - I believe is the original with thicker metal components.

http://solidsteel.biz/order.htm



As the box is twisting on the frame currently, it will compensate for a weak crossover bar end. Thus after my installation and the box not moving, I found the crossover bar needed replaced. I then installed DSS New Solid Track Arm Kit - get the adjustable Track Arm if you plan to lift your truck 3 inches.

http://www.solidsteel.biz/product_tbdb.htm



I also changed the steering fluid.



The steering wheel is now a little harder to turn because there is no movement in the box, but the drifting is gone.



My next adventure will be to look at the steering shaft slop and an adjustment of the steering box.



Hope my explanation helps.

 

[bry1216]

These are direct bolt on kits with no modifications needed. Getting the original track bar off is the hardest part.

 

[ESwartzer]

Buy the one from Steves Custom 1971 for $135 with free shipping. I have my old dss that was bent up when I was hit head on, and comparing the two products shows the one from steves has a better design. The plate that holds the bearing is laid across the square channel and welded top bottom and side to side as opposed to the but weld of the dss. The steel is the same thickness on either one and the price difference is huge!

 

[ESwartzer]

Forgot to mention he is an EBAY seller.

 

[lt1harry]

how do you adjust your steering box?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I have one of the steering box reinforcing bars on my truck - pretty much since new, These setups are NOT to correct a worn box, but to strengthen one BEFORE it wears. No problems at all with mine...

-

 

[Silver Ratler]

I have not had any issues with my steering to this point... ... ... . My intention is to help prevent future problems and get as many miles as possible out of my set up.