Steering Stabilizer Bars???

[Buffalo]

I have an '03 HO, 3500, 4X4, 6-speed. I've been hearing that the steering stabilizers that secure the steering gear box with a bearing on the bottom of the shaft really work well.



Has anyone done a comparison study of the available products? I've searched for a study but, have found none. I'd appreciate being put in the right direction to find one.



Any comments that you folks that have one, would be appreciated, also.



Last year, I installed the Lorenz Bilstein 5100 suspension system on my truck. Needed the shocks & thought I might do the suspension system at the same time. I like it. I don't ever "jump tall buildings in a single bound" with my truck but, just didn't want to go through life with out trying an upgraded suspension. The truck now goes over speed bumps with ease. You can feel the suspension absorbing the shock & I have never hit the bumpstops with the new suspension. Now, I'm curious about the Steering Stabilizer.



The Lorenz system, I bought, has "drop blocks" that mount between the frame & the clamps that hold the swaybar, in place. They are about 1-1/2" long. I understand that the Steering Stabilizers mount between the Swaybar Clamps & the frame. Is there room for the additional thickness of the Steering Stabilizer? If not, what's the answer?



Thanks.



Joe F.

 

[Bob4x4]

It is my feeling that even the mild daily drivers will extend the life of the gear box by adding the stabilizer. They were brought to market because of the high number of sector shafts being snapped off when the truck would slide into a snow bank. I have witnessed steering gears being eaten by the desert but have yet to see one snap when protected by the stabilizer.

I recomend you use a replacement sway bar link,dump the spacer then you can easily mount up the stabilizer. I am running them on both my 2nd gen and the 3rd gen.



Bob

 

[Tinman]

I just put one my truck and it makes a noticeable different. Tightens up the steering a bit. I mounted mine between the frame and drop blocks. I'll be upgrading to the Carli sway bar (and linkKs) as soon as they are available.

 

[Buffalo]

Thanks for the comments.



Of the steering sector shaft stabilizer bars on the market, is there one that you guys like the best, & why?



Thanks.



Joe F.

 

[Yo Hoot]

I got this one from Defiant. I like it. Easy to install and does the job.

Defiant customer service is second to none.

Defiant 03-08 STEERING BOX-SECTOR SHAFT SUPPORT on a third generation Dodge HD 4x4 Install

 

[Bob4x4]

I prefer the origional,best fit I have seen as well as the strongest design.



Bob

 

[31b]

I have the Solid Steel Industry on my '07. Noticeable difference in handling.

 

[seafish]

I prefer the origional,best fit I have seen as well as the strongest design.



Bob

Your talking about the DSS from Solid Steel or from Rip??

 

[Bob4x4]

Yes the DSS

 

[seafish]

Thanks... After Dodge does TSB#22-005-06 on my 2005, I am planning on installing the DSS. I had considered th BD and Defiant, but after hearing what a great fit and finish the original has, I decide to go with DSS (stand for Darrins Steering Stabilizer?) I might even have the dealership do it while they are doing the TSB, as my dealership actually has a great diesel mechanic who drives a 2003 CTD. Oo. Only problem is waiting for parts for the TSB, as they are on "national backorder". :{:-laf Hopefully not for too long!!

 

[Bob4x4]

The new steering (AE) has started to be released. We had 5 come in the other day



Bob

 

[seafish]

The new steering (AE) has started to be released. We had 5 come in the other day

Bob

Yup, the dealer called me today to let me know that the 08 upgrade kit, plus the 08 pitman arm which I ordered only last week came in today. Tomorrow I will order the DSS from Rip or SSI so that they can install everything all at once. (Though I am knind of curious to drive it first with the TSB upgrade, and then only later with the DSS installed to see if I can feel any incremental changes wioth the changes in steering components). Either way, I DID want to double check with you, Bob, that the DSS will fit per packaged DSS instructions on my 2005 with the Upgrade kit, or whether I need to change any of the mounting points for the DSS because of the upgrade. Also wondering if I need to let Rip know that my 2005 will have the 08 Steering Upgrade when I order, or if the same DSS fits all 3rd gens. TIA!!!

 

[Bob4x4]

No problems using the DSS with the updated steering I have done most years and have not seen any fitment issues. It would be wise to have the tech doing the steering up grade to do the DSS at the same time to prevent any overlap in labor



Bob

 

[seafish]

Yup, that's what I was planning to do. Only thing is that today I talked with Paul at Defiant, just to check in on how his steering brace mounts and if there are fitment issues with the 08 upgrade; Apparently there are not. He was SO helpful and informative that when I was done talking to him, I decided to order his version of the DSS, which is a little different (formed plate steel instead of box steel) but also VERY well made and finished. It will also allow me to put on his stainless rock guard later when I can afford it, and I DO want to do that eventually as I live down a half mile of rocked road. While I think that the DSS/ BD/ PSC type stabilizer is possibly stronger, with the type of driving that I do, it is not much of an issue. Further, any added frame stiffnenss that might result by using the box beam type of steering stabilizer, should be offset by the fact that I will have the front ends of my truck frame tied together with the torklift hitch reciever behind my UTE bumper when I get around to installing it later this winter. In anycase, it's the Defiant for me; I'll let you guys know what I think after I get it all installed in 1 week or 2. As always, THANKS for all the helpful info and advice!!!

 

[seafish]

WOW--What a Difference!!!

Well, I picked up my truck today from the dealer. They installed the 08 upgrade steering kit (part #52122362AE), as well as the 08 pitman arm (part #68039930AA), as well as the steering box brace which I ordered from Paul at Defiant. Afterwards, they also did an alignment and recentered the steering wheel as part of the TSB. I payed for the pitman arm and installation of the Defiant Brace, the rest was covered under the Chrysler Max Care warranty which I bought right before my standard warranty ran out at 36k.



Right off the bat, all I can say is WHAT A DIFFERENCE in handling and steering. It wasn't that I thought I had that much play or wiggle in the steering on my truck at 45k miles in the first place, but sometimes her front end felt a little floaty on some of the nice curves we have out here on our roads and highways; NOW she handles and responds to steering wheel movements of less then 1/2" instantly. The steering is also MUCH stiffer (takes some getting used to) but DEFINITELY, entirely responsive. I can't say whether the TSB or the Defiant Brace was the defining factor, since I had them both installed at the same time, BUT the difference is night and day from before. ROCK SOLID and RESPONSIVE STEERING!!! The Defiant brace defintely gets my seal of approval-- Hefty and well made, also well-finished and well packed with good instructions. The tech said it was easy to install and went on as described with NO fussing. You can barely see it under just under the oem sway bar and it also allows you to install their Stainless Steel Rock Shield with no interference, which is something I want to do at some point soon, since there are ALOT of large branches and big rocks on our county roads during the winter months. Kudos to Paul at Defiant for a great product with great customer service, as well as to Dodge for coming up with a solid improvement to our front ends!!!

 

[Tinman]

I'm sure everything helped some, but the SS by itself made a big difference on my truck. I added a Borgeson shaft and my truck steering like you describe yours.

 

[31b]

Not to hi-jack the thread but exactly what TSB and/or '08 steering upgrade are you referring to. I just had my 45K mile service done on my '07 at the dealership and I specifically asked about any steering related TSB's. The only thing that the dealership mentioned was either a TSB or recall on 2nd generation 4x4 ball joints.



I already have a Solid Steel steering box and Carli high mount steering stabilizer and so far it handles fine. Should I worry about this '08 steering upgrade/TSB?



Thanks.

 

[seafish]

Not to hi-jack the thread but exactly what TSB and/or '08 steering upgrade are you referring to. I just had my 45K mile service done on my '07 at the dealership and I specifically asked about any steering related TSB's. The only thing that the dealership mentioned was either a TSB or recall on 2nd generation 4x4 ball joints.



I already have a Solid Steel steering box and Carli high mount steering stabilizer and so far it handles fine. Should I worry about this '08 steering upgrade/TSB?



Thanks.

TSB#22-005-06 is for owners who say they have experienced "death wobble". It is covered under a Chrysler original or extended warranty.





If you like the way your truck handles, then I wouldn't worry about it, but overall the general consensus is that it is a GOOD upgrade. Check out this link here--



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...n-discussions/205551-08-steering-upgrade.html

 

[31b]

TSB#22-005-06 is for owners who say they have experienced "death wobble". It is covered under a Chrysler original or extended warranty.





If you like the way your truck handles, then I wouldn't worry about it, but overall the general consensus is that it is a GOOD upgrade. Check out this link here--



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...n-discussions/205551-08-steering-upgrade.html

CFish,



Thanks for the info. I'll follow up w/ the dealership. Either that or it's an excuse to buy more upgrades!!