2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering upgrade (was "My Steering Sucks")

[Jeff Knight]

Hey Jim, Did you hook up your steering stabilizer with the new set-up? Jeff

 

[Jim Brewer]

Did you hook up your steering stabilizer with the new set-up?

Good question . . no I didn't. It looks like I'd have to have some sort of clamp on bracket for the centerlink similar to what Tfabian pictured here.



Since I haven't been down the washboard roads I drive about 2x a year, do you Jeff, or anyone know if not using the steering stabilizer will affect anything? I haven't noticed anything around town.

 

[terrywerm]

I hope I am not opening a can of worms here, as I don't want to get a "name calling" spat started!



Can anyone identify for the group which track bar bracket they used and how it fit up on the frame?? I've seen where a number of individuals (such as Jim) had some minor fit up problems and had to either grind the frame or add a spacer. I would like to identify which bracket seems to be the better fit: Darrin's or Marv's.



I realize that those answers may have been posted elsewhere, but I have not managed to locate them as yet.



TIA

 

[SnoKing]

I got mine from RIP, which I believe came from www.solidsteel.biz, I used a large fender washer between old track bar mount and the new bracket. I did not grind at all. Disclaimer: This is not what the instructions say to do!!! This was mine own way of installing it. I retighted the 215lb bolt once and checked it another time after that, without get additional movement. Its been I few thousand miles, so I will check it again.



www.solidsteel.biz is moving ahead with a new bracket for lifted trucks and an adjustable trackbar of their own. I do not see similar products on the other site.



P. S. I am very happy with my DD1 Jammers and Comp in EZ mode. Nice smooth power without a lot of smoke. I got the Comp not the easy, so that I could turn it off in the cab up in the snowy passes if need. I also am running the NAPA smaller 6637 BHAF with outwears.



SNOKING

 

[terrywerm]

Snoking: Thanks for the power upgrade advice in addition to the details about the bracket you used. I've been thinking about the Mach 1. 5's from F1, also available through Rip.



I also am very familiar with the advantages that can be had by using the comp box and being able to turn it off under slippery conditions. My truck is 'slippery' enough when it snows, and that is without any added power or larger injectors.



I also saw the adjustable tracking bar and new bracket that Darrin has come up with and have been considering it. I don't intend to lift my truck, but the adjustability would be nice just the same.

 

[SnoKing]

I would watch out putting the lifted bracket on a non lifted truck. Might be a clearance issue with the tie rod. I got my 3rd gen track bar via a friend with a body shop, it cost me $171. 00. I changed centering on the wheel, but ended up after more road testing with it back in the same position.



I have heard good things about the Mach 1. 5, however I had Stefan at DTT install my injectors and they handle DD, so I put in the DD1 Jammer verses the RV275's.



Also I would note, that seat of the pants, the Comp/EZ mode has more go effect than the injectors. SNOKING

 

[TMills]

can anyone explain the "Y" steering setup and the "T" setup? What are the differences? Pictures would be helpful.

Thanks

 

[TFabian]

Good question . . no I didn't. It looks like I'd have to have some sort of clamp on bracket for the centerlink similar to what Tfabian pictured here.



Since I haven't been down the washboard roads I drive about 2x a year, do you Jeff, or anyone know if not using the steering stabilizer will affect anything? I haven't noticed anything around town.

The stabilizer pictured was purchased from Dodge - was part of a TSB. I reused the bottom/black stabilizer by flipping it in the opposite direction (towards the passenger side). It is/was made for Dodge by Rancho.

 

[jrobinson2]

Good question . . no I didn't. It looks like I'd have to have some sort of clamp on bracket for the centerlink similar to what Tfabian pictured here.



Since I haven't been down the washboard roads I drive about 2x a year, do you Jeff, or anyone know if not using the steering stabilizer will affect anything? I haven't noticed anything around town.

It looks like the stock mount on my '99 would work on the truck in the pictures.

 

[amnewsom]

I just did this swap and was thinking about the same extact thing - use the u-bolt kit from an aftermarket supplier and the factory bracket on the axle, but I dont know if its even needed now.

 

[terrywerm]

Snoking,



Judging from the photos that Darrin has on his website, the adjustable trackbar and new bracket can be used on a stock height truck, but I need to check with Darrin before I go that route. I have considered lifting my truck a bit, maybe 4" at most, but have not made up my mind on that just yet. I thought that if I can put in the new style bracket and adjustable bar now, I'll be all set for if and when I do lift the truck.



Thanks for the additional information on the DD1's and the Comp box. I had thought about a box first, but I have been seeing some idling problems from what I suspect are injector problems, so thought I would start there, then add the box a bit later on. I suspect that Mach 1. 5's with a box would call for a clutch and input shaft upgrade, or at least make it borderline, so I will have to take steps in a logical and affordable fashion. I wish I had the cash to pour into the truck at this time, but you know how it is: kids in college, etc, etc.

 

[muchsnow]

Kind of an update.....

Nice pictures folks, oh yea... ... here... ... https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1140241&postcount=100

 

[ASTAR]

Anyone else get a $550 total on their online ordering?

Yep, I was looking at going all TRW for the lifetime warranty but DANG!!! That's expensive...

 

[ASTAR]

The least I was able to get it down to is 447. 98 with the cheaper parts! :--)

 

[bobo]

track bar removal

have purchased track bar kit from mr bob and noticed the hole that has been an alignment problem is elongated so maybe it will fit ok. my question is what is best method of removing track bar to frame end (pickle bar, puller etc. does truck need to be on jacks or can the removal and installation be accomplished without raising the truck. thanks













1996 4wd

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Bobo,



I used a pickle fork thefirst time I removed mine. After that I anti-seezed the tapered stud so I can just hit it with a 5 Lb hammer and it drops right out. You don't need to raise the truck.

 

[McCRam]

You can put the trac bar in without raising the truck. But it does help to have it on level ground. I have put two of these kits in now, and I couldn't get the truck to sit level either time. It takes some work to get the holes to line up. The last time I had a helper turn the steering wheel to move things around. To get the ball joint removed, since I was throwing it away anyways, I just hammered on the bolt till it popped out (I used a tamping bar). A pickle fork or ball joint puller is probably the proper way.

 

[bobo]

thank you hemi and mcCram i agree since the old track bar is a throw away i will try the anti seize and BIG hammer. thanks again this thread has been great , lots of good ideas

 

[Walt-L]

Im in the process of installing the track bar bracket now. I just put a jack stand under the driver side axle at normal height with wheel off. I took a heavy cast iron 1/8" NPT pipe cap and drilled it out to . 550 ID . Then just slip this cap over the ball joint stud and with 5 shots of a steel rod and ball peen hammer the ball joint fell out cleanly. The bracket is proving to be a bit troublesome since it looks like I will need to heat it up with a torch and put more of a bend in it. Aside from all the grinding I had to do on the frame bushing weld that was keeping the bracket from sitting flat against the bottom of the frame bushing. The track bar eye is lineing up very well. I will end up welding one end of the bracket to the Fisher plow frame. Generaly, there is a bit more fitting to this than I was led to beleive. Oh, I will make a new tapered bushing since the one in the kit is considerably undersized in the frame hole. The whole idea is to make the bracket just as firm as if it were welded in place and a slopy taper bushing will not do in the long run. Im still happy with this conversion, just more to it work wise.

 

[Eric Lee]

I hate to just chime in here - but I took the track bar and the bracket to my local Belle Tire and they charged me about $50 install another $50 for an alignment on their $75,000 optical machine. I sat in the lobby and read magazines... ..... nobody made mention of any problems.



- Eric