T typle front end kit

[Prairie Dog]

Is there any down-side to installing the updated geometry "T" steering parts?
Seems like back when it first came out, some guys were saying the handling wasn't as good in some way.

Also, is the FCA kit the way to go or is there a good aftermarket kit (hopefully greaseable)? Moog?
My truck see's no off-road use.

Thoughts?

Scott

 

[cerberusiam]

I had no end of issues with the t-type around steering quality and parts wear. It does stop the tow change of the y-type but introduces a dead spot in the center and wear is accelerated on the drag link connection plus the problems with the tie rod ends breaking outside of a very tight setting of angles.

The FCA kit is junk, Moog is junk. The Synergy setup is the beefiest bolt on but same problems exist with vagueness at center and tie rod ends.

If the truck is mainly on road I would stay with the y-type.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thanks Cerb.
It's mostly used for towing a 9300# TT and it drives great. Hardly have to move the steering wheel going down the interstate - the truck is dead steady. I have no complaints at all about how it handles.

 

[04blackcherry]

I helped a buddy put the update on his early '07. He has not liked the handling and steering feel since.

 

[GrantP]

This is interesting, at 104k on the odometer I've been considering the T type conversion on my 06. I did the same on my 97 and didn't notice any difference. I'd like to hear more experiences with this conversion.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Interesting, the Synergy system touts that their tie-rod boots are designed to eliminate the "flop" that causes dead spots like Cerb described. I wonder if their kit has changed since Cerbs experience.
https://sinisterdiesel.com/i-209846...EYGGaOJ5iwUwe6MEyLPTJPDtHPZxaiahoCwzkQAvD_BwE

Then I found this video of the Synergy in action:

 

[cerberusiam]

Yep, not at all impressed even though it is beefier than OE. How they think boots would stop the geometry issue is hilarious

 

[Ozymandias]

I'm more then happy with my OEM T-Style setup for the last 40k Miles.
Works as desired, truck has no lift.
Would buy again.

 

[Ozymandias]

I helped a buddy put the update on his early '07. He has not liked the handling and steering feel since.

Did he set the Toe-In to 0° and the Caster to 3,6 to 4.0°?

Or is he still running with the awful OEM specs that just wore out tire and make the truck wander around like a hippie on a trip?

 

[cerberusiam]

Unfortunately no amount of alignment will address the inherent issues demonstrated by the video. The steering shock just covers that up and a slow ratio box masks it even more. It becomes much more problematic with a fast ratio box and\or leveling\lift additions.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Newer trucks that come with this setup must not act that way. Wonder whats different about them?

S

 

[cerberusiam]

Steering box, there is quite a difference between the older box and the one used with the t-type. Even that box is gone as is th et-type steering because it was so problematic.

 

[Ozymandias]

I can only talk about the new box and the linkage together because i changed both at the same time.
And i have so far not the slightest bit to complain about it.

And the Video just tells me that there is someone at the wheel that has no technical background, turning the wheel at a parked vehicle is a no-no because the forces are so high that it will harm the components over time.
It should only be done if it is absolutely necessary to do so.
That was lesson #1 at the class 8 driving school.

 

[cerberusiam]

I can only talk about the new box and the linkage together because i changed both at the same time.

Yes, on your truck, your tires, your road, your driving style, etc. The results are not the same with the amount of variables in the steering\suspension system.

Unfortunately, that is really a minority of scenarios.

As far as what should and should not be done behind the wheel, that doesn't change the actual results. The point of the video is demonstrating exactly what the short comings are. Highly doubtful anyone is going to sit stopped and turn the wheel back and forth enough to actually create the condition, the condition exists and just gets worse with wear.

 

[Jim W]

Scott, Sorry I am late to this thread, but I was on vacation in MI and we got back late Friday and did not look far enough in the posting of threads.

I have an 2008 Mega Cab that failed the steering leaking sometime ago (2015), the RH tie rod fail end failed. When I was considering the new T-type steering linkage I discounted this design and did not replace the y-steering linkage. My main reason is the mounting of the steering stabilizer on the T-type linkage. The mounting is mechanical on both ends IE: the ends are clamped with a bracket and bolts. I like the ideal of a solid locating position for the y-mounted steering stabilizer verse the T-style mounted steering stabilizer were the location can be anywhere along the tie rod!
Just my opinion

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thx Jim.
I'm not going to change it. The truck steers so nice and the older style parts are readily avail. and cheap so I'm just not going to mess with a good thing.

Thanks for everyones input.

Scott

 

[Ozymandias]

I like the ideal of a solid locating position for the y-mounted steering stabilizer verse the T-style mounted steering stabilizer were the location can be anywhere along the tie rod!
Just my opinion

Hi Jim

Nope it can't, the Tierod has 2 indents were the Ubolts goes into, so there is only one position were the bracket can be fixed.

Ozy

...oh, and a comment to aboves video, my OEM Trackbar? is a straight peace of steel, other then the synergy with the heavy bend in it, so mine just pushes and pulls nice and straight on the Tierod, i checked today with my wife turning the wheel.

 

[Jim W]

Ozy; when I looked at the T-type steering online I was just looking at the MOPAR linkage not after market. So, the idents locations did not show up on the online pictures of the MOPAR linkage in 2015 when I looked.

 

[Ozymandias]

Ah, ok. No I have the real parts in my Truck.

 

[EDankievitch]

Having done the 08 update "T" type linkage on a few trucks all I can add is when installed right Toe is set to 1/16-1/8" and forget it. Tires last longer and the trucks drive better. I had been looking into updating my 13 to the newest system until the recalls showed up on the drag link. I like the way the drag link connects to the passenger side steering knuckle. No flex in the cross over bar with the new system.