2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission There are only a couple of questions

[Pigpen]

Ok, so I have more than a couple, but I am a little confused:



1: Steering: I have been doing some research here and I am trying to figure out what to do. My truck wanders and the steering response sucks. So, in plain, stupid terms how do I fix this. I see that DSS is one option, then there is the 03 track bar upgrade, then there is the luke's link upgrade and then there were other options. What is the best way to go for a stock truck with a 2 inch leveling kit with 285's on it. I may upgrade the tires in the future, but that is it, not going any higher. What is a good combo to fix this responsiveness and wandering.



2: Edge box vs injectors: Ok, again, done some research on this one and I am not sure what the best option is. Pigpen is more or less stock with a 4 inch exhaust and AFE filter. I would like to get some more ponies out of her, but I am not sure what is the best option. I have seen that the EDGE EZ is an option, then there is the EDGE Comp, and then the 275 injectors. I just replaced my clutch and it remains stock (due to price, of course). I thought about injectors because of what appears to be a lower price and most cost effective.



Sorry for all the questions all at once, but I am wanting to upgrade some of the components some, but the more I read on TDR the more confused I get. Just want to do the right thing, the first time. This is my only vehicle and can not have it down more than 8 hours.



Lets see, I think that is it for now. I am sure I will have more questions later.



Thanks!!!!!

Jake

 

[Pigpen]

Anybody there?

 

[RustyJC]

1. Can't help you with the steering - my truck is a 4x2 and doesn't have the 4x4 issues.



2. Edge EZ will give you a much fatter torque curve from, say, 1400 to 2300 RPM, but it drops off relatively quickly on the top end (at least mine did) due to inability of the injectors to flow that much more fuel. 275 injectors don't change the shape of the stock torque curve that much - they just move it up across the board. Because of that, injectors tend to be easier on the stock clutch, although my stock clutch never slipped with just the EZ. When you add injectors to the EZ, then the EZ handles the mid-range and (at least with my DD2's) the injectors let the engine pull hard to 3200 RPM - my truck makes over 300 RWHP on the DynoJet 246C from 2200 to 3200 RPM with both the EZ and injectors, but the stock clutch had to be replaced when the DD2's went in on top of the EZ!



Rusty

 

[rono]

I have an '01. 5 and have the 2" leveling kit from 'Jack-It' and have had no problems at all, and I am running Discover 315's.



I have and Edge Comp that has been upgraded to the Drag Comp as well as DD's Stage III injectors. This thing pulls HARD beyond 3,000 rpm's.



All our steering sucks. There are many upgrades available and I think that there is not any single fix. I think a combination of the things you mentioned is needed to fix our front ends. I also think that all the manufactures probably make a good product as there is to much liability involved not to make a solid product that is safe. We just have to get someone to 'rock' the steering wheel while we look under the front end looking for ANY slack or play that would equate to wandering. The group buy for the steering brace is a good place to start I believe. It just takes time and patience to find all the places DC did not take the time to engineer right.



Ron

 

[EBottema]

Go with the DSS steering box, and the 3rd gen track bar conversion... .



Erik

 

[Pigpen]

I know where to get the DSS but where do I get the 3rd gen track bar conversion or whatever I need?

 

[24V-DSL]

Call Rip Rook...

www.sourceautomotive.biz

 

[EBottema]

Get the 3rd gen conversion from rip at sourceautomotive. biz. .



the dss is on a group purchase right now, check the classified section on TDR for more info. Normal price is like 200 shipped. current GP is like 140 shipped. sweeet deal!!!



erik

 

[CORed]

Also, depending on mileage, you may want or need to replace your intermediate steering shaft with a Borgeson or a Flaming River. Mine was replaced at 35,000 miles ONLY and my dads on his 01. 5 was replaced just under 40,000 miles.



I have also done the DSS (very limited improvement when I did it at 29,000 miles) and a new trackbar (OEM). It is feeling a loose again and I'm probably going to upgrade to the 3rd gen bar / mount kit from Solidsteel eventually. And I'm only at 48,000 miles.



Like rono said above, our trucks steer like crap after a few miles. Just terrible engineering design IMO. My 3/4 ton Furd never drove as poorly as the Ram does. Most of us start to live with things. You can fix a few things and make improvements. And normally, if you are still not satisfied, you can probably spend more $$$ to get closer. But I've began to accept "C+" quality steering instead of an "A" or "B" quality.



If you are going to replace anything, however, don't get the OEM. There are better parts out there for the front end... and cheaper too... both immediately and long-term when you don't have to do it again... and again... and again...



Steve

 

[Pigpen]

Ok, I think I found a major problem. The right side ball joint is bad, not good. I think I am going to go ahead and get the DSS and the trackbar, then take it in to get all the ball joints replaced. Not much else a guy can do. Then I think I am going to go with the Edge EZ and be happy with it since I am not going to upgrade the clutch.



Can I please get some advice on my decisions. I think they are good, but need that reassurance as to spending the money. I know this project is going to get pricey, but I know I need to get the ball joint replaced, but why not go all out and get it done right.



How whould one know if the track bar is bad? I tried to move it, but it would not budge. The tie rod and drag link did not see a problem with moving when I moved it by hand.



Thanks for the advice so far!!!



Jake

 

[DVR]

i can't help with the steering issues. i need to address them myself.

the dealer replaced my steering shaft under warranty at 83,000 miles. it helped. if it was out of pocket i would have picked an aftermarket shaft. i have had four 4x4 2nd generation rams and all have required at least one shaft under warranty.



i can tell you that i have a 4x4 2001. 5 with an afe intake, 4in exhaust and edge ez. i am pleased with the performance. you can get the edge comp box and just not tap the wire on the vp-44 and you are left with basicly an edge ez (i'm told??). it might be the route to go if you plan additional upgrades.



if you do the upgrades make sure to add gauges. the egt's climb pretty quick with my set up. they are not out of hand but it is a good thing to monitor. mine is an auto so i could not install the boost elbow. i think that will help some with egt's on your application. if you install a fuel pressure gauge it is likely you will find a weak lift pump too.



my truck runs well and can still get 20mpg on the highway.

 

[Cigar John]

My front end felt pretty loose when I bought it (45,000mi) so I put on the DSS and a Moog track bar,it has a larger "tie rod" end with a grease fitting,seemed to help a lot. Search the threads on the 3rd gen track bar before you decide, some have trouble with the bracket install.

 

[RCook]

Checking the track bar is pretty easy: Have someone move the steering wheel back and forth a few inches, not really fast, while you are underneath and looking at the "ball" (driver's side) end of the track bar, with the engine running. If that end of the track bar moves up and down more than 1/8 inch as the steering wheel switches direction the joint is worn.



My truck's somewhat like yours will be, after you fix the ball joints, do the DSS, take care of the track bar, and add the EZ. I have been fixing my track bar by replacing it (often) with a NAPA lifetime guaranteed one. I tow a heavy boat, and my truck drives and pulls real well. Your solution should be better. You'll love the "new" truck.

 

[Jschafer]

I am on my third Moog Track bar the last two were free

But they are not the answer.

 

[EBottema]

You will love your truck much better than a new cummins 600 2005 3rd gen, trust me

 

[Bob4x4]

You will love your truck much better than a new cummins 600 2005 3rd gen, trust me

That depends on if you like a nice quiet very civilized ride or you prefer more of the run what you brung and hope you brought enough. I am still driving my '94



Bob

 

[EBottema]

I'm sure bob will argee with just this one thing. He would take a 2nd gen over a 3rd gen after working with them day in and day out.

 

[Pigpen]

I love my truck!!! Here's an update. I have ordered the DSS (Marv was GREAT!!!!!!, highly recommended!) ships Tuesday!. I talked with Johny at Luke's Link and I have ordered 5 of them along with a bushing for the other end of the track bar (order 4 or more and get a discount!!!!!) I am going to go with the EZ, I think it will get me what I need with out destroying my VP or my clutch. I will attempt to take pictures and write up a play by play.



Thanks for all the advice!!!!!



Jake

 

[Mabrown]

just wondering what you mean about loving it better than 3rd gen? I've got a 2002 2nd gen and was considered getting an 05 but have pretty much decided to keep what I've got though i'm wondering why you feel the 2nd gen. is better than 3rd?

 

[pwerwagn]

I love my 2nd gen better also.

Looks better. sounds better. costs less. better mileage. and the list goes on and on.