Loose steering options

waldershrek

waldershrek

New member
Joined
Jun 6, 2010
Messages
420
The steering on my truck has always been loose but lately going down the highway it's been horrible and once I hit a pothole I almost crashed from the truck bouncing and skipping all over. Then I noticed at slow speed when I turn the wheel there is a clunking noise. I thought it was my track bar at first but I had my girlfriend turn the wheel while I watched underneath and it isn't moving at all. However, the bar with the shock absorber attached is all over the place. Basically everything in this picture need to be replaced:

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Should I get a Lukes Link for each one or is there a better option?
 
Well I went to Napa today and got everything in the picture. Now I just have to find time to install everything.
 
Thuren Fabrication makes some good stuff to fix the steering wobble. You might want to get a new steering stabilizer too
 
Yeah I'm probably going to order one and do that while I'm doing the rest. I got all Napa chassis stuff this time. Is it just the OEM stuff that wears out of is it everything? My whole front end was shot and I'm hoping the Napa stuff won't wear out so I'm not doing this again in a year or two.
 
Get a DSS steering stabilizer. Makes the truck so much better to drive. Hands down.
 
Hmmm.....that third gen bar is a good idea. Is the track bar dealer only? I didn't see it on the Napa site.
 
This truck is costing me a fortune. All new front end stuff today and apparently a steering brace, third gen track bar and bracket now, I need the ABS module rebuilt, new tires are ordered and I'm still looking for a new front bumper (old ones plastic trim cap and plastic are falling off).
 
My truck just started wandering bad this week. I replaced my control arm bushings and never got it aligned yet. Being out of alignment made me realize that my steering box really sucks! I'm gonna do the 3rd gen steering box next. I already have DSS, 3rd gen track bar conversion, Rock solid bushing.
 
get the T-style HD steering gear from a 99 and up 2500 ram.... i got the setup off an 99 dually and had to cut it down a bit to fit... it's twice as strong, and is a better design..... soild bar from knuckle to knuckle instead of the Y style weak crap... u will have to weld a tit on ur axle to mount a steering stabalizer, which is also in a retarded place on the early trucks.
 
Is the 3rd gen track bar dealer only? I can't find it on the Napa site, only the bushings. I don't have the tools to custom fit anything.
 
The popping you are hearing is when the wheel hits full lock one way or the other. The two pieces of metal that hit are popping. I snap a pic and show you what mine was.
 
When I was under the truck looking at it the tie rod bar is actually hitting the front diff cover when the wheel is turned all the way to the left.
 
Oh! Mine was the stearing nuckel hitting the axle some how. I cant seem to locate the camera though to snap a pic.
 
convert to the new 2009+ true crossover style. Here are the part numbers. You can probably retain your existing pitman arm, I have 3rd gen rods and ends on my 2nd gen and the taper is the same. Prices were quoted by my dealer some time ago, and may not be accurate anymore. Also, I'd opt for an aftermarket stabilizer, get one for a 2010 and it should be correct. I think the dodge price on that is outrageous.

Steering Kit, (rod & link) PN 52122362AD, $313.00
Damper, (steering stabilizer) PN 52122370AB, $145.00
Arm, (pitman arm) PN 68039930AA, $72.00
Nuts, (3 nuts) PN 6505623AA, $1.60 each

Then do the SSI (or others) 3rd gen trackbar swap, and also get a steering box brace, like the one PSC offers.
 
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Well replaced everything today and it went well mostly. The new tie rods didn't come with adjusting sleeves so I used the old ones and to my amazement one of the sleeves already loose and the threads were shot from it rattling around. So I had to get a new adjusting sleeve but other than that it was pretty painless.

My steering wheel is about 90 degrees off so I went to get an allignment and they told me the ball joints are so bad it would be pointless to allign it. I think they were yanking my chain since the guy that helped me checked the ball joints and said they were fine. I'm gonna go get a second opinion on the ball joints tomorrow.
 
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