I've had nearly 3 years of steering problems in my dodge (a lot a believe can be attributed to poor install on the lift) - and I am looking for some advice on aftermarket parts I can use that will hopefully stop these problems once and for all.

The main issue I have is with steering wander. I've bought and am currently using a stabilizer from Windecker Machine Ltd. (up in Canada) which has been a great add on. When I installed it, I felt like I had reduced the wander by 70-80%. Problem is - after about 7 months, it's starting to get worse again. My trac bar and steering gear are not quite 2 years old (I went with standard replacements from factory) - both seem to be close to their end again. I've got play on my trac bar and the shaft in my stearing gear appears to be grinding to near death when I wiggle the steering wheel (I'm not real mechnically inclined but that's what it looks like). Anyway - long story short, I'm considering replacing a couple of parts on the truck with some aftermarket components - namely my Trac Bar and steering gear.

Do you have experience with or know someone who has experience with the following products?
-PSC 841M Steering Gear
-AGR SV Series Steering Box
-Dodge Trac Bar kit from DT Products

Are these good quality, tested products? Any good / bad points? Are any owners out there running any of these products? Have you had any problems? Any thoughts on anything else I could try?

Thanks in advance for your help. I would really appreciate to hear from anyone with similar problems or anyone who has some solutions. Thanks for your time and consideration.

tom

 

All three products you've mentioned have great reputations. The stock replacements won't last long with a lift, and most upgrade to the parts you've mentioned.

 

Has anyone out there replaced their steering gear themselves? Would you recommend taking to shop to have it done - or is it relatively easy to replace?

I'm not the best mechanic, but was going to get some help from my Dad (who has a lot more experience than I).

Thanks!!

 

I replaced the steering box on my rig. The pitman arm was a bit of a pain to get off, but other than that it was no problem. You should be able to do it.

 

OK NOW EVERYBODY STOP!!

The steering issuse in rams is caused by the track arm ball joint. replacing the track bar will only work for 40,000 miles or so. what you need to do is order up one of these, Lukes Link (http://www.lukeslink.com).

"The number one cause of steering problems on Dodge 4X4 is a loose tracking bar. The tracking bar is a long steel bar that is attached to the front axle on the the passenger side of the truck and the other end is attached to the frame on the driver's side. This bar was designed to stabilize the front axle to the frame. The weakness of this tracking bar is the end that is attached to the frame. This end has a ball and socket design with nylon bushings and a small spring that will not hold up under off-road conditions. Once this end becomes loose, it will allow the frame to shift sideways causing a serious steering problem. Replacing the tracking bar will only solve this problem temporarily.

Luke's Link is a heavy duty rebuild kit that was invented to rebuild tie rods, drag links and tracking bars. It will rebuild it stronger than new. There is no need to ever buy a new tracking bar. Installing a Luke's Link on your tracking bar should allow the bar to last the life of the truck. This kit is greasable and it can be adjusted if it ever becomes loose. Parts for this kit may be purchased separate in case it becomes loose."

 

Trust me, the DT bar is a much better solution than a Luke's Link, especially on a lifted vehicle. I've seen and heard of them breaking way too often, and the results can be disasterous. Don't cheap out when it comes to safety.

 

whats the website for -Dodge Trac Bar kit from DT Products ?
My steering is not the way i want it either.. Want it tight! But then again dont we all!

 

DT trac bar

Also keep an eye out for Solid Steel. They have a real nice solution to the trac bar problem, but don't have a kit for lifted vehicles yet, but I hear it's in development. You might want to send them an e-mail.

Solid Steel

 

should you go for the whole $360 kit or the $45 rebuild kit? Im a newbie and dont know what the weak points are yet. thanks

 

Thanks for all the good advice - Ramtuff. I really appreciate it!

I do have the Solid Steel product on my truck with a 5" lift - it works with some lifts and not with others. The Tuff Country lift has spacers in the front that you bolt the Solid Steel part onto. It worked great for a while - but as I've found out, it didn't cover everything. (If you buy the part from Solid Steel - only $177 bucks - make sure you buy bigger washers for the bolts - mine were pulling through the metal on the spacers).

My christmas list is now completed - DT Trac Bar - still thinking about the steering gear - will probably get a replacement.

Thanks all!