I was finishing the Performance Accessories 3" body lift on my truck (2005 1500 SLT Quad Cab Hemi 2wd auto) and I ran into a snag while trying to install the steering extension supplied in the PA kit. The intermediate shaft was too long to install with the steering extension. But, the intermediate shaft wouldn't reach the steering rack without an extension. I ended up calling PAG and they let me know that Dodge's steering shafts can "slide out" of the steering column, particularly when the body is lifted off the frame. What I ended up doing is sliding a 6" long 3/8" inch socket extension into the intermediate shaft to tap the steering shaft up into the steering column inside the truck. (if you just bang on the outside you may mangle something) It also helps to make banging on it easier because it extends the length of the shaft. After a few bangs the intermediate shaft was short and high enough to install the extension and the steering is perfect!

Also for the crush mounts that go underneath the bed, I just used a flat car scissor jack to lift it up a bit. But I guess you could also just set them in there while you're installing the lift blocks. I hope this helps. If anyone ever has questions definitely call PAG they are a huge help.

Lastly the gap guards from PA suck. At least for my truck. But the receipt says 03-04 1500 RAM, and I have an 05.... Either way, I'm sending them back for a refund. I can get something from home depot to cover my gaps.

 

good ol' ingenuity. awesome!

glad you figured out your problem, i will be doing this to my truck soon

 

thats kinda what i had to do... i was terrified of messing with that steering shaft- afraid of airbag sensors. i ended up putting a ratchet strap on it and sucking it in... this was after i took the rack off trying to get it in... man that thing was a SOB...

 

Im thankful my steering shaft slid up and out with no issues. I just grabbed it with two hands and pushed up and out it came.

I had thier gap guards with my kit also but sold them as I didnt like how they looked. Full rear liners are still on my to-do list though.

 

I didn't think to use a ratchet strap. Good idea! I had the airbag fuses pulled and the batt disconnected, though. I beat the daylights out of it and no airbag deployment or warning light yet.... I was so done with messing with that by the time, though. I started to take the rack off, but then I realized that was just going to be a hail mary attempt and the angle would still be off. I was so close to taking the steering shaft out and grinding new notches into it. But, then I swallowed my pride and made the phone call. good think I did!

 

I just contacted PerformanceLifts.com today about returning them. I asked about them going easy on the 15% restocking fee. Paying shipping twice already sucks.... we'll see how cool they are.

 

same here

 

But then again George, it might just be because we are men!!

 

Oooh. Low blow there, weed. Low blow.

Update: Performance lifts will be taking back my return without charging me a restocking fee! Good stuff.

 

We do seem to be the only two that actually do our own work!