Defiant Steering Brace
06-08-2009, 11:05 PM
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Defiant Steering Brace
My truck has only 32K miles on it. The suspension steering and tires are all factory stock. Still has the stock shocks, too. I have no plans for huge tires, lift kits, etc. If anything, I might lower it a couple of inches. It does seem to wander a bit on the highway. Nothing dramatic, but it certainly needs constant attention to keep it on track. It's a big heavy truck, with big (but stock) tires. So I figured that was normal.
After reading and investigating, I decided a steering box brace would be a good idea. Not to fix anything, but to shore up a potentially weak area and prevent problems in the future. Again, after reading and investigating, the Defiant seemed to be the best product out there for me.
I ordered it on Sunday, and it arrived on Friday. Everything as intended, no damage. Even got a phone call from to make sure I had recieved it.
I had time to install it yesterday. From the time I carried the box out to the garage to when I finished the test drive - 55 minutes. Easy 1 man install using a jack to support the sway bar. The kit even included new fasteners everywhere.
The one hitch was finding the correct socket. You need a 1 5/16" socket to remove the old nut AND to install the new one. But, the new one requires a deep socket. Good luck finding that at Sears. I used a box wrench. If you plan ahead, you can order one from McMasters for about $25 w/ shipping. Paul Fox says he will include that information in future kits.
Results: I could actually feel the differance on the highway! I didn't expect that. With so few easy miles on the truck, I didn't think there would be any noticable wear. Apparently, there is. Still a little wander, but not what it was an hour previously. It's a subtle differance, but it's there.
All in all, glad I spent the money and time. Over the years and miles, it will make a big differance.
After reading and investigating, I decided a steering box brace would be a good idea. Not to fix anything, but to shore up a potentially weak area and prevent problems in the future. Again, after reading and investigating, the Defiant seemed to be the best product out there for me.
I ordered it on Sunday, and it arrived on Friday. Everything as intended, no damage. Even got a phone call from to make sure I had recieved it.
I had time to install it yesterday. From the time I carried the box out to the garage to when I finished the test drive - 55 minutes. Easy 1 man install using a jack to support the sway bar. The kit even included new fasteners everywhere.
The one hitch was finding the correct socket. You need a 1 5/16" socket to remove the old nut AND to install the new one. But, the new one requires a deep socket. Good luck finding that at Sears. I used a box wrench. If you plan ahead, you can order one from McMasters for about $25 w/ shipping. Paul Fox says he will include that information in future kits.
Results: I could actually feel the differance on the highway! I didn't expect that. With so few easy miles on the truck, I didn't think there would be any noticable wear. Apparently, there is. Still a little wander, but not what it was an hour previously. It's a subtle differance, but it's there.
All in all, glad I spent the money and time. Over the years and miles, it will make a big differance.
06-08-2009, 11:20 PM
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I just completed the same install on my 06 with the same mileage and had the exact same results, now you just turn the steering wheel a little and the truck takes of in that direction but you don't have to keep sawing the steering back and forth to keep in a straight line. I also purchased mine more for future wear and tear issues (I have put on a steering box or 10 - 1st & 2nd gen trucks) but I noticed an instant improvement after putting this on! 
06-09-2009, 08:49 AM
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I installed the same Defiant steering brace parts on my 3500 last year, however, I did so with the Defiant/Radflo single steering stablizer unit (along with Defiant's Rock Shield). I did have large 35x12.50 tires with a lot of extra weight (front/rear aftermarket bumpers, Warn winch, skid plates, etc., etc.), and it made all the difference in the world for my front end handling and tracking. Great products!
06-09-2009, 06:59 PM
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06-09-2009, 10:03 PM
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I borrowed a 32mm axle nut socket from Autozone to do mine. Made it easy and it was free.
My truck has only 32K miles on it. The suspension steering and tires are all factory stock. Still has the stock shocks, too. I have no plans for huge tires, lift kits, etc. If anything, I might lower it a couple of inches. It does seem to wander a bit on the highway. Nothing dramatic, but it certainly needs constant attention to keep it on track. It's a big heavy truck, with big (but stock) tires. So I figured that was normal.
After reading and investigating, I decided a steering box brace would be a good idea. Not to fix anything, but to shore up a potentially weak area and prevent problems in the future. Again, after reading and investigating, the Defiant seemed to be the best product out there for me.
I ordered it on Sunday, and it arrived on Friday. Everything as intended, no damage. Even got a phone call from to make sure I had recieved it.
I had time to install it yesterday. From the time I carried the box out to the garage to when I finished the test drive - 55 minutes. Easy 1 man install using a jack to support the sway bar. The kit even included new fasteners everywhere.
The one hitch was finding the correct socket. You need a 1 5/16" socket to remove the old nut AND to install the new one. But, the new one requires a deep socket. Good luck finding that at Sears. I used a box wrench. If you plan ahead, you can order one from McMasters for about $25 w/ shipping. Paul Fox says he will include that information in future kits.
Results: I could actually feel the differance on the highway! I didn't expect that. With so few easy miles on the truck, I didn't think there would be any noticable wear. Apparently, there is. Still a little wander, but not what it was an hour previously. It's a subtle differance, but it's there.
All in all, glad I spent the money and time. Over the years and miles, it will make a big differance.
After reading and investigating, I decided a steering box brace would be a good idea. Not to fix anything, but to shore up a potentially weak area and prevent problems in the future. Again, after reading and investigating, the Defiant seemed to be the best product out there for me.
I ordered it on Sunday, and it arrived on Friday. Everything as intended, no damage. Even got a phone call from to make sure I had recieved it.
I had time to install it yesterday. From the time I carried the box out to the garage to when I finished the test drive - 55 minutes. Easy 1 man install using a jack to support the sway bar. The kit even included new fasteners everywhere.
The one hitch was finding the correct socket. You need a 1 5/16" socket to remove the old nut AND to install the new one. But, the new one requires a deep socket. Good luck finding that at Sears. I used a box wrench. If you plan ahead, you can order one from McMasters for about $25 w/ shipping. Paul Fox says he will include that information in future kits.
Results: I could actually feel the differance on the highway! I didn't expect that. With so few easy miles on the truck, I didn't think there would be any noticable wear. Apparently, there is. Still a little wander, but not what it was an hour previously. It's a subtle differance, but it's there.
All in all, glad I spent the money and time. Over the years and miles, it will make a big differance.
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06-09-2009, 11:58 PM
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06-10-2009, 04:42 AM
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When I had a bilstein shock failure @ 1000k miles, I called Paul, I explained what was going on. He sent me another one no charge and paid for shipping both for the new shock and for the old one going back. I was back on the road in 1 day.
. I think he tries his best on the customer service part.Doug.
06-10-2009, 08:07 PM
#10
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Defiant customer service.
I bought Defiant's dual ss/diffguard from a friend who had to go to the newer '09 steering. Paul offers the hardware to use this setup on the '09's now,I believe. Anyway,some parts were missing and he sent me brand new ones and e-mailed me the mounting instructions. No charge for parts. The shocks are not IFP,but plenty good for the average Joe. I've had great luck with Carli,Defiant and Lorenz. Paul does custom exhaust work on any vehicle made if you're in Orange,Ca.
06-11-2009, 04:42 AM
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06-11-2009, 08:04 AM
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I have the Defiant Steering Brace, also have the stainless rock shield, they are well made, good products. Paul is a great guy to do business with. I have the KORE Leveling kit, he made sure to include the right length bolts to take the KORE kit into consideration when bolting them all up together.
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