I have been reading posts about the steering with intrest lately (since mine has worn tie rod ends, at least) and was wondering what the difrence was between the Y and T linkages were. I have looked at the post with the link to the TDR and in the pictures I can't see any diffrence other than the new ones seem to be larger in diameter. Some more information would be great as I am going to need to address this issue fairly soon. TIA

Joseph

 

Y setup tie rod goes from pitman arm to right knuckle, and from the middle of the right tie rod to the left knuckle. This can cause a problem because the wheels toe out when the front suspension compresses.

The "T" set up has a solid tie rod from knuckle to knuckle, the drag link comes off the pitman arm and attaches to the tie rod inboard of the right tie rod end. Toe doesn't change when the suspension cycles and it should maintain alignment better.

They both still use TRE's, which don't seem to last very long on Dodges.

 

Thanks

Last night I was going by the pictures, today I was back under there and saw what you described and understood the diffrence. Other than not changing toe during suspension travel and possible longevity of an alignment is there any other advantages with swaping setups?

Just thinking if it is really worth the extra expence to change setups or just change out the TRE's and go on.

Joseph

 

My .02....I went with Don Thuren's cross over steering. Steers great and I haven't had any problems with wear.

Replacing the TRE's at this point would be your cheapest option, swapping out to the one ton set up would probably cost about the same as Thuren's set up. With the 1 ton set up you'll eventually have to deal with the TRE's again.

The only drawback to to going to x-over steering is you have to ream the knuckles and the pitman arm out to 3/4", so you can't go back to TRE's. The knuckles are easy to ream out, but the pitman arm is

 

Cowhand thanks for your comments. I guess this may be a but it's new to me. Questions about the bent crossover bar on the Thuren setup, is it nessary (thinking it is to clear the front diff) and how difficult is it for an alignment? Since the heim's don't have zerks how long can they be expected to last? Thanks again.

Joseph

 

The bend is to clear the diff, the drag link also has a dog leg in it to clear the sway bar mount.

Alignment is easy, once it's set, it's set. So far the heims and alignment have lasted longer than the TRE's ever did. The heims don't need to be greased because they're teflon lined....

So far I have about 20K on mine.

 

Was going to post last night, stupid thunderstorm!

Thanks again, hopefully Thuren will still be in business when the TRE's go out next time. For now though I will be replaceing them and save for next time.

Cowhand thanks for posting your experience with the Thuren setup. It is something I am definately interested in.

 

All of you guys keep talking about the new stuff for your front ends, but what is out there for those of us who only have 2 wheel drive.

As a duelly i guess its still 4 wheel drive but they happen to be on the same axle.

 

You mean that you guys without the "SOLID" front end are having problems .

Seriously though I think most people with 4x4 are having problems that a good front end alignment will not solve. Right now I am not having the death wobble problem but some are that have worn front end parts. Hope to prevent this by replaceing the TRE's. Don't think that you 2wd (or 4wd rear) are having as many problems.

 

Maybe not as much or as often as you 4x but its still getting pretty sloppy. And I cant find anything loose or wore out enough to wobble or wriggle.

 

You may need to check the steering box. It could be flexing on the frame like ours or it could just be getting wore inside. I have seen the procedures to tighten them up but can't put you on were I saw it. Sorry can't be of more help myself, maybe someone else will chime in with more knowledge.

Joseph

 

Thanks anyway. I just see all the after market items for the 4x4 front ends and was hopeing that there might be something for mine. It was aligned not to long ago and I dont show any tire wear, it just wont go straight anymore.

 

dodgeram.org.....steering section has the procedure to adjusting over center and bearing preload. Worked for me for a little while...