shawn085

Has anyone on here tried this upgrade.http://pavementsucks.com/tech/steeringupgrade.php
I have a stock front end and as stuff wears out on my truck I repair by upgrading. I am going to be doing some work to the front end pretty soon and would like to know if this is any good or if I sould go another way.
Thanks

Haulin_in_Dixie

that was not meant to be a linkage upgrade. He installed a Ford steering axle which is narrower than the Dodge and the linkage article is how he configered the steering linkage on the Dodge for the Ford axle. I have a Ford Dana F-70 steering axle and have been considering the swap so have looked into it. I don't think this mod is for your truck.

RAM2940

Theres been a lot of talk over on tdr(past few months) and several have converted there stock dodges over to this modification( or one very similar going from Y to T). I cant recall, but i believe they had some rubbing issues with the tie rod on the rims( could be differant component). They also claim it has helped with steering and wander. All i can say is that each person should read the related theads on TDR and make your own opinion to weather you think this could help or not.

Haulin_in_Dixie

While this may very well be true, the pavementsucks article is regarding converting to a Ford axle, not modding a Dodge axle.

smokindog

Haulin is right. I looked at the link before I read the other posts and it is definitely not the stock front end. With that in mind maybe check out Thuren for a crossover steering kit and Solid Steel for the track bar and steering stabilizer. I'll be getting around to mine later in June, but haven't decided which way to go yet.

RAM2940

Haulin in Dixie,

I didnt catch that it was for a ford axle. But here is the tread on the Y to T on dodge.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...d.php?t=119499


Lots of reading with links to differant treads.

BigBlue

Thuren Fabrication has a conversion kit to go from a t type steering to a y type steering or as some people call it, crossover. It replaces all of the stud type tie rods ends with heim joints. Cowhand on here is running it and he really likes it. I'm gonna do it later on this summer. I'm tired of fighting this front end.

shawn085

Thanks for the replies. I know about Cowhands set up and I realy like it. Just looking for possably a less expensive option. As far as know I thought the artical was for a Dodge front end I guess I will need to re-read it. I did read on the TDR website about a steering up grade to convert from the Y to the T and I thought this mite be it.

killfast1

Ok guys I know all of you are 4x but what can I do about my 2x?

Walt L

Honestly, the very first front end mod ought to be the 03 track bar conversion from solid steel. Even tho I had to modify the bracket extensivly to fit my truck, the differance in stearing was incredible. I expect once I get the steering shaft bearing mod on, I will have a "let go of the wheel" on a straight road truck!! Its just about there now with the 03 track bar alone!

Cowhand

Looks like we're gonna beat this horse again......

The Thuren setup is probably the best way to go. I went through several sets of TRE's before I gave up on them. For that set up on pavementsucks, you'll spend at least half of wht the Thuren set up will cost you, and you'll end up replacing TRE's just like you do now. Y'all know the old saying, "Pay me now or pay me later". Lots of guys over there went with what was called the "Shaker" set up a few years ago, it used a similar configuration with TRE's. They're all going to the Thuren set up now.

As far as the 03TB conversion.....if Walt had to "modify the bracket extensively", and Don Thuren is getting 5-10 calls a week for 03 track bar replacements, maybe it's not such a hot set up. Especially when you can get Don's stock replacement track bar (bolts in just like the stock bar, no bracket) for less money.

I know I push Don's stuff pretty hard (wish I got some benefit from it ) but honestly, I have thrown a bunch of money at my front end trying to get it to work right, and I've learned the hard way what works and what doesn't. Don's stuff works really well and the cost is reasonable.

When something better comes out, I'll push that, I know DT Products has some exciting stuff coming out soon. Just hate to see folks waste their money doing something twice.....

RowJ

I don't know Don Thuren, so am not accusing him of anything. But since he is "getting some benefit from it", is it unreasonable for us to be cautious regarding the "5-10 calls a week" claim? The reason I'm cautious is I never hear/read about anyone having trouble with the 03 trackbar? Time will tell, I guess.

My DTB/03 trackbar handles so well, I have trouble believing that I "wasted my money". Maybe the 03 trackbar, on Darrins bracket, handles better, and lasts longer, than the 03 stock set up?? Maybe it handles better than Don Thuren's? I don't know. Has anyone tried both?

My 03 bracket came from solidsteel.biz and fit perfectly! I have heard of some troubles with those bought directly from Darrin.

If Don's trackbar was available when I did my 03 conversion, I probably would have considered it closely for 2 reasons...less expensive....and have heard nothing but good comments about his work and his products.

This ***** may not be beat to death...but he's not looking very well! Just my opinion.

RJ

shawn085

Thanks Cowhand,
That is the kind of info I am looking for. I want to do the best to replace what Dodge didn't build too well in the firts place. I am looking for a solid front end that will last a long time and is easy to service and maintain. But I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something that is junk or overpriced just a good value. And I don't want to cheap out and have to replace everything many times over.
Don't worry about the horse it can take it.

mkubacak

What about us guys with the front Mag-Hytec Diff cover? I spent nearly $250.00 on it, and I love how simple it is to check the fluid, the magnet on the dipstick, and how simple fluid changes have become.

What fits with one of these?

I know the Thuren track bar will not. What about the DSS? Will the Thuren crossover steering fit? If no one knows, I will give Don a call.

I guess my other question is why does the bracket mount above the differential housing? I have looked under there since I put on my new bumpers, but i am sure there has to be a better place to mount it. From a suspension dynamics aspect, does a track bar have to be certain length? I would assume that the longer it is, the less side to side movement of the axle.

SuperDave4x4

http://www.pavementsucks.com/forums/...hp?topic=71137

Read that WHOLE thread and tell me what you think.