Trac bar and steering ???'s

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Jan 28, 2003 | 11:00 AM

perk

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Trac bar and steering ???'s

Trac Bar: I had my pickup in at Les Scwab, and they said I need a new trac bar and a steering box. I have looked at Luke's Link and the DT trac bar, which one would be better? Truck has stock suspension and will for probably for another seven years. Steering Box: Anyone know of a box that is WAY better than stock? we will probably have the truck for at least seven years, and I don't want to do this every 120k. Thanks in advance for your help.

Jan 28, 2003 | 11:10 AM

DF5152

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From: Long Island, NY

Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

I have used the DT trac bar in the past on my 98 gasser was an easy install and worked well the Heim joint does wear out. There is an after market company that make steering boxes and matched pumps the name and URl escape me now but as soon as i sign off it will come to me. Dan

Jan 28, 2003 | 12:06 PM

Ruralmedic

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From: NE Wisconsin

Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

Don't know about the trac bars you've mentioned, I have the Moog on mine, and thus far OK. There is a thread somewhere on this site about a fix for loose steering. It's made by a fellow in Canada. A bracket containing a pillow block bearing is added to the pitman arm, giving it support and eliminating play. I think it's about $125 US for it. Sounds like it fixes our "Wanderers."

Jan 29, 2003 | 02:13 AM

Dieseldude4x4

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From: Claremont, Virginia

Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

Installed Lukes Link on mine. Tightened the front end right up and is adjustable as it wears.

Jan 29, 2003 | 09:06 PM

perk

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Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

I think that we will try the Luke's Link. We are still looking at steering boxes.

Jan 29, 2003 | 09:43 PM

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Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

[quote author=perk link=board=4;threadid=10188;start=0#98146 date=1043895994] I think that we will try the Luke's Link. We are still looking at steering boxes. [/quote] Try this: http://www.agrperformance.com/agr/ca...k-cA?model=102 The GM/Saginaw boxes are a weak link in the rams, IMO. On my 3rd @ 140K mi. Always pitman shaft bearing/seal. Last time I went to the AGR box. Still a Saginaw, but they rebuild w/heavy duty parts & faster variable ratio. Can custom valve boxes per customer specs too. IMO, these boxes are too weak for diesel applications, esp. 4wd. Like to find real HD box, but so far no luck w/o redesigning whole front end. Have to wonder if my frequent trackbar failures contribute to pitman bearing wear... BTW - there are two adjustments on the saginaw box. One is bearing preload, other is overcenter adjust. One or both may be out. Overcenter (the center jam nut on top) is most common too loose (due to internal wear). my .02... Regards, -Scott

Jan 29, 2003 | 10:19 PM

perk

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Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

Shire, Thanks for the info, I guess we are in the same plight. What is the JBC kit you list in your sig?

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Jan 30, 2003 | 06:57 PM

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Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

[quote author=perk link=board=4;threadid=10188;start=0#98190 date=1043900387]
Shire,
Thanks for the info, I guess we are in the same plight. What is the JBC kit you list in your sig?
[/quote]
You're welcome. When I replaced my first box, dealer wanted $700+(us$). Don't know what happened to Saginaw steering since GM spun it off. Had all kinds of GM vehicles before, & never had a problem w/the saginaw steering. Local alignment shop tells me they've seen a fair # of Ram/diesels w/bad steering.

AGR has a new kit w/a fast (16:1) ratio box, and aux steering (slave) cyclinder. Meant for rock crawler types & extreme off road. May have to go to that, but always hated slave cylinder based steering systems - never seem to last or work right. Besides, it's $1100, cough...
Thought about maybe grafting a steering box from a TopKick chasis in the Ram, but the steering ratio would most likely be way too slow - and would require lots of custom fabricating. What I can't figure is why Ford doesn't seem to have steering box failures as well - their box is even smaller than Saginaw...

The "JBC kit" is J.B. Conversions, in Lousiana. They make a slip yoke eliminator kit for NV231/241 transfer cases used in most late model GM & Dodge 4wd vehicles. Basically gives you the same bullet proof design spline/stub shaft & fixed yoke style driveline that the old NP205 (1rst gen) Rams had. I went to it after repeated failures of my NV241, which finally destroyed the ext. housing, bushing, & shaft yoke. Does away w/the problem of slip yoke wear & broken tailshaft snaprings.

Regards,
-Scott

Jan 30, 2003 | 09:35 PM

perk

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Re:Trac bar and steering ???'s

Scott, I had an idea earlier today about using a box off of a 3rd gen Dodge. It is supposed to be a great box, and it might be easier to incorperate. I haven't looked at any of the new ones, and don't know if they are even remotely compatible. I do not like the idea of the slave cylinder steering. Ford used that when they first came out with power steering on the '73s. I have a friend with one, and it leaks like a sieve, and isn't very effective. Aside from all that, I am not a rock hound, so that doesn't interest me either. Thanks again for your help.