Hey guys. I’m the new kid on the block and need some advice. I just bought my first diesel. I got a 2001 2500 quad cab 4X4 with an 8’ bed, 5-speed stick and CTD. Well like many of these the front end is shot and needs a complete rebuild. I’m ok with spending the money so long as when I’m done I got a rock solid front end. I just ordered a extreme duty steering shaft but need advice on the rest. As far as ball joints and rod ends I was just going to go with Moog but was reading about doing that 03 track bar conversion and the DSS bracket. My only fear is that the DSS bracket will interfere with a fisher plow set-up. Any advice on parts, name brands tips or tricks? Oh one last thing, I was going to go with Bilstein shocks. Good or bad choice??

 

hi
do the 03 up track bar with a ssi bracket , it is amazing !

 

Talk to Don Thuren about the track bar. Re the steering box, I'd probably try a stock box & adjust it per the FSM before install. I've got basically the same truck just a year older. Also, do gauges & fuel early on.

 

Well as soon as I get the front end done (hopefully within a week or 2) I'm doing an Air Dog system with an Edge w/ Juice unit too. I'm just worried that the 03 upgrade won't work for me. I contacted Russell @ Solid Steel:

Hello Jay,
Our DSS usually works with the Fisher plow mount, however you may have to grind a little on the mounting tabs of the DSS - this does not affect the DSS structurally and works well, however I have not done it or seen it done myself (we have no plows on trucks here locally) - this is just what customers have told me.

The TBK track bar conversion does not work with the plow mount without extensively modifying the TBK bracket - it can be dome but may be more hassle than its worth.

If I just get one of there regular bars for my year truck do you think I'll be ok?

 

I have the Thuren track bar, and the DSS. Both improve the steering quite a bit. Also, look at your ball joints, make sure they are solid. I have thrown a ton of money at the steering and braking systems on my 98...more than everything else combined.

 

I have the same truck as you (basically) and called thuren about a 3rd gen trac bar. He siad it probably wont fit due to axle mounting angle. That leave ssi and lazar smith. For me I'll do ssi but you may want the check lazar smith as they have a modified gen 2 bar with gen 3 mounts. Sounds wierd - looks good. I definately wouldn't buy another stock gen 2 trac bar - learned this after the fact - mine still works but I know its a matter of time. When I rebuilt my front end - moog everything. Ball joints are a little tight but I'm told this will pass. Definatley get a dss - there are many different suppliers. Good luck

 

The Thuren 3rd gen mounting kit is made to fit the 2nd gens that have the frame mount too far back to clear the pumpkin on compression. 1 in 4 trucks will accept the 2nd gen kit with less than 2" of lift. Mine was one of the four.

The third gen kit is the way to go and the Thuren bar is really well designed and built for its purpose, plus it has rebuildable ends if the need should arise.

Good info about mounting a plow too! The aftermatket guys around here are really great for info with this stuff.

Moog, Thuren, and DSS is what I've got and its a great improvement. A Borgenson shaft is the final piece I need to finish it up! Luck

Kurt