Like many of you, i was disappointed with the stock steering on my truck. As it wore to the point that many components needed to be replaced, i decided to upgrade my steering. Here is what I've done so far:

1. 3rd gen track bar conversion with lazar smith bracket
2. Moog sway bar bushings and links
3. Bilstein shocks (all 4 corners)
4. 98/99 Heavy Duty steering conversion. I referenced this site for most of my parts information http://www.mark74.com/ram_modifications.htm
5. alignment

The steering is much better and the truck drives great. However, the tie rod from the heavy duty steering set up does not have a provision for the steering damper. What are my options for installing a damper? The damper i took off is in good shape. I would like to re-use it if possible. Is there a bracket kit out there that I can purchase?

 

Not that I am, aware of, one of these days I need to Mfg. a bracket for mine.

I figure I will make a clamp for the rod in the stock Y style location, I like it better tucked in up there.

 

Well, i figured out a budget bracket I reused the clamp from tie rod centering sleeve from the light duty setup. A buddy with a drill press and 11/16" drill bit enlarged one hole of the bracket. The other hole was bored out to 1/2". Looks OK to me. Hopefully this will help out those who run into the same predicament when they convert to the heavy duty setup.

 

How did this clamp on set up for the steering stabilizer work out long term? I am doing the HD T style steeriing conversion on my 01 soon...

 

Check this out> http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13620138784262

 

Personally I would run without it. The dampers were required due to poor steering design, but with T, death wobble shouldn't be an issue.

There are a handful of drawbacks to running one, and minimal benefit.

Steering will be slightly heavier and less powerful, and you won't "feel" the road. Likely the damper will hang low, and if it gets hit and damaged, it can make steering jerky and very difficult and in extreme circumstances lock the steering up.

The primary benefit is if you hit something that would cause an abrupt bump steer, the damper limits the transfer of force back to the steering wheel. But keep in mind, the steering box itself is a big hydraulic damper.

 

Thats a nice design, I already have the steering box/ frame brace...

 

What do you think about their sector shaft destruction claim with the type of braces most of us use?

I have a hard time believing it with over 150k miles on my DSS stabilizer and no problems.
I don't offroad like in the picture though.

 

http://www.factorymoparparts.com/52122362af.html

this set up works great a direct bolt on with damper

 

I think you hit the nail on the head Bill, I could see his claims if we twisted our trucks up like he has, but for 99 percent of us, the DSS is just fine.

 

I call BS. That steering box stabilizer link not only does the same thing as all the other ones on the market, but it doesn't tie to both sides for frame support.

But the indirect claim that the other braces hurt the box is COMPLETELY BOGUS. The braces take the load off the sector shaft bearing. If it fails, it's because it's a pile of junk AGR box that was destined for failure due to use of the wrong *type* of bearing on the shaft- shell type instead of roller type.

I would avoid buying from that company. There is no reason that the other braces are weaker for off-roading or flex. The steering box is not limited in travel AT ALL by DSS, BD or whoever you get your brace from. And The geometry of the draglink/pitman is such that there is no way you'll ever have the brace in the way. Bloated claims and erroneous insinuations spell crook to me.

 

That one looks more like a steering box bash guard/ skid plate...I think a combination of the 2 designs would be pretty cool.

 

Has anybody had any issues with a steering box brace? I just added one with a new damper and.......wow; it's a whole new truck as far as staying between the lines. Was thinking about getting 2 more for the other trucks until I read this thread.

 

...................There great............not 1 problem in 10 years and 300 k.........kim..........