thenrie

Just thought I'd update. After about 5,000 miles on my steering upgrade components, I think I can officially declare that my steering woes are cured. I am truly pleased. My truck now drives very well, no bump steer at all, no wandering, very tight and comfortable feel. It drives the same whether I'm driving empty at 80mph or with a fully loaded 14K lb gooseneck trailer on back. I'm a happy camper.

Again, the components I bought were:

Carli ball joint track bar from Diesel Power Products $395
OEM steering upgrade tie rod kit from Diesel Power Products $390
Bilstein steering damper from Partsgeek $70
Steering box stabilizer kit (can't remember manufacturer) $115

I have read you don't need the steering damper with the upgraded steering kit. I can believe that is true. I'd recommend trying it without before buying the damper.

thenrie

Another update.

Now with just over 315,000 miles on my truck, which makes about 28,000 on my steering upgrade, listed above.

About 3,000 miles back, or so, I hit a rock and broke my steering damper. So I have been driving without a steering damper. About 1000 or so miles ago I started feeling some bump steer and noticing wear (feathering) on the outer edges of my front tires. The bump steer has gotten progressively worse, but no "death-wobble" yet.

Apparently the steering damper is necessary even with the T-style upgrade, although the truck handles very well without, except when I hit a line or bump in the road at an angle that sets the front wheels bouncing separately. That's when I feel the bump steer. The wheels bounce alternately a few times then settle back down without "death-wobble." The feathering on the tires has increased in the last 1,000 miles and I believe it is related to the bump steer, rather than alignment. I'm hoping replacing the steering damper will fix the bump steer and reduce the feathering. I may also go have the alignment checked.

Regardless, there is no doubt the T-style upgrade was well worth the price. I also highly recommend the Carli track bar. And, plan on replacing your steering damper. Going without it is not recommended.