Sounds like a plan, check your ball joints too though.

 

I did one side 2k ago the other side is still good. but I was wondering are these tie rods better than moog stuff? what about that trac bar they offer?

 

I'm still a bit confused on all of the upgraded steering stuff and have read all 29 pages of this at one time or another.

To upgrade to the new steering I gather I need:


52122362 AE steering kit
52122370 AA steering damper
CBCZH461 pitman arm


However what is: CBFAH362 draglink inner joint package?


Also what about track bars? If I go through and install the 2008 steering package I intend on upgrading the track bar while I'm there with something from Thuren.

Do I need the old style bar or the 2008 bar?

Anything else I need?

What about the greaseable linkage available from Source Automotive? If its a big improvement I'll consider it. However do their modifications do anything to weaken the linkage?

Thanks for any help in clearing this up for me. I've never had DW or anything but I do feel that there is some slop in the steering and want to get rid of it.

 

good Question Dave, I have been trying to figure that much out myself, what I do know for sure is the original setup in the first picture is the one that has been recalled, the u bolts used for the steering damper are a dead giveaway.

 

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Dave:

Let me see if I can answer some of your questions.

If you start with the part numbers you listed in your post, that should help tighten your steering up. The early Dodge TSB to correct the DW problem on our trucks, consisted of parts from the 3rd Gen Dodge/Sterling CTD CR 4500
Trucks which consists of the thicker steering linkage, thicker/beefier track bar and a bigger steering damper shock. The new steering linkage in the Dodge TSB has a somewhat different angle to it and my Dodge Tech said that helps it to work better to cure the DW. IMHO, there is a HUGE difference in the size of the stock vs upgraded parts Dave. You will see it immediately.

On the track bars, I would say that yes, the larger updated stock ones from Dodge or Thruens will also make a difference for you. However, I cannot address those greaseable linkages from Source Automotive as I have never used those on my 2006 Dodge CTD CR. I had death wobble REAL BAD on my 2006 Dodge CTD CR and the parts contained in the Dodge TSB rokk care of my problems completely and under warranty.

I hope this helps you some Dave. As the Members here have said in this thread there are ALOT of causes for the DW on our trucks. Be glad you haven't had the problems with your truck!

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John_P

 

good info John, now, if someone could get this into the wicki, with all the updated part numbers and the current tsb on all of it, or edit the first post in this loooooooooong thread to contain the needed info, it would save a lot of reading and cut down on the repeated questions.

 

Thanks John, you've helped me a lot. One thing I'm still not clear on, do I need a 2008 track bar with the 2008 linkage?


Thanks for all your help!

 

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mikmaze:

That's an excellent idea Sir! Let me see if I can get that done for you guys.

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John_P

 

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You very welcome Dave!

On that track bar, I would try it first without it and see how it feels to you.
If the steering feels tighter, I would probably save my money until later.

Dave,.. when Dodge did the TSB update on my truck, they did not have the track bar initially. But they went ahead and put the new steering linkage in along with the steering damper and it made a HUGE difference in how that front end felt. To be honest, once they got the track bar in about a week later, I could not feel a big difference although it did help some.

---------
John_P

 

You won't need a 2008 track bar. The track bar is connected to the frame and the axle and has no attachment to the steering.
I don't know if your truck is lifted at all. If it is I would get an adjustable from Thuren. I did. The whole setup made a world of difference. I drove for 40,000 miles or so with a KORE setup that raised my front end maybe 2.5". This throws off the geometry of the front end and I don't care WHO says anything else... it does and it isn't good.
If your truck isn't lifted then I wouldn't worry about the track bar OR maybe just think about replacing the bushings in the bar (which I hear are tough to R&R).

 

I'll find out tomorrow how hard they are to replace(track bar bushings). I hope they are not too bad.

 

Question for you John,

Did you test drive the truck after the new damper was put in to see if that cured your problem? I don't think the upgrades are all that important if a guy has to pay for them. I believe the biggest benefit will come from a damper and caster adjustment.

I know it's hard to say what fixed the problem, but I don't think all the parts are necessary. And are you sure the steering components are from a 4500? I wouldn't mind upgrading to beefier parts even though my truck has no hint of DW anymore.

Some guys got DW after the upgraded parts were installed even though they didn't have it prior to the switch. I bet the caster was changed during the upgrade and caused their grief.

Just kicking around some ideas....

 

--------------------------------------------
Lost Lake:

When my Dodge Dealer did the TSB and front end mods they did it all at once with the exception of the track bar. With what they did, my DW was gone.
You could be right on the adjustments Lost Lake and as you said, getting it done under warranty does make a difference.

Yes, I am sure the front end parts that were put on my truck were from a Dodge/Sterling 4500. I personally checked the part numbers with my Dodge Tech and then also looked at a new Dodge/Sterling 4500 4X4 on my dealers lot. They were the same.

---------
John_P

 

Thanks John! That's what I'll use if and when I need parts for my truck. Nice to know!

 

----------------------------------------
Lost Lake:

You are welcome Sir.

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John_P