The DSS is a definite upgrade and takes care of alot of the road wander you get from a little play in the steering box and any movement in the trac bar. I did both the DSS and 03TBK in one shot and it was such a difference.

I still see the difference on the road, passing other older 2nd gens as the driver is see-sawing on the wheel to keep it in the lane, I have one hand on the wheel and a coffee in the other.

Funny, I worked in Weyburn twice in the last 3 months and never thought to stop by and see the SS shop..

 

Ya I agree Chris, these steering gearboxes are undesigned and need a upgrade to make them more bullet proof. It blows my mind that the 4th gen (big big dodge) can have a shorter turning radius than the smaller 2nd gen.

Been think about doing a hydraulic steering assist, once I get to do my custom dana 60 build. That's why I bought a new mopar unit. PSC will have to adjust it for the hydraulic assist.

Redhead gear boxes are available, they just do a better rebuild than the cardone junk.

 

just a note of the steering braces, the BD is idenical to the ones from saskatewan, I have one of each. Call the guy in sask and ask him about BD's version, he might have a good storie to tell.

 

got my order from peak yesterday, the brace had a nice finish and all that, 10 minute install. helped a little bit but not a huge difference. I know i need to adjust my box to. seems like a quality piece and the price is right.

 

hey tall,

you could also try a new/different track bar. if you don't have a lift i have something sitting in the garage that would work for you . . .

 

I highly recommend the 3rd gen track bar. My 98 was all over the road until I changed the stocker out. Drove like new afterwards. I got mine from peak diesel.

 

just curious which adjustment you did (there are 2)

 

Probably this one:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm

 

Yup Dr.Evil is correct, thoseare the only 2 adjustments you can play with according the factory service manual.

 

Ok, just a note that the bearing pre-load MUST be done before the overcenter adjustment,(the above link does not specify this) of the trucks I've done, its typically the bearing preload thats loose, just adjusting that removes the slop, if it still is loose after that the overcenter adj gets rid of it.

 

Well folks, there seems to be consensus. First adjust bearings (seems straight forward in the fsm), add brace and drive. If there is still too much play, replace steering box.
Doj Dewd - I appreciatre the offer for the idler bar and no I don't have a lift kit but it probably isn't necessary right now as one of the first things I did was replace everything in the front end (tie rod ends, tie rod, idler bar etc.). Steering box is the only thing left that is original.

 

Another thing to checkout, it could also be your pitman arm. Mine wiggles as the tappered hole is worn out. I also have a pit man arm tie rod end thats toast. If your going to buy a new gearbox, get a new pitman arm.