Loose Steering

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Jul 7, 2003 | 09:44 PM

Cumminsdude

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From: Western New York

Loose Steering

Hey guys, I put this in another part of this forum but it was the wrong part so maybe I can get some more feedback from here. I have a 98 CTD with 76,000 miles. I just had the left upper and lower ball joints replaced as well as the left outter tie rod. The right side is fine. I just got it aligned. But ever since all those replacements the steering has been loose. There is probably about a 1/4 of a turn of play in the steering. What should I do? I dont want to take it to a dodge dealership and have them fix it for a few miles then it breaks again. So should I get these: http://www.solidsteel.ca/Stabilizer.htm or http://www.dtprofab.com/dodge.htm or the DSS (Darin Steering Stabilizer) or the Lukes Link?

Jul 7, 2003 | 10:15 PM

Stamey

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From: Powhatan, Virginia

Re:Loose Steering

The first thing you need to determine is what's loose. Is the slack in the steering wheel from the steering box? This can be noted by moving the steerin wheel while the steering arm coming out the the gear box remains stationary. To keep it stationary you can just have someone watch it, or block it with a pry bar to keep it from moving. If the play is in the steering box you may be able to tighten it a little. If you over tighten it you will have constant oversteer though. Is it the steering shaft coming out of the box to the steering arm? If that is the case, you may need a steering box, and/or you can install the stabilizer. If there is too much play in the steering shaft you'll want to replace it regardless of whether you install the stabilizer. Chris

Jul 7, 2003 | 11:28 PM

Guest

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Re:Loose Steering

THE Solid Steel and DSS are the same stabilizer, made by the same guy - the other stuff is for 4x4 only... I just ordered the DSS setup for my 2x4 today - from Piers, had 'em in stock, should be here about this time next week - really looks like one of those "must have" items for guys really planning on keeping their trucks for a while...

Jul 7, 2003 | 11:35 PM

Cumminsdude

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From: Western New York

Re:Loose Steering

Awesome thanks. I think the other thing that was for the 4x4 is more for lifted trucks and stuff but I am not sure. My truck is 4x4 but I think the DSS would still be good. What kind of problems do u have now Gary? Let me know if the DSS Fixes it. Also whats Piers, where can I get that and how much? Thanks

Jul 7, 2003 | 11:44 PM

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Re:Loose Steering

"What kind of problems do u have now Gary? Let me know if the DSS Fixes it."

OH, absolutely NO problems at all - I believe in heading off potential problems BEFORE they happen, rather than deal with them along some lonely stretch of road - late at night, while the wind is blowing, rain is falling, and I have our fiver in tow...

That comes from my many years as production manager/systems manager of the local daily newspaper - we simply could NOT afford downtime, it was WAY too costly!

The DSS setup looks like one of those products that will stiffen up the front frame, while also doing exactly what it is designed to do - absorb stress and wear that would otherwise have to be absorbed by the steering box bushing/bearings. And the price is right and installation easy! ;D ;D ;D

Piers is an aftermarket diesel performance fella with EXCELLENT service reputation his address:

www.piersdiesel.com

Give him a look, and if you order, tell him you got the info on the DTR!