satburn

Started noticing the 120,xxx mile slop in the steering wheel and bump steer. Tracked it down to a driver's side tie rod end and a worn steering stabilizer shock that's now serving no other purpose other than dead weight.

I'm always one to make things better, so is there any "preferred" aftermarket replacement that's a direct replacement other than going to Autozone?

Just trying to weigh out my options. I would prefer a beefier-than-OEM style end but would also prefer a bolt on option. Don't want to have to fab up stuff for a Heim Joint or Johnny Joint unless necessary. Any suggestions?

Jeff H

I'm gonna do a T link conversion some day. You can use a tie rod and drag link off a 98,99.
Try Moog.

Geico266

Have you tried adjusting the steering box? Easy fix, and its free.

satburn

Yeah that's where I started first, the rubber seal on the drivers tie rod has dried and ruptured causing the failure. Trouble is, I was too poor to pay attention I guess.

satburn

I take it the draglink and tie rod are more substantial on a 98/99 year truck?

BoostdCTD

The 98 on design is a better one, read this thread for more info on why.

Geico266

Been there, done that.

ALso, the collapsable seering shaft called "intermediate steering shaft" can be dry. It runs from the firewall to the steering box. Under the rubber boot stick a spray tube from a can of WD-40 and lube it up. After I spent $1,000 on my front end this is all I needed to stop a front end "clunk".

Good luck!

Cowhand

Even if you change over to the inverted "T" set up, you're still gonna be changing TRE's frequently. The last set of TRE's I put on only lasted about 30K before the started getting sloppy again. They were Moogs and I greased them at every oil change.

So far my heims have lasted about 30K and they're still tight.

MDMIKE

FWIW, I run Luke's Links on all my tierod ends, with the exception of where the tierod meets the drag link. No slop, and adjustable for wear over time.

MIke