My steering is in need of some repair soon. The track bar is loose and the rest of the steering is also. I've replaced upper and lower ball joints, a tie rod end and the drag link. Should I go with the DSS Steering Stabilizer and the braket to go with a 3rd generation track bar or go with a Thuren Track Bar? Either way they are alot of cash!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Pete

 

If your track back is loose, I would start there. Personally, I prefer the thuren setup. There is no reason why it won't last as long as the 3rd gen setup and it is a much easier install.

Can you see play on the output of your steering box? If not, I wouldn't bother addressing it until the track bar is taken care of and your truck still doesn't steer like it should.

 

I'll have to check the steering box. There is play in the track bar. There is only about 20,000 miles on the track bar. To check the steering box output shaft do you just lay under the truck and watch while someone moves the steering wheel?

 

Pete,
Yep. Have someone move the wheel. If the pitman arm doesn't move with the shaft, the box has play. Mine has a ton of play in it after 210k miles of abuse.

I like Thuren's bar. I had one on both trucks and I really like them. It is cheaper than the 3rd gen setup too. It's huge next to the stocker and bolts right in.

Tons of guys run the 3rd gen bar and love it so I'm not saying anything bad about it, I just have been running Thuren's stuff and have been really happy.

I run the DSS brace also and really like it. That and Thuren's bar are really nice upgrades. They are expensive, but figure once you do it, you probably won't touch it again.

Jason

 

Thanks Jason. See you Saturday.

 

I run the Thuren...very beefy, took about a half hour to install, and it made a huge difference in the feel of the truck...to me at least!

I also have the DSS, another good improvement!
Chris

 

I had the DSS installed probably a year ago, and just installed the thuren bar a couple of days ago. It really has helped a bunch. I am still leery when driving, afraid of the dw will strike at anytime, but I haven't felt the steering wheel even flinch when hitting the bumps. I still have to get it to an alignment shop next week, but I did adjust the toe-in so I think the combo really did tighten it up. I do need to adjust pre-load, but have not had time for that either.

So, the original question, Thuren bar is a definite "upgrade" to the oem. It really surprised me when I took it out of the box. I should have taken comparison photos, but was running short on time that night. The DSS really helped the old steering box and would recommend it for everybody.

 

Sounds like the jury is in. I'll save money and go with the Thuren Track Bar and then the DSS. Thanks for the input!!!!!!

 

I have the DSS and the THuren, but my steering still sucks. So I had someone turn the wheel in the truck while I watched the steering gear. Turns out the shaft was turning back and forth, but the pitman arm was not moving at all for the first few inches back and forth.

I understand I can adjust the allen screw on top of the box. I did once, just 1/8 of a turn and it evidently was not enough. Will go more next time.

 

The overcenter will not take slack out of the steering, well, it will some, but you need to adjust the preload bearing first, then the overcenter. Dodgeraminfo has a great writeup on the procedure. (link below)

Yes, the trackbar, dss will help, but being that there are about a dozen bushings, 4 tie rod ends, several brackets and many other things that once worn may only have a little movement each, but when combined with other parts being worn or not properly alligned can really have an affect on the steering.

I still need to adjust the preload, but I may have to take the box off the truck since I can't get the locking ring to come off yet.

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