Does your steering suck? - Competition Diesel.Com

justinp20012500 · 09-30-2009, 10:08 PM

Mine doesn't....

A Buddy of mine and I got together and made a mold to cast a bracket to retro a 3rd gen steering gear to the 2nd gen frame.

Here is the mount.

Its on the truck and it is AWESOME! I makes it fun to drive again. You almost have to relearn your steering, I am turning into corners too early and weaving in parking lots. The tighter ratio of the 3rd gen gear is very apparent.

Phily 911 · 09-30-2009, 10:49 PM

This is interesting.......

What makes the 3rd boxes better??

justinp20012500 · 09-30-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phily 911

This is interesting.......

What makes the 3rd boxes better??

Not sure.

But the 3rd gen has 1/4 the amount of play and is a tighter ratio. Meaning less turns of the steering wheel to make the wheels turn.

MD-LUCKY · 09-30-2009, 11:10 PM

It is probably one of the single best investments I have ever done to my truck.

It actually made it a pleasure to drive again. I just about don't like driving other second gen trucks that don't have the 3rd gen steering box.

Took out all of the slop (which was important to me). But, even more important than that, it took out all the WANDER. Drove me nuts driving down the road. It is a night and day improvement.

I also prefer the quicker ratio of the 3rd gen box to the second gen, although I drove over a few curbs for about a week getting used to the quicker ratio!

Please forgive the crappy cell phone video quality... But, even at this terrible resolution you still get an idea of how far the steering wheel moved before and after.

I don't think these will embed.. But maybe.

Before:
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_UCU_53U6Q&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_UCU_53U6Q&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Or

YouTube - 01 Ram 2500 - Factory 2nd Gen Steering

After:
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3za1PmLl_dQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3za1PmLl_dQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Or

YouTube - 01 Dodge Ram 2500 with 3rd Gen Steering

sledshaker · 10-01-2009, 05:31 AM

Are you selling these brackets? How much?

Cumminsfever · 10-01-2009, 05:54 AM

Yeah. Are these brackets for sale? I have been sick of my steering for a long time.

AsTroSS · 10-01-2009, 06:00 AM

How much the bracket cost and do you have also new steering shaft for this swap?

justinp20012500 · 10-01-2009, 08:54 AM

The steering shaft had to have a new end put on it. Also the low pressure return line has to get a new end.

You also have to use a newer style pitman arm.

AsTroSS · 10-01-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinp20012500

The steering shaft had to have a new end put on it. Also the low pressure return line has to get a new end.

You also have to use a newer style pitman arm.

Please send me PM about the needed part prices.

You have a nice avatar picture, Holset HX50 ?

Red Sleeper · 10-01-2009, 11:01 AM

Would you mind sharing dimentions for the bracket? I have always wondered if a 3rd gen box will work but just never gave it much thought.

BgBlDodge · 10-01-2009, 11:14 AM

I hope it's cheaper than the last guy to do this. He wanted I think $1200 to retrofit the system. But that was also including a brand new gear box from dodge so that right there was $450. Can you give us some more detail on what the return line fitting needs to be changed to (part number perhaps or a picture/size)? For the steering shaft, can you just press out the u-joint on the factory 2nd gen shaft and then replace the bottom half with a 3rd gen piece and then press in a new u-joint?

Signature600 · 10-01-2009, 11:46 AM

I wouldn't care what the cost, as long as I can stand to drive this POS again. I've dropped god knows how much money on steering stabilizers, shocks, brackets, HD steering components and trackbars, only to have this thing drive worse than most of the antique tractors in my barn. What's another grand after 5 or 6 just to make the thing drive straight.

But please, more details if you would

Chris

BgBlDodge · 10-01-2009, 01:04 PM

I'm with you. DSS, crossover steering, weld in track bar, rock ram steering bushing, and yet I'm still going through boxes and having to tighten bearing pre load and center adjustments. It's f'in ridiculous. I can move my steering wheel back and forth 4" before it ever starts to turn the tires.

Whippit96 · 10-01-2009, 02:18 PM

I would also like some more info on this swap. Part numbers and stuff would be great, and also if your buddy and you want to make some cash this would be a good way to do it selling that bracket.

justinp20012500 · 10-01-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BgBlDodge

I'm with you. DSS, crossover steering, weld in track bar, rock ram steering bushing, and yet I'm still going through boxes and having to tighten bearing pre load and center adjustments. It's f'in ridiculous. I can move my steering wheel back and forth 4" before it ever starts to turn the tires.

Tyler,

I am pretty sure you WILL NOT be able to use your DSS.

With the new gear, the pit man arm is closer to he gear. Meaning the the shaft is much shorter and the leverage the pit man arm is able to transfer to the output shaft is greatly reduced.

TheBigNasty · 10-01-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BgBlDodge

I'm with you. DSS, crossover steering, weld in track bar, rock ram steering bushing, and yet I'm still going through boxes and having to tighten bearing pre load and center adjustments. It's f'in ridiculous. I can move my steering wheel back and forth 4" before it ever starts to turn the tires.

I'll let you drive the Maroon truck again.........

ride42 · 10-01-2009, 08:24 PM

Interested.

BgBlDodge · 10-01-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBigNasty

I'll let you drive the Maroon truck again.........

Can't be any worse than my truck is right now.

SKYNYRD · 10-01-2009, 09:37 PM

watch out for the 3rd gen steering boxes they tend to wear out as well the stud that comes out the top tends to strip out the aluminum cover and the steering gets sloppy.

Mike Holmen · 10-01-2009, 10:29 PM

You guys change out the power steering pump as well? Or can you use the factory 2nd gen pump? You guys buying new gearboxes or rebuilts for the 3rd gen gearbox? Does the factory steering shaft mate up with the 3rd gen gearbox? Nice thread.

09-30-2009, 10:08 PM	#1
justinp20012500 Name: justinp20012500 Title: It's Hunting Season! Status: Not Here Join Date: Apr 2006 Member`s Gallery Posts: 385	Does your steering suck? Mine doesn't.... A Buddy of mine and I got together and made a mold to cast a bracket to retro a 3rd gen steering gear to the 2nd gen frame. Here is the mount. Its on the truck and it is AWESOME! I makes it fun to drive again. You almost have to relearn your steering, I am turning into corners too early and weaving in parking lots. The tighter ratio of the 3rd gen gear is very apparent. __________________ 2002 QCSB with one more whistler added... Last edited by justinp20012500; 09-30-2009 at 10:22 PM.

09-30-2009, 10:49 PM	#2
Phily 911 Name: Phily 911 Title: Satire Status: Not Here Join Date: Nov 2007 Member`s Gallery Posts: 452	This is interesting....... What makes the 3rd boxes better?? __________________ ID-10-T contamination

09-30-2009, 11:10 PM	#4
MD-LUCKY Name: MD-LUCKY Title: Difficult To Pronounce... Status: Not Here Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Big Sky Country Member`s Gallery Posts: 3,080	It is probably one of the single best investments I have ever done to my truck. It actually made it a pleasure to drive again. I just about don't like driving other second gen trucks that don't have the 3rd gen steering box. Took out all of the slop (which was important to me). But, even more important than that, it took out all the WANDER. Drove me nuts driving down the road. It is a night and day improvement. I also prefer the quicker ratio of the 3rd gen box to the second gen, although I drove over a few curbs for about a week getting used to the quicker ratio! Please forgive the crappy cell phone video quality... But, even at this terrible resolution you still get an idea of how far the steering wheel moved before and after. I don't think these will embed.. But maybe. Before: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_UCU_53U6Q&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_UCU_53U6Q&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Or YouTube - 01 Ram 2500 - Factory 2nd Gen Steering After: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3za1PmLl_dQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3za1PmLl_dQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Or YouTube - 01 Dodge Ram 2500 with 3rd Gen Steering __________________ -Mike

10-01-2009, 05:31 AM	#5
sledshaker Name: sledshaker Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Millersburg, MO Member`s Gallery Posts: 920	Are you selling these brackets? How much? __________________ Driving everything with wheels, and some things without.

10-01-2009, 05:54 AM	#6
Cumminsfever Name: Cumminsfever Title: Steering wheel holder Status: Not Here Join Date: Mar 2009 Member`s Gallery Posts: 745	Yeah. Are these brackets for sale? I have been sick of my steering for a long time. __________________ 1999 Dodge Qc Sb Sport black 4x4 auto, p-pump, 35/40& ht3b. 1992 GMC K1500 4bt. Once made 496hp. Always broke. Now ve-pumped and made 360hp with 12mm pump. 1994 Chevy K1500 3.8 vm i6 idi hx30/hx52 Never judge a man's horsepower by his exhaust

10-01-2009, 06:00 AM	#7
AsTroSS Name: AsTroSS Title: problems start @80 psi Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2006 Location: Europe Member`s Gallery Posts: 4,327	How much the bracket cost and do you have also new steering shaft for this swap? __________________ Ram 2500 '98 QC 12V Cummins 4x4 automatic --->project: T-25 Ram 1500 ‘ 97 QC 12V Cummins conversion 4x4 automatic - ->project: T-15 Superb '21 -TDI 2.0 CR-205hp

10-01-2009, 08:54 AM	#8
justinp20012500 Name: justinp20012500 Title: It's Hunting Season! Status: Not Here Join Date: Apr 2006 Member`s Gallery Posts: 385	The steering shaft had to have a new end put on it. Also the low pressure return line has to get a new end. You also have to use a newer style pitman arm. __________________ 2002 QCSB with one more whistler added...

10-01-2009, 11:01 AM	#10
Red Sleeper Name: Red Sleeper Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lone Star State Member`s Gallery Posts: 4,595	Would you mind sharing dimentions for the bracket? I have always wondered if a 3rd gen box will work but just never gave it much thought. __________________ Nick J '14 Silverado LTZ 5.3 4wd '05 Cummins QCSB 4wd 48re '91 Cummins w350 5spd

10-01-2009, 11:14 AM	#11
BgBlDodge Name: BgBlDodge Title: Hates hippies Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buda, Tx Member`s Gallery Posts: 16,647	I hope it's cheaper than the last guy to do this. He wanted I think $1200 to retrofit the system. But that was also including a brand new gear box from dodge so that right there was $450. Can you give us some more detail on what the return line fitting needs to be changed to (part number perhaps or a picture/size)? For the steering shaft, can you just press out the u-joint on the factory 2nd gen shaft and then replace the bottom half with a 3rd gen piece and then press in a new u-joint? __________________ 2003 Nissan 350z Touring 6mt 2000 4runner Limited Tyler Williams We have become educated beyond our intelligence. -Jerry Clower

10-01-2009, 11:46 AM	#12
Signature600 Name: Signature600 Title: THA MAN! Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jeffersonville, Ohio Member`s Gallery Posts: 11,974	I wouldn't care what the cost, as long as I can stand to drive this POS again. I've dropped god knows how much money on steering stabilizers, shocks, brackets, HD steering components and trackbars, only to have this thing drive worse than most of the antique tractors in my barn. What's another grand after 5 or 6 just to make the thing drive straight. But please, more details if you would Chris __________________ THANKS TO: Tim Barber @ TRE Diesel Jeff Mumau @ Mumau Diesel Service Rip @ Source Automotive Don Thuren @ ThurenFab Suspension Columbus Diesel Supply

10-01-2009, 01:04 PM	#13
BgBlDodge Name: BgBlDodge Title: Hates hippies Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buda, Tx Member`s Gallery Posts: 16,647	I'm with you. DSS, crossover steering, weld in track bar, rock ram steering bushing, and yet I'm still going through boxes and having to tighten bearing pre load and center adjustments. It's f'in ridiculous. I can move my steering wheel back and forth 4" before it ever starts to turn the tires. __________________ 2003 Nissan 350z Touring 6mt 2000 4runner Limited Tyler Williams We have become educated beyond our intelligence. -Jerry Clower

10-01-2009, 02:18 PM	#14
Whippit96 Name: Whippit96 Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Effort, PA Member`s Gallery Posts: 322	I would also like some more info on this swap. Part numbers and stuff would be great, and also if your buddy and you want to make some cash this would be a good way to do it selling that bracket. __________________ 1999 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4, 4" to 6" stack, BHAF, Edge Juice w/Attitude and Airdog 100, II 62mm, 125hp sticks, 5spd swap with valair 3850 DD, www.jvmpmotorsports.com

10-01-2009, 08:24 PM	#17
ride42 Name: ride42 Title: 980MW Status: Not Here Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sandy, Utah Member`s Gallery Posts: 4,506	Interested. __________________ Bryce Out of sight, out of mind. 2015 Subaru WRX

10-01-2009, 09:37 PM	#19
SKYNYRD Name: SKYNYRD Title: "Drunkard" Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Member`s Gallery Posts: 5,666	watch out for the 3rd gen steering boxes they tend to wear out as well the stud that comes out the top tends to strip out the aluminum cover and the steering gets sloppy. __________________ Leonard 79 VW rabbit diesel (ALH & 4motion ) 04.5 rclb 4x4 01 & 03 VW Golf TDI 05 rcsb 2wd (in progress) ROSKOE115: "It's ain't avatar material but I'd hit it!"

10-01-2009, 10:29 PM	#20
Mike Holmen Name: Mike Holmen Title: the Diesel dude Status: Not Here Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Airdrie, Alberta Member`s Gallery Posts: 376	You guys change out the power steering pump as well? Or can you use the factory 2nd gen pump? You guys buying new gearboxes or rebuilts for the 3rd gen gearbox? Does the factory steering shaft mate up with the 3rd gen gearbox? Nice thread.