07 2500 4x4 to 09 steering linkage

F

forcedfed07

New member
Hey guys, i know this has probably been covered plenty, but i was just curious if any of you guys have actually upgraded your steering and was it as beneficial as they are making it out to be. my 07 doesn't drive horrible but i do feel that it could be better. thanks in advance.
 
There is a difference but it's not as drastic as some make it out to be. I wouldn't replace your steering linkage if everything is still tight, but if you have a loose tie rod end or two then it would probably be worth upgrading to the newer style. More often than not it seems that the steering box is the biggest culprit when it comes to the sloppy steering on these trucks.
 
As mentioned above; if you need to replace linkage, spend money on the upgrade. There is a substantial difference in mass from your OEM linkage. And you're changing to a T-style drag link/tie rod setup, as opposed to your original Y-style linkage.

This is not an issue at factory ride height.
 
zachu812 said:
There is a difference but it's not as drastic as some make it out to be. I wouldn't replace your steering linkage if everything is still tight, but if you have a loose tie rod end or two then it would probably be worth upgrading to the newer style. More often than not it seems that the steering box is the biggest culprit when it comes to the sloppy steering on these trucks.
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I've always noticed a track bar going bad is the worst when it comes to steering slop, but the drag link bending on the old inverted-y design is a close second (especially with bigger tires).
 
thanks guys, i did the upgrade ordered moog 09 linkage from rockauto for 215$ between the linkage and tightening gear box a little bit truck is handling much bettrr. thank again
 
I would also get a quality steering stabilizer like a fox or king from carli or thuren.

I have a rancho on mine and it doesn't keep the steering as tight as I would like. It wanders a bit with 33 1/2s in slush and snow. I will probably get the king thuren steering stabilizer soon.
 
b.lee said:
You can tighten up the steering gear box?
How? Any info or a link?
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There's a lock nut on the top of the box (21mm), and a shaft that you can adjust with a flat head.
This is set in tension from the factory to create an appropriate amount of pre-load. After things wear, it might need to be adjusted to tighten things up, but over-tightening it can cause excessive wear and kill the box pretty quick. The rule of thumb is a 1/4 turn in for every inch of steering slop you have with the truck off. Measure the slop at the end of the steering wheel and you won't ever get less than 2", so let that be your target.

I have never found a service procedure, and I don't think it's recommended to ever adjust it since it can cause damage pretty easily. Just understand that.

ramthiscummins said:
I would also get a quality steering stabilizer like a fox or king from carli or thuren.

I have a rancho on mine and it doesn't keep the steering as tight as I would like. It wanders a bit with 33 1/2s in slush and snow. I will probably get the king thuren steering stabilizer soon.
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Make sure you are actually getting an IFP shock and not an emulsion or twin tube setup. The IFP works in all orientations, while the other two only work in certain orientations.

I've had poor luck with Fox shocks from a durability standpoint. It might be where I live, and the extreme cold, but they only ever last a year at a time.
 
95cummins5.9 said:
Look up sector shaft adjustment. Don't go to far.
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CorneliusRox said:
There's a lock nut on the top of the box (21mm), and a shaft that you can adjust with a flat head.
This is set in tension from the factory to create an appropriate amount of pre-load. After things wear, it might need to be adjusted to tighten things up, but over-tightening it can cause excessive wear and kill the box pretty quick. The rule of thumb is a 1/4 turn in for every inch of steering slop you have with the truck off. Measure the slop at the end of the steering wheel and you won't ever get less than 2", so let that be your target.

I have never found a service procedure, and I don't think it's recommended to ever adjust it since it can cause damage pretty easily. Just understand that.
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Thanks guys :Cheer:
 
I believe in my 2nd gen FSM, it states to set bearing pre load prior to adjustment...and to do it on the bench, not on the truck.
 
You can adjust the bearing pre load in the truck, I've done it before along with tightening the adjustment up top. Made a huge difference.
 
There should be a spec on Inch pounds of rotational force at the input shaft of the box. It may not be published though. It seems like shepherd boxes are 12inlb for example

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
 
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it is easy to go to far, as far as procedure goes i just slowly run the adjuster in as steering wheel is being rocked back and forth until most play os gone. and yeah im actually waiting for new steering stabilizer setup to come in. thanks guys
 
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