Ok, I've had a this issue before but very random and not very often at all.  Yesterday I was on the highway at 60-70 mph and hit a bridge transition and it went nuts! Again less than a mile or two later. With traffic behind me I had to smash the brakes down to 25mph to get it to stop. Luckily no one rear ended me! 

 I absolutely have to get this sorted out! I replaced the track bar approximately a year to year and a half ago. It was a lower priced one from Rock Auto. I have replaced the left outer tie rod as well. 

 I have read that the track bar is usually to blame but I want to be 100% sure it is fixed for good this time. 

 Any advise or guidance here would be appreciated.

 Also, just to bring this into the conversation, would it be advisable to upgrade to the heavy duty mopar steering kit? Maybe the 3rd gen track bar? I don't know. I just need this to stop once and for all.

3 hours ago, Doubletrouble said:

 Trackbar is shot, both ends had visible play in them. (It was a cheapo from RA) It only lasted 15k miles.

 

Looks like you may have found the source of your problem.  Hopefully, you have.

 

When you remove the track bar, be sure to closely inspect the end that connects to the axle.  If there is evidence of movement between the steel bushing inside the track bar and the mounting bracket ears, this means that the bolt was never tight enough.  The bolt may have been tightened to the correct torque value, but it wasn't enough to clamp the brackets solidly to the steel bushing.  There should be absolutely no movement here. 

 

If by chance the bracket ears are damaged from movement of the steel bushing, you will have to assess the damage.  It will be even more difficult to get the right clamping force if the bracket ears are damaged.

 

- John

20 minutes ago, Tractorman said:

If by chance the bracket ears are damaged from movement of the steel bushing, you will have to assess the damage.  It will be even more difficult to get the right clamping force if the bracket ears are damaged

 Let's hope that's not the case. 

 When I installed that trackbar I put as much torque on that bolt as I could. I know the spec is something like 250-or more lbs/ft of torque.

1 hour ago, Doubletrouble said:

When I installed that trackbar I put as much torque on that bolt as I could.

 

That's good news - you are probably fine. 

 

- John

 Ordered the trackbar today at my local Napa. They should have it tomorrow morning. I also got a quote from them on the right outer drag link, inner drag link and left inner tie rod. The left outer was the only one that I replaced a year ago and is still good. 

 For those 3 parts they quoted $203 which I didn't find to bad honestly. I'll reuse the adjusting sleeves and leave the left outer on the truck.

 BTW, the trackbar I ordered has a limited lifetime warranty, we'll see how that works out. 

 Next decision will be: Which steering damper to go with? Should I get a Rancho rs5000, a factory type? Is there a better option? I'd like to have something durable and somewhat heavy duty. It is a heavy truck after all. Any suggestions?

1 hour ago, Doubletrouble said:

 Next decision will be: Which steering damper to go with?

 

Not saying that this is the best steering damper, but this is the one I purchased from Geno's Garage.  It is definitely more heavy duty than the NAPA one it replaced -  5/8" shaft vs. 1/2" shaft and a larger diameter cylinder.  Also, I've never known Geno's to sell marginal products.

 

- John

 

 

 

You might want to also consider a new steering box. Installing a redhead box helped tighten up my steering big time. Enjoy driving this thing down the road now. I can practically 2 finger the wheel when cruising even while towing now. 

Even a Blue Top will do the same. I've got the quick ratio box. But... You can rebuild a stock OE box for about 70 bucks and make it tight too. 

On 3/19/2023 at 7:08 PM, Doubletrouble said:

 Did a bit of reading online. What I found is apparently most of Napa's lifetime warranty steering and suspension parts are made by dana/Spicer. Anyone else heard this or anything to the contrary?

NCP (Napa's premium line) is made by Moogs parent company, hence the same part number as Moog. While I'm not a fan of actual MOOG, I do prefer to use NCP napa chassis components. After someone so graciously forced me to replace my steering components, I used a 3rd Gen steering kit from MOOG for $588 plus a new 2ng gen Pitman Arm I have Zero steering issues. As far as the Trac bar goes I replaced the cheap rubber bushing at the axle end with a polyurethane piece I had in my toolbox. Pretty sure it was half of a link bar joint that got tossed in an order. The rubber doesn't last long around here with the crappy roads.

 @roadrescueiowa, the track bar I got from Napa is of the ncp line,  as well as most of the tie rods that i have yet to order. I did look around for a factory replacement track bar with a poly bushing but couldnt seem to find one so hoping this one lasts longer than the one I'm replacing. It died after 15k.

 Also need to decide on a steering damper soon too. Track bar was the worst piece by far so wanted to get that replaced asap.

Just a heads up Napa NCP line typically is Moog parts.

The y-type steering may be best for folks that off-road a lot. My truck rarely leaves smooth terrain, not needing lots of articulation so I put on the t-style and like it a lot.

 

Changing control arms was NOT fun at around 280k miles. Buy new bolts, have your smoke wrench handy.

 

I bought an A/C Delco Gold track bar and it's very heavy duty compared to others I have seen. It may be a rebranded MOOG for all I know, so also available at NAPA under their naming system.

 

The yellow Bilsteins didn't last as long as I'd hoped on the front of the truck. I hypothesize that constantly running in the same 1/2" of travel on smooth roads just made them wear very fast in one place, versus a little wear along a longer travel. Replaced with KYB per Moparman recommendation.

I've installed Bilsteins on other vehicles I'm not impressed by the performance. Feels stiff and harsh ride on the 2nd and 3rd Gens. Just my personal 2 cents.

 I put KYB's on the front last year. So far I like them. 

 I replaced the track bar today. I also removed the steering damper, made it easier to do the TB anyway. I checked the damper, at first it had a dead spot in the center of travel. I cycled it all the way in both directions and it went away. I put it back on for now but I will be replacing it 

 Also, I inspected the old track bar compared to the new. It's the same one, identical markings. I believe they're both made by moog. The last one had only 15k on it so now I don't expect much more from this one. Ugh. It did help some though. Went for a drive and the front end feels a bit tighter. 

 Hoping once all the tie rods are replaced and a new steering damper on there it'll tighten up some more. It's not terrible but I feel it could be better.

I recently chucked my damper in the trash and have no intention of replacing it. Not all trucks came with them, right? Was it a trim level marketing thing, a band aid to death-wobble, or something else? I ran awhile with a clearly useless and worn out damper, then put on a damper that wore out quickly in highway driving, and now the truck is damper free. Can't really tell a difference!

Personally, I still think it starts at the tires and shocks. Yes, I've seen several members without a steering damper with no issues.

 I will need new tires by the end of summer. Thinking about using balance beads to keep the tires balanced through the life of the tire. 

 I've used them in motorcycle tires with good results. Never in car/truck tires yet.

 Shocks, are newer KYB.

I'm thinking of using BBs in my tires. Cheap have weight and will self balance the tires. 

39 minutes ago, Mopar1973Man said:

I'm thinking of using BBs in my tires. Cheap have weight and will self balance the tires. 

 Interesting idea.

I really like my Centramatics, but admittedly they weren't cheap. No odd tire wear, and they're essentially permanent.

On 3/27/2023 at 8:34 PM, LorenS said:

I really like my Centramatics, but admittedly they weren't cheap. No odd tire wear, and they're essentially permanent.

 Not sure I've heard of these. But I'll do some checking.