jyatesmp

Ok. I finally am getting the cash flow to fix my steering issues. Over the weekend I did the retro fit 98-99 HD steering upgrade. All of my tie rod ends now have grease fittings and that really tightened up the steering a great deal. I still need to get the truck aligned (Wife was going to get it done for me when I was at work, but she has the flu and weather is nice so I’ve been on my motorcycle). I was also able to fit my stock steering dampener by drilling out the holes on one of the old adjusting sleeve clamps and bolting it to the new steering link. One thing I did notice is it seems that when I turn my wheel, I see the truck flexes in the other. To fix this I have a steering stabilizer (frame stiffener) from customdiesel.com on the way. I hope this will eliminate the flex I am seeing. I also have my upper/lower ball joints, sway bar links, sway bar bushings and upper/lower control arm bushings (all Raybestos Professional Grade) on the way as well as some Gabriel Max shocks (on special order). I have already replaced the track bar. The reason I went with the 98-99HD vs. the 3rd gen is I am getting mixed feedback on the 3rd gen. Some people say it will bolt right up, others say I will need to ream out the knuckles, some say it is vehicle specific if it will fit (not year specific), some say the tie rod end bolts will rub my stock rims, some say they wont. The 98-99 retrofit has been around for some time and I now know it is a direct bolt in with the exception you got to replace the inner tie rod end with part number ES3527. Also the 3rd gen does not have grease fittings and some 98-99HD’s do and I want to be able to add grease.

I got all my 98-99HD parts on the way. Is there a way to add a steering dampiner to this setup? Is it needed? Please explain how and why.