Steering Kit

My steering is in need of TLC at 124K miles.

I think we are behind all the issues on the 08.5+ kits and want to go that route.

What's the best place to get the 08.5+ steering kit these days?

 

I'm at the same cross roads with my '08. She's headed to the shop tomorrow for new u-joint, ball joints and possibly new bearings. So I too am considering doing the upgrade while they're working on the front end. Is the upgrade a true improvement and does it offer a better ride or handling?

 

Do the upgrade the 08 system is much better. It keeps the wheels aligned (toe in). The old system the toe in would change as the truck bounced. I did the update on my 05 and my friends 04 back in 2008. I had well over 200,000 miles on my kit when I traded my 05 in. My friend has over 225,000 miles on his kit. Even with the recalls on the kits they held up much better than the old design.

 

As for the heaviest system available, who knows, this EMF kit looks pretty stout, but it might be the most expensive one at $1,300 http://www.cjcoffroad.com/EMF-Heavy-Duty-Steering-Kit-Dodge-Ram-2500-3500-p/52122362ah.htm

 

750.00 through Genos ..https://www.genosgarage.com/category/351.

 

I didn't mean to imply the Synergy was $1300. The EMF linkage looks nice but it ain't cheap.

 

The EMF system is a nice looking unit, looks well built.

 

I have to ask... are those kits more than 2x as good as OEM??

I have 124K on my OEM stuff right now....

There may be more issues with the T style; however, I don't think my use is overly hard on steering. Isn't 124K more than average for stock steering components.

 

Yep that is a good point. The original stock Y type on my truck went 82K before there was some looseness in a rod end. Caught up in the hype over the 08 upgrade I "upgraded" to the T type in Nov of 09. After 25K the T type right tie rod end showed play so the original Y linkage went back on for another 10K before all the rod ends were replaced. Recap: 92K on the stock Y type, 25K on the Mopar T type. I plan on staying with the Y type until parts are no longer available or a true crossover kit comes out that doesn't cost a million bucks.

 

I replaced mine with the synergy linkage ,and it is noticably beefier. All ends are rebuildable/replaceable. They are solid bar ,so they are heavy, I upgraded mine from the "y" setup due to death wobble, along with everything else uder the front end.

 

Ironic thing about the T type is people recommend it as a cure for DW. According to a Jeep engineer the T type is more susceptible to DW than the Y type because of the direct link between both both wheels. The cure for DW is tight steering and suspension components, balanced wheel and tire assemblies, proper caster (not the internet myth of just crank up more caster), proper alignment, etc.

 

I don't think it was a cure for the death wobble in mine by no means. That is why I replaced everything under there. Its funny what fixed one truck didn't fix another. I felt like the ball joints were my problem, but to be on the safe side I replaced everything.

 

I've never had DW.

I thought Y type was already obsolete? Last time I looked, a couple years ago, I don't recall being able to find Y components.

 

No DW here either, 140k on original drag link, tie rod ends, damper. I did replace stabilizer/sway links and stabizer bar bushings when I installed Spyntec front locking hubs. I periodically grease tie-rods which I remember as being the only factory grease fitting on truck. About three years ago there was a safety recall ( N62/ NHTSA 13V-528 ) in which the "original left tie rod ball stud on the Mopar service parts steering linkage may fracture under certain driving conditions." My vehicle did not need tie-rod end replaced. This thread makes me realize that I may be just getting used to my steering so I'll now inspect. Thanks for good links to aftermarket replacements.

 

https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/products/dodge_ram_2500_4wd_2005
Not sure if that link will display correctly. It lists a 1st design and 2nd design. The 1st design parts are still available from RockAuto. If you want to be sure I can dig up the Y type Moog part numbers from the receipt a few years back. At this point I think the only problematic part might the rod end connecting the drag link to the large box's pitman arm. I have not seen a Dodge part number for that rod end and don't know if its available anywhere else.

"03-08 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Steering Linkage Upgrade Fixes-Death Wobble Oem Mopar" :https://www.amazon.com/Steering-Linkage-Upgrade-Fixes-Death-Mopar/dp/B0046NUOLM
Others make the same claim and still others strongly imply the T linkage will stop DW but stop just short of claiming it. http://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-5062-mopar-09-steering-upgrade-kit-for-03-08-25003500.aspx

 

So what's the consensus on MOOG parts? I always thought they were junk.

 

I purchased some replacement parts for my original y type setup last summer. I cant recall the exact parts but the one at the pitman arm and 2 tie rods i think.