Bomb-proof bolt on 2nd gen steering! Cheap!
Diesel Fan
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 3
Believe me...I thought the same thing when I was starting this project, but I did my homework, and took very careful measurements, and the tapers are indeed the same. It was verified with digital calipers, feel, sight... I even went as far as using gear marking compound to make sure there was even engagement along the entire length of the taper. And I took pics.
Note that for the pictures, I put a thin coat of gear marking compound inside the tapered hole only - I did not put any on the rod end itself. The rod end was inserted into the taper until it bottomed out, and then pulled straight out. Looks like a nice match to me. The funny marks at the top of the tapered hole are where the rod end threads bumped it as it came out.
You are right that the older trucks (pre '99 maybe?) have a different size/taper for the tie rod end, but the newer 2nd gens have the bigger version. The 98-99 HD steering is probably the best "bolt on" setup for the older 2nd gens, but it still doesn't compare in size and strength to the 09-10 steering that could be installed with an easy re-taper job on the knuckles and pitman arm.
Hope this helps.
Note that for the pictures, I put a thin coat of gear marking compound inside the tapered hole only - I did not put any on the rod end itself. The rod end was inserted into the taper until it bottomed out, and then pulled straight out. Looks like a nice match to me. The funny marks at the top of the tapered hole are where the rod end threads bumped it as it came out.
You are right that the older trucks (pre '99 maybe?) have a different size/taper for the tie rod end, but the newer 2nd gens have the bigger version. The 98-99 HD steering is probably the best "bolt on" setup for the older 2nd gens, but it still doesn't compare in size and strength to the 09-10 steering that could be installed with an easy re-taper job on the knuckles and pitman arm.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Sean
Diesel Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 5
From: Western NC
I would get a psc steering box. Its a pretty big investment up front but its a good box. You can also get a box brace, but if your current box is worn out it wont help much. I would stay away from the reman boxes you get at local parts stores because they are mostly junk.
Diesel Fan
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
Looks like some sort of Luke's Link, but I thought those are only made for rebuilding a tracbar?
Anyways, just put 98-99 HD steering on my 98.5. Bolted right up, replaced everything else too and no more clunking and feels solid. FINALLY!
Anyways, just put 98-99 HD steering on my 98.5. Bolted right up, replaced everything else too and no more clunking and feels solid. FINALLY!
Diesel Fan
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 3
What track bar bracket do you have?
Mine seems to have a lot of flex.
Diesel Fan
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 3
I would get a psc steering box. Its a pretty big investment up front but its a good box. You can also get a box brace, but if your current box is worn out it wont help much. I would stay away from the reman boxes you get at local parts stores because they are mostly junk.
