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Any Second gen Dodge gurus?

max 02

max 02

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I know some of you guys like Dodges admit it!

First question for you guys that aren’t scared to post. :yikes:

My daughters 01 Cummins steering box leaks and is worn out. I got a box out of a 01 1500 that is good and fits “google research” The difference is 4.5 lock to lock for the Cummins application and 3.0 for the 1500 applications.

Is it a bad idea to go with the tighter turning box with the weight of the Cummins? Hard on the P/S pump? The tires are 33s on it. 35s would be the biggest we would use, if ever.

Pic of the truck....

48076E39-300E-4A64-8E22-4383CEA484D2.jpeg
 
I wouldn’t put the 1500 box on , harder on the power steering system . And it will be harder to turn
 
I put red head steering gear boxes on my 2nd gens. They were the only ones that held up to 35s and my crazy driving when I was younger...
 
So Redhead is good stuff for sure . I have one on my Red Cummins.

But a big help with making those boxes live is the bolt on steering brace .

FB5F28A1-9894-4701-A06B-EF5FE1400D17.jpeg
 
Bent77 said:
Do those have the pillow block style brace?
Click to expand...

Yep , and combine that with a High quality Trackbar and good ball joints. And the “Crappy Dodge” front. Is a non issue

You can also convert the unit bearings to conventional hubs by using 92-97 F350 outers,
I have heard TTB 50 outers work as well but can’t confirm.

Edit: up to 2000 , after that you have to buy one of those expensive free spin kits from Dynatrac or Solid
 
Max 02, FYI you can also upgrade to larger 3rd gen front rotors since you've already got the 17" power wagon wheels. You just need the caliper bracket for an 03-05. Then pads and rotors for 2003 srw. Your calipers stay. ~1" larger rotors iirc

And x2 on the frame brace and trac bar, heck I think those items saved my ball joints!
 
I’ll give a x3 on the steering brace. For the $150 it costs it makes way more in difference. I had that part on order in the first week of owning my mega cab.
 
Smokinthehippies said:
I’ll give a x3 on the steering brace. For the $150 it costs it makes way more in difference. I had that part on order in the first week of owning my mega cab.
Click to expand...
Dumb question
Can one of those be retrofitted to a square body?
 
Keep the OEM ratio and fit box.

So in my repair facility experience a stock cardone parts house replacement has the same effect on the drivability as a redhead box. It is my opinion that 99% of trucks dont need a redhead box.
The "this box is badass" feeling is just because your shit was wore out and now it's like its supposed to be. Most people get the steering links replaced and aligned at the same time so it drives like a new truck no matter what box you put on it as long as its within spec.
 
It has the brace on it.
The steering box that is on it leaks out of the seal where the steering column hooks up, easy enough fix, just did one for my Duramax not long ago. Has a bit of play in it I can adjust that out,but don`t know how long that will last?
Track bar was worn out when we got the truck but there was a new one in the box, I replaced it but there is already play in it. How about a 3rd gen track bar mod? Or what is a high quality track bar replacement? Adjustable one maybe? One tie rod end has some play as well, on the non replaceable end obviously.
Guys rave about the forth gen steering links. I don`t know if that is necessary.

Daughter is going to collage next fall so we don`t want to spend thousands on it.
 
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The 08+ steering is a nice setup and honestly not bad at about 350.
Ive done a handful of the third gen trac bar brackets and the bd diesel trac bar.
It uses bushings on both ends and a giant adjusting collar. I prefer this against the heim joint ones for longevity sake. Its what I use on my third gen and I've got at least 60k on it now.

As a shop rule, NOTHING moog gets installed on dodges. Who ever sells it has to pay the tech labor to replace it when it comes back.
 
When I saw "2nd Gen" I was thinking something from the 60's or 70's. Curious what makes it a 2nd Gen?
 
mrk5 said:
When I saw "2nd Gen" I was thinking something from the 60's or 70's. Curious what makes it a 2nd Gen?
Click to expand...
2nd gen refers to cummins major year breaks.
It's being adopted as a body style now even for gas trucks.
Like 93 and older cummins trucks are first gen.
94-02 is the second gen. 03+ etc etc.
 
obijuank5 said:
The 08+ steering is a nice setup and honestly not bad at about 350.
Ive done a handful of the third gen trac bar brackets and the bd diesel trac bar.
It uses bushings on both ends and a giant adjusting collar. I prefer this against the heim joint ones for longevity sake. Its what I use on my third gen and I've got at least 60k on it now.

As a shop rule, NOTHING moog gets installed on dodges. Who ever sells it has to pay the tech labor to replace it when it comes back.
Click to expand...
Good info! Thanks!

mrk5 said:
When I saw "2nd Gen" I was thinking something from the 60's or 70's. Curious what makes it a 2nd Gen?
Click to expand...

Body style changes is all
 
obijuank5 said:
2nd gen refers to cummins major year breaks.
It's being adopted as a body style now even for gas trucks.
Like 93 and older cummins trucks are first gen.
94-02 is the second gen. 03+ etc etc.
Click to expand...

That is a way better explanation! :waytogo:
 
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