Steering back to new

[NVGMman]

Hello GM truckers!

 

Wanted to share my first write up in case someone would like to tighten up their steering by adding a stabilizer/dampener.  Prior to installing this, I had recently finished replacing my entire front-end and steering system due to it being worn and loose. I go off-road almost on a daily basis (dirt roads, hill climbing, etc) yet do it with care; not bashing up my rig tho.  With all new parts, the steering felt better than I've ever experienced and decided to add the stabilizer to aid with the minor bump-steer and dampen some of the feedback from the road. Is this a must-have part for everyone? No but it does help and at around $65, it's worth it. This might help mask some preexisting conditions yet not a cure all.

 

I ordered the stabilizer (MOOG part# SSD94) thru Summit Racing and seems to fit GM trucks/SUV from early 1990's thru 2006 ('07 Classics like mine too). The box nor components have a brand label anywhere and the shock is white with blue boot not yellow as the website. 

 

Start by placing the front-end frame on jack stands as you'll need to turning the wheels in the air to ensure proper clearances and alignment. First ensure you have all the parts and install boot onto shock as it easier while it's out and slide about 5-6" of boot on as it's a little too long (you'll see when installed). Mount the frame bracket first (with existing slid plate bolt first) and mark where the second bolt will be drilled; only hole needed to be made. Before marking, make sure bracket is slid towards front of truck as much as possible to increase clearance between front diff.  Drilling the hole was the longest process as I had to recharge my drill halfway as I used 4 bits to make the large hole into the tough frame steel. With frame bracket on, install shock using the washers & bushings provided. On the other end, install U-bolts onto steering center-link (two U-bolt sizes included). Snuggly tighten U-bolts about 1 inch from idler arm stud. Now install the other end of stabilizer to U-bolt clamp. Here is a crucial part and reason to have front on jack stands: 1st- turn wheel completely to right then go under to ensure the driver side knuckle hits the steering stop and make sure the boot isn't too stretched. 2nd - turn wheel completely to the left then go back under to make sure the passenger side knuckle hits the stop and here you'll notice why the boot is too long when compressed.   During this process, you can slide the U-bolts clamp on the center-link to ensure it allows for full movement and once in the perfect spot, really tighten U-bolts. Now that everything is in place, tighten up all bolts and be careful not to over tighten the stabilizer bolts as you'll ruin the bushings. 

It's a tight fit yet no components rub or hit even when flexing the suspension.Do one last side to side test then take it to the road and enjoy your upgrade.

 

[NVGMman]

Just FYI, here are the part# for the all the steering components:

 

ACDelco gear 19330495 (remanufactured)

 

ACDelco pump 20756710 (new)

 

ACDelco pressure line 36353260 (pump to gear)

 

Dorman P/S cooler with lines 918301 (I removed the included worm gear clamps and used Fragola #6 crimp clamps #999156 as they hold up better given the heat/cooling cycles as P/S fluid get hot!)

 

MOOG pitman arm K6536HD

 

MOOG idler arm K6534HD & bracket  K6723

 

MOOG lower control arms:

Driver side CK620381

Passenger CK 620380

Uppers both sides same# CK80942

 

MOOG stabilizer end links K700539

 

MOOG cam bolts K100026

 

MOOG tie rods:

ES3493T outer

ES3488 inner

 

I tried to upload a pic of the entire power steering system yet no able to resize it...

[NVGMman]

UPDATE

These rubber bushings didn't last 3 months. After emailing and calling MOOG in an attempt to get the torque specs, the guy gave me the German spec of "Goodintite" without bulging bushing. I highly recommend purchasing these Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings (ENS-98126G) as they don't bulge prematurely like the rubber ones did prior to being properly tighten.