Feed back on rear swaybar, steering shaft, quick ratio steering box upgrade.

cw_mi

New member
It's been a good year and a half for #2608, put around 1300 miles on it since it's been back on the road. Just clicked over 13k. Now, I've resisted the desire to start modding it, engine wise, at least. But I'm considering some suspension upgrades, this thing is kind of fun going through corners. I'm considering a Belltech rear sway bar, getting rid of the rag joint steering shaft, and possibly changing to a quick ratio steering box. I plan on leaving it the stock ride height, with the stock suspension set up. I'm curious if these upgrades are worth it, or not really negligible for the money spent.
 

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gmemony2

Active member
My front suspension and steering was a f'ing mess at 60k. Nothing had been serviced or replaced when I got it, so it may be quite a bit different than your truck.

I replaced the bearing at the top of the steering shaft, the steering shaft, and the box along with a new PS pump at the same time. The first quick ratio box I got was bad. The second one was fine, but I didn't feel it was a huge step up. I know others think it's night and day though. The new bearing and shaft did significantly cut down on slop in the steering though.

I also replaced all the steering linkage when the box went in as well.
 

QWERTYphoon

Motley Driver Award 2009
I usually don't give out advice to anybody that doesn't own a '93 (the best year) but since the freedom of information act expired on these trucks years ago, I can tell you that a ZQ8 steering box, a rear sway bar, a high output steering pump, and a solid steering shaft (jeep) turn these trucks into Beasts!
 

gmemony2

Active member
I usually don't give out advice to anybody that doesn't own a '93 (the best year) but since the freedom of information act expired on these trucks years ago, I can tell you that a ZQ8 steering box, a rear sway bar, a high output steering pump, and a solid steering shaft (jeep) turn these trucks into Beasts!

Where did your zq8 box come from? Do you know the part number you used?
What power steering pump did you use?
 

graham1524

Well-known member
I've got a borgeson steering box and it's been pretty nice. I would highly recommend the rear sway bar and changing the steering shaft.

I also autocross mine a lot and put a bunch of miles on it, it really depends on your goals. With such a low mileage truck if you don't intend to drive it much it probably isn't worth the money
 

wildphil

I Love My Ty's
I have had trucks and done all of those mods. The sway bar you will never know any difference. Same with the steering shaft. I would only change it if the original was warn. The quick steering is kinda nice. But none are worth what the price you will lose in the drop in value in your truck for being non- stock. Most people will pay less money for a truck that has been modified in any way. I could not resist and spent a lot of money changing everything out that I wanted. Would never do that again. That is just my personal opinion.
 

cw_mi

New member
Thanks for the replies. While I do plan on putting some miles on it, It won't be a lot. Probably 1000 to 1500 a season. And while I want to keep it as stock as I can, I have no problem with changing things to enhance drivability, if they are worth it. For the amount of driving I'll be doing, it doesn't seem like these would be worth it. I think I'm also fighting back the modding bug...and small bolt on things help with that. The best thing, is to probably just drive it and enjoy it the way it is. And wildphil, great avitar !
 

Teahead

Member
if nothing is loose/worn, then I wouldn't change anything.

A 1" block and turn the torsion bars down an 1" won't hurt value and will not only look better, but lowering center of gravity will help handling.
 
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