Steering rack bushing kit question

Great site. I just found it and joined. I was searching here and found that Wheelers Offroad was recommended for a steering rack bushing kit. I went there and it said that their kit includes an extra 9/16 bushing for the 95-00 models. Is this bushing not included in the Energy Suspension kits if purchased elsewhere? Thanks.

 

i just bought the energy kit from advance and all the parts are there. 1 long 2 short one with a big dia and the other a smaller dia

 

It confused me why Wheelers said that an extra bushing was included for my model. Do all 99's need that 9/16 bushing? You would think that Energy Suspensions would include all possible size bushings for their kits???

 

looks to me like everything i need is there just have to find time and a break in the weather to install it

 

There is an extra bushing insert and I had to use the special insert... but it is a easy install. They have a diff size insert coz some racks are a little different

 

Thanks for the replies. Guess I'll get the kit from Wheelers.

 

What symptoms did you have that warranted a rack bushing kit? I'm trying to track down some steering issues.

 

If you can see the rack moving around when the steering wheel is turned, the bushings need replaced, very simple to check with the front end off the ground just move the wheels back and forth and see if the rack stays put or not.

 

I noticed a slight "shimmy" in the front wheels when I would hit potholes at times. I had someone move the steering wheel while I watched the rack and pinion. There was quite a bit of movement in it. (I also checked the ball joints and tie rod ends, they were all tight.) Struts had been changed recently, so I'm thinking this will cure the issue. I'm going to go ahead and replace the sway bar bushings at the same time. Should tighten up the front end really well.

 

The most telling signs I had that I needed to replace my steering rack bushings was that on sharper corners, right around the apex I would always have to correct the steering and turn the wheel more. It was due to the rack shifting. Also, when you have the engine running, have a friend steer the wheel back and forth when the tires are on the ground and you will be able to see the rack moving.

After I did mine the mid corner corrections were 100% gone and I also noticed the steering wheel doesn't move an inch even when I hit large potholes.