How tough is it to install steering rack bushings?

I got the Energy Suspension ones from Amazon.

 

It is not that difficult,but you will need an alignment afterwards

Be sure to mark your rack on each side of the bushings BEFORE removal so you have an idea of where they go. Otherwise,your alignment tech will have to adjust stuff more and reset the rack which costs more $$$

Also,some people report sponginess from the poly bushings and REccomend standard black or OEM bushings

I had the poly bushings on my old 06, and didn’t like the steering. I swapped the standard rubbers back in when i needed an alignment after more work later on.

 

I rate it as a 2 to 3 beer job.

 

Depends on if the center bolt fights you it seems. Not difficult some of us have just fought it.

 

I watched a youtube vid and got some advice from friends on here. 2005 DC. I don't know about the Gen 2, but it's a good upgrade to go to poly bushings on Gen 1. OEM bushings are fine until they are not. Mine were fine compared to some. Directions talk about a torch to melt the stock ones to get them out. I tapped them out with a bushing or socket and a dead blow hammer. Note: at least one of them only goes one way. My steering improved. I did some other stuff at the same time, but it feels new now. Total Chaos bushings.

 

I agree with these two, center bolt is the most annoying part of the job.

This video does a good job of going through the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JafzubwihDM

 

Thanks. Im going to try to do it without removing the tie rod just like in this video. Hope it goes smooth and I dont cause a power steering fluid leak like that dude did.

Do I really need to get an alignment after?

 

I definitely didn't touch my tie rods when I did it myself, nor did I get an alignment after.

There are some brackets for the power steering lines on the frame that you can remove to give the rack more movement. Removing those gives the rack more movement towards the rear of the vehicle.

 

Did mine 6 months ago...not a tough job but can be a PITA trying to get them in and out....got the TC poly bushings and needed an alignment after. My steering wheel was 1.5" off center. Mine weren't real bad but that tells me they were getting worn out.

 

What did you not like about the poly bushings?

 

For me, the feedback was different. It was more spongy than the regular black bushings.
Everybody’s different though it’s personal preference. I probably could have grown used to it if I kept the truck

 

PHM said the same thing about the energy suspension bushings. Mine were so shot when I replaced them that anything would have been better. I used the energy suspension ones.