[Wandell]

Thinking about adding a steering box brace. I've read here that they are a good idea to prevent future problems. Are they all pretty much the same? Are some better quality than others? I was looking last night and noticed the Synergy brace is a good bit less expensive than the BD.

 

[acorrea62]

I bought a Hell Bent Steel steering box brace over the black Friday sale. 40% off....$145 shipped! I've seen a few guys run them on here and it looks beefy.

2009-2013 Dodge Ram 4x4 Steering Stabilizer Bar Kit - Hell Bent Steel

 

[brandonjansen]

What I saw when I was looking at them is that they're all exactly the same. My Hell Bent Steel brace looks identical (other than the powder coat colour) to the BD one that I've seen on display at numerous events and it was half the cost. I haven't looked at the synergy one but my honest opinion on them is to go with whatever's cheapest.

 

[Motorolanut]

What I saw when I was looking at them is that they're all exactly the same. My Hell Bent Steel brace looks identical (other than the powder coat colour) to the BD one that I've seen on display at numerous events and it was half the cost. I haven't looked at the synergy one but my honest opinion on them is to go with whatever's cheapest.

Exactly, 99% of the braces are made the same. Just expect to pay between $100-175 max for one.

 

[CE_TX]

I've got the Synergery one, but like the others they pretty much all look the same.

 

[Wandell]

Yeah, looking at the pics, they all look the same. I've noticed the BD is a good bit more than most.

 

[thisisbeetle]

I picked up a slightly used PSC one from a fellow forum member. Seems identical to all the others out there. No issues with fitment or installation.

 

[WTFab]

Yep, pretty much all the same. I put one on @ 20k miles and didn't notice any change at all and now @ 102k miles the steering is super sloppy even with all new tie rod and drag link...

 

[Mikexplorer]

I've been looking for one for a while and all the research I've done they all seem pretty much the same, not sure which I'll go with yet, might even go slightly used.

 

[slowneasy]

Yep, pretty much all the same. I put one on @ 20k miles and didn't notice any change at all and now @ 102k miles the steering is super sloppy even with all new tie rod and drag link...

This doesn't sound like they work...??:confused013: So are they worth it?

 

[WTFab]

They do what they are intended to do, which is brace the box and keep the mounting bolts from getting worn from the stress of steering.

The rest of the front end parts will still get sloppy no matter what. I was never impressed with the way my mega cab drove down the road since it was new. I drive down crappy oilfield roads so it makes everything worse...

 

[Motorolanut]

They do what they are intended to do, which is brace the box and keep the mounting bolts from getting worn from the stress of steering.

The rest of the front end parts will still get sloppy no matter what. I was never impressed with the way my mega cab drove down the road since it was new. I drive down crappy oilfield roads so it makes everything worse...

Very true, I did see a nice small tighter steering feel in my mega after the install.
IMHO they are worth every penny, but like WTFab said IF the rest of the components are worn out. Then the brace will be no help.

 

[bufordTjustice]

I picked up a slightly used PSC one from a fellow forum member. Seems identical to all the others out there. No issues with fitment or installation.

I had the death wobble in my 06. Replaced bushings, ball joints, steering stabilizer, etc., and got the PSC brace. Death Wobble gone. I now have the PSC on the 4th Gen. Seems to work well, but it only has 18,000 miles on it. When I bought it, about 7 years ago now, the PSC was the cheapest. When I installed the Carli suspension kit, they actually recommended the PSC. They use it on their trucks, and if they can take the punishment they put their trucks through, I'm glad its on my truck.