• 1032160,88274:112ED85CD6FBB7F00A9D86193ABBCBD6
  • 1032160,88258:8E9524E2B891EB01198F5CB9F31B5589
  • 1032160,88234:668CB4634D82E89EC42524817F31A3B4
  • 1032160,88242:040BE6FA8F27E73AC07C6AC832B3B2E3

1032160

STEERING UPGRADE KIT CHEVY/GM DURAMAX 1500HD 2001-2003 & 2005-2007 & 2500 HD/3500HD SILVERADO / SIERRA 2001-2010

$1,247.95
$1,247.95

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Features

  • Forged I-Beam Centerlink 30% stronger than OEM for less deflection
  • Forged Centerlink retains factory geometry for accurate steering
  • Tie rods 1.5x larger than OEM
  • Larger Greaseable Ball Joints for long service life
  • Sway bar end links 1-inch longer than factory to accommodate leveling kits
  • Durable polyurethane sway bar end link bushings shaped for articulation and durability
  • 1-inch longer Sway bar end links prevent damage to Tie Rod Seals/Boots
  • Greaseable pitman arm and idler arm
  • Compatible with OEM components

About This Product

A major common weak point on Chevrolet/GM HD series trucks is the steering linkage and tie rods with high torque engines, lift kits, and larger tires putting greater strains on the steering system than what OEM intended. These common failures include loose steering, front wheels toe-in under load while in four-wheel drive, and broken tie rods. If you have performance upgrades in your truck, lifted it, or do serious towing, you will want to upgrade your steering kit BEFORE doing catastrophic damage to your truck!
This kit includes centerlink, tie-rods (2), sway bar end links (2), pitman arm (3-spline), and idler arm. The forged I-Beam Centerlink is 30% stronger than OEM which reduces flex in the steering system and creates a strong base for the tie rods to be attached to. The tie rods are 1.5x thicker than OEM for reduced flex and have larger inner ball joints for reduced wear. Testing has shown that BD tie rods can take over double the amount of force than what OEM rods can handle. Ball joints come with sintered bearings and allow for better load holding and increased life. Longer, high-strength through bolt-designed sway bar end links are included to accommodate larger tie rods and leveling kits. Polyurethane bushings have OEM-style shaping for articulation and durability. Ball joints, pitman, and idler arm are all greaseable. The entire kit retains factory geometry for accurate steering and will allow for any OEM replacement parts to drop in without any geometry sacrifice or modification required. Other upgrade kit designs change the geometry of the steering which can sacrifice safety and drivability for straight-line strength while pulling or racing. This can also create a dangerous "bump steer" where the vehicle becomes uncontrollable on uneven roads. By not altering the steering geometry, the BD upgrade kit saves you from this problem. The total package is an economic upgrade for worn-out steering and will increase the durability, longevity, and dependability of your truck while saving money by preventing catastrophic repairs.

Warranty & Notes

Install Time

INSTALL TIME

  • 3 Hours

Warranty

WARRANTY

Parts

  • 12-Months

Note
STEERING UPGRADE KIT CHEVY/GM DURAMAX 1500HD 2001-2003 & 2005-2007 & 2500 HD/3500HD SILVERADO / SIERRA 2001-2010

$1,247.95

What exactly fails on the stock GM HD steering that this kit is designed to fix?

The factory steering linkage on 2001-2010 GM HD trucks is a known weak point that flexes and wears prematurely under heavy loads. This results in loose steering, alignment changes during 4WD operation, and potential tie rod failure, especially on trucks with larger tires or increased power. — The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components, particularly the centerlink and tie rods, were not designed for the stresses of modern diesel torque, heavy towing, or off-road use with oversized tires. This leads to specific, common failures that this kit directly addresses. The stock stamped steel centerlink can flex under steering load, which is a primary cause of the vague or sloppy steering feel. In 4WD, the increased traction and torque can actually flex the weak factory tie rods, causing the front wheels to 'toe-in' and creating excessive tire wear. BD's upgrade kit replaces these weak links with a forged I-Beam centerlink that is 30% stronger and tie rods that are 1.5 times thicker than the OEM parts, preventing this flex and breakage.

Will this steering kit fit my 2004 Silverado 2500HD with the Duramax engine?

Yes, this steering upgrade kit fits all 2001-2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models, regardless of engine. It also fits 1500HD models from select years (2001-2003 and 2005-2007), but it's important to note it does NOT fit the 2004 1500HD model year. — This kit, part number 1032160, is a direct bolt-on replacement for the specified HD trucks. The included pitman arm features the correct 3-spline design required for the steering boxes on these 2001-2010 models. It is fully compatible with all factory engines offered during this period, including: — • 6.6L Duramax (LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM) • 6.0L Vortec V8 • 8.1L Vortec V8 The specific exclusion of the 2004 model year only applies to the 1500HD chassis; if you have a 2500HD or 3500HD from 2004, this kit is the correct fitment.

Does this kit maintain the factory steering geometry or will it cause bump steer?

This kit is engineered to retain the precise factory steering geometry. It does not alter suspension angles, ensuring predictable handling and preventing the unsafe 'bump steer' condition that can be induced by other aftermarket kits. — 'Bump steer' is a dangerous condition where the vehicle can dart uncontrollably to the side when hitting a bump or dip in the road. It occurs when steering linkage angles are changed, causing the wheels to toe in or out as the suspension cycles. The BD Diesel kit (PN 1032160) avoids this entirely by designing all components—the centerlink, tie rods, pitman arm, and idler arm—to serve as direct, heavy-duty replacements that occupy the exact same positions as the factory parts. A key benefit of this approach is that it allows for any individual OEM replacement part to be used in the future without sacrificing geometry or safety, and it ensures a straightforward wheel alignment after installation.

I have a leveling kit on my truck; will this steering kit work?

Yes, this steering upgrade kit is fully compatible with trucks that have leveling kits. The kit includes specially designed sway bar end links that are one inch longer than the factory links to provide the necessary clearance. — The thicker tie rods included in this kit (1.5 times larger than OEM) can create a clearance issue with the factory sway bar, especially when the suspension is articulating. To solve this, BD provides sway bar end links that are 1-inch longer than stock. This added length repositions the sway bar to ensure it does not contact the larger tie rods during suspension travel. The end links also feature durable polyurethane bushings designed for superior articulation and a long service life, making this a complete solution for lifted and leveled trucks.

What specific parts are included in the box for the 1032160 kit?

The BD Steering Upgrade Kit is a comprehensive bolt-on solution that replaces all the major wear components of your truck's steering system. It includes a new centerlink, two tie rod assemblies, a pitman arm, an idler arm, and a pair of extended sway bar end links. — Each component is a significant upgrade over the factory part. The contents of the box include: — • Forged I-Beam Centerlink: Provides a 30% strength increase over the flexible stock unit. • Heavy-Duty Tie Rods: These are 1.5 times thicker than OEM and feature larger, more durable inner ball joints. • Greaseable Pitman Arm: A forged, 3-spline arm that allows for periodic servicing. • Greaseable Idler Arm: A new arm with a grease zerk to ensure a long service life. • Extended Sway Bar End Links: 1-inch longer than factory to accommodate the larger tie rods and work with leveling kits, complete with polyurethane bushings.

How difficult is the installation and what tools are required?

The installation is estimated to take approximately 4.5 hours for an experienced technician and requires several specialty tools. A professional wheel alignment is mandatory immediately following the installation. — While a skilled DIY mechanic can perform the installation, it is considered an advanced job. You will need a way to safely lift and support the front of the vehicle. Key tools required include: — • A heavy-duty pitman arm puller to remove the original arm from the steering gear. • A tie rod end separator (often called a 'pickle fork') or a ball joint press to separate the tapered studs from the steering knuckles and centerlink. • A quality torque wrench to tighten all critical fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications. • Basic hand tools and a tape measure for setting a preliminary toe-in measurement. • A grease gun to lubricate all the new serviceable joints upon completion. Because all steering linkage is being replaced, a full front-end alignment by a professional shop is not optional; it is required to ensure vehicle safety and prevent rapid tire wear.

Are the ball joints and other wear items in this kit serviceable?

Yes, a key feature of this upgrade kit is that all the primary wear points are fully serviceable. The pitman arm, idler arm, and all tie rod end ball joints are equipped with grease zerks for regular lubrication. — Unlike the sealed, non-serviceable components used from the factory, this BD Diesel kit allows you to extend the life of the steering system significantly with basic maintenance. The greaseable ball joints feature robust sintered bearings, which provide superior load-bearing capacity and a longer lifespan. By periodically using a grease gun to flush out old, contaminated grease and replace it with fresh lubricant (typically recommended at every oil change interval), you can prevent premature wear and maintain a tight, responsive steering feel for years. This is especially critical for trucks operating in harsh environments with exposure to dirt, mud, and road salt.