2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2nd generation track bar - another option

[JSellers]

I wanted to post a link here - don't know if anyone else may have seen this.....



Rare Parts is pleased to announce our heavy-duty adjustable track bar for Dodge trucks - RP28444 - Dodge at Off-Road.com



A friend of mine found this. He has just ordered a new track bar from Thuren Fabrication. I was about to do the same, but my friend found this piece by Rare Parts and thought I may be interested.



Has anyone used one of these yet? This is not to dis Don Thuren's part, because it's obvious his track bar is working well for lots of trucks. But, this one looks like it may provide better clearance for the differential cover.



My sole concern is the length adjustment - this threaded sleeve feature so near the frame end joint - could this be a potential weak spot?



Any opinions?

John

 

[HPetrat]

The latest issue of 4wheeler magazine has an article on the Dodge front end and the upgrades they have done on one of the test trucks, which includes this track bar up-grade from Rare Parts.



While it looks like a very stout upgrade, I personally feel that the best solution is the 3rd gen upgrade with the complete elimination of the ball joint altogether.



HP

 

[DSeamans]

If you're not going to 3rd gen upgrade, MOOG has a replacement that has a much larger ball stud. It isn't adjustable. I have had one in for quite a while with no problems.



Dave

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

If you're not going to 3rd gen upgrade, MOOG has a replacement that has a much larger ball stud. It isn't adjustable. I have had one in for quite a while with no problems.



Dave

how much did that cost???

 

[willyslover]

would love the part # also . . looking at options to accompany the third gen steering upgrade I did and end up 100% new in the steering set up

 

[JSellers]

The latest TDR magazine has mention of this track bar from Rare Parts.



I'm still hoping to read some reviews of performance/durability - has anyone put some mileage on one of these bars?



Thanks,

John

 

[DSeamans]

I believe MOOGs part# is DS1413 and the current cost from my local parts store is $172. 00. I've had one on for at least 50 K if not closer to 75K miles and it is still like new. If you look at factory part beside this it looks almost twice as big.

Dave

 

[Bob4x4]

Just do the 3rd gen upgrade and be done with it. I have it on my 94 that has had a pretty rough life,and it is still going strong.



Bob

 

[JSellers]

Just do the 3rd gen upgrade and be done with it.

Hi Bob,



I did the 3rd-gen bracket mod a few years ago, but was not happy with fit of the bracket to my frame. Other issues with my front end (typical?) gave me a bit of "masking effect" for the track bar fix, and eventually I removed the 3rd-gen bracket and replaced it with an OEM track bar. Now this bar needs replacement - I can feel the wear as my truck wanders through slope changes in the road surface.



I'm hesitant to put the 3rd-gen bracket back on the truck for a couple reasons. The bracket fit to frame is one, and the bolt-to-bushing slop in both ends of the 3rd generation bar is another. I feel like this would introduce as much play into the front end as the OEM setup. I'm considering trying either Don Thuren's bar, or this new bar design by Rare Parts. Thuren's ball joint supposedly has clearance issue with the front differential, but my springs may eliminate this concern.



HPetrat mentioned the build up in 4-wheeler magazine - I might try to find that publication issue and read what they have to say.



Thanks,

John

 

[Arctic Taco]

Just ordered one, so We'll see, next stop drag link ends and hopefully I can retire the border collies...

 

[robbiesworld]

One of the BEST things I have done to my truck is install a 3rd gen. track bar and bracket. I agree the fit to the frame isnt the best but you have to keep in mind you are bolting a nice bracket to a crappy frame.



There is simply too much force on those ball joints in the OEM style track bars. Even the aftermarket ones with heim joints wear out.



I'm just guessing Dodge went to a non ball joint track bar for a reason.

 

[RLHannink]

I've had a Rare Parts track bar on my 97 for over a year, and put about 40K total miles on it. Was really easy to put in. The lower bushing joint went out (got loose) at 15K, but their replacement poly Moog part solved that. The ball joint upper end has a little play now, but it's replaceable so a replacement should be no problem. It's lived a hard life so far, about 10K offroad miles and 285/75-16's (a few sets of different mud terrains), so I'd say it's a pretty good replacement, especially since it goes in so easy.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have the Carli adjustable trac bar on both my 2nd and 3rd gen trucks. Designed to take on whatever you throw at it. Baja tested!