2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission dss 2nd gen trac bar to a 3rd gen truck

[DIESELWRKS]

I posted in 3rd gen and didnt get response does anyone know if a 2nd gen DSS adj trac bar will fit on a 3rd gen truck if you bought the 3rd gen bracket. are they the same size?



thanks



2002 HO 6-SPD LB 4X4 QC HTT 62/14 SB-DD3600 TST PM3/*REVO-BETA*SMARTY MACH 4'S, RINGED AND STUDS, AFE/2 " FTE 6" STACK D/PRICOL GAUGES, FASS 150, VULCAN 1/2 DRAW-STRAW, 3/8 FUEL LINE, DSS-BOX DT PRO-FAB TRAC BAR, CONV-T STYLE STEERING,DUNKS TRACTION BARS, AIR BAGS,17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 37" TOYO MT'S 6" RCD LONG ARM LIFT. ... THANKS RIP Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Offline

 

[Joe Mc]

If I understand your question - you want to put a 2nd gen trackbar on a 3rd gen truck?

If this is the case, I don't understand why you would want to use an inferior designed component in place of a better designed one. Most of us 2nd gen guys are replacing the trackbarrs on our trucks with the 3rd gen style. Of course to do so you need the adapter to convert from 2nd gen to 3rd.

If you are trying to switch back in time (if you will) I'd think you'd need a bracket to convert from 3rd gen to 2nd gen - to my knowledge no such bracket exists.

If the reason you wish to convert is to have the adjustability / be able to center your front end then it would probably be best to purchase the adjustable 3rd gen trackbar.

Sorry if my $0. 02 didn't help, but it seems odd to want to do such a conversion?

 

[DIESELWRKS]

my 02 is good I had the dss on it I lifted my truck to much to use it. so I put on dt pro-fabs adjustable trac bar. my dss adj trac bar that I do not use anymore. a friend that has a 3rd gen. I am trying to find out if the trac bar I took off if it will work on a 3rd gen for upgrade if all it takes is a newer upper bracket for the 3rd gen. hope that makes sense.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I guess when you look at the DSS 2nd gen and 3rd gen adj trac bars they look the same I just dont know if they are the same size etc. etc.

 

[Joe Mc]

OK. 2nd gentrack bar is not the same as 3rd gen. 2nd gen "stock style" trackbar will not fit on a 3rd gen. There is, to my knowledge, no bracket available to convert a 3rd gen truck to accept the 2nd gen "stock style" trackbar.

2nd gen "stock style" trackbar has a donut end that "thru" bolts to the axle, and a ball joint type end that slides into the tab on the left frame and is secured by a nut. This "ball joint end" is the weak link. And why so many of us 2nd gen owners have converted to the 3rd gen style trackbar.

Unless I'm confused - the 3rd gen "stock style" trackbar has donut ends on both sides that thru bolt to both the axle and the frame side.

To use a 3rd gen style track bar on a 2nd gen truck an adapter plate is needed to convert the frame trackbar receiving area to accept the donut style 3rd gen trackbar end.

Now, if what you are presently trying to find out is: will a 3rd gen trackbar that was previously used on a 2nd gen (frame adapter plate used on the 2nd gen) work on a 3rd gen truck. The answer is: if this trackbar has a donut on both ends it "should" work on the 3rd gen truck.

If you are trying to use a "stock style" 2nd gen trackbar (be it adjustable or not) on a 3rd gen truck it will "not" bolt up. There is no way to slide the ball joint end on the 2nd gen trackbar into the frame side of a 3rd gen truck.

I hope this helps.

A suggestion: you have a 2nd gen style trackbar that is adjustable, place it in the classifieds on the TDR you may be able to sell it to help off-set the price of purchasing an adjustable 3rd gen trackbar for the 3rd gen truck, which you are trying to install an adjustable 2nd gen trackbar onto.

 

[Hammer]

Joe...

I think he is a bit confused with what he means here. First is he talking about the DSS brace(Darrins Steering Stabilizer) or is he talking about the SS(Solid Steel)3rd gen trac bar upgrade for the 2nd gen trucks?.



If he is talking about the DSS Brace off of a 2nd Gen,it will not fit on a 3rd gen as they are different and he will need one for that year truck.



Now if he is talking about the SS Adjustable Trac Bar for the 3rd gen Conversion Kit and using it on a 3rd Gen truck,then it should be a direct fit and all he may need to do is set the length. He should not need any added bracketry at all... ... ..... Andy

 

[DIESELWRKS]

man I think I need a beer and a word coach. sorry for the confusion on this. I did have DSS adjustable trac bar kit on my 2002 truck. this was the adj bar and bracket. when my truck was lifted beyond the use of the DSS adjustability. I bought the dt pro-fabs version adj trac bar. so this left me with a good condition DSS adju trac bar. I know the bracket will not work on any other truck but a 2nd gen. what I was trying to find out is will the DSS trac bar that I did have and cannot use anymore. will it fit on a 3rd gen truck. that was it. a friend has a 3rd gen and wanted it. if I cant I'm selling it cheap on classifieds. hope this is clearer than the last attempts. if not? my head hurts:-laf thanks for the help and kindness of attempting to help the apparent confused handicapped story teller.

 

[Joe Mc]

Andy, I hear ya - sometimes getting the words out that you mean is a struggle.

No worries DIESELWRKS, I can relate. :-laf :-laf We'll figure it out, that's what make the TDR a great place. No matter what you call that "chrome muffler bearing" sooner or later it gets figured out.

If you have an adjustable 3rd gen trackbar (donut on each end) like this one: Solid Steel. biz

that came off of your 2nd gen truck which was converted to the 3rd gen trackbar set up by use of a bracket it should work on the 3rd gen truck.

If you have an adjustable 2nd gen style trackbar (donut on one end/balljoint on the other end) it won't work on a 3rd gen truck.

Best bet is to compare to what's on your friend's truck now. If he's far away have him email you a snapshot of what's on his truck.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

nope its the adjustable with donut on both ends so it should work. just would need the 3rd gen bracket for it.

 

[Joe Mc]

nope its the adjustable with donut on both ends so it should work. just would need the 3rd gen bracket for it.

:{ :{ If it has donuts on both ends it "is" a 3rd gen trackbar.



If you are installing it on a 3rd gen truck . . . "Bracket, what bracket? We don't need no stinking bracket".

:-laf

 

[DIESELWRKS]

okay no bracket good this weekend I will have time to pull the old farts 3rd gen in and lookie. thanks again. for not busting my chops to much.

 

[Joe Mc]

Well now that we're at a point where you can get started to see if it actually works we'll start busting "BING, BAM, BOOM!!!"

S'all Gud Mon Let us know how things work out for ya.

 

[Rip Rook]

Solid Steel Industrial has 2 different adjustable tracks bars. 1 for the 2nd gen which requires the conversion bracket. The other for the 3rd gen with no bracket required. The 3rd gen bar has an additional bend in it compared to the 2nd gen design. Will the 2nd gen bar fit the 3rd gen ? Dunno as we've never tried. Will be curious to hear your results.....

 

[Joe Mc]

Rip - good point, didn't realize there could be a difference between the 3rd gen style for a 2nd gen and a stock to adj for the 3rd gen. I'm really interested to see if the style he has (2nd gen to 3rd gen - for a 2nd gen truck) will bolt up to the 3rd gen truck. Possibly an issue with contacting the diff cover since the 2nd gens are Dana 60 and 3rd gen diffs are another manufacturer (I think AFF or AAF).

Hey DIESELWRKS, How'd you make out?

 

[DIESELWRKS]

well I called bill at source after all of this and he said dont try it. my friend the old fart that has a 3rd gen is a vet and is gone right now hunting in alaska when he returns I'm giving him rips card to call him. I will probley just put mine up for sale. thanks for the help on this long thread. happy holidays to all.

 

[tstephens]

Dieselwrks,

Hi, did you ever sell that used adjustable track bar? I am in the market for one. Thanks

 

[DIESELWRKS]

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