2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Track Bar Question

[KBrennan]

I have 150K on a 99 2500 4X4 with the original track bar and steering system and I think the track bar is starting to go out. I have noticed a bit of a wobbling feel (nothing severe but noticeable) on the free way at 60+mph but the steering for the most part tracks a straight line when I let go of the wheel. I don't race, mud, drag pull or do sever off road. It is my daily driver that also pulls my boat and 12K fifth wheel and of course the stock lasted 150K. I have looked at a lot of aftermarket track bars and the Luke Link repair kit and I would like to know how well these have worked for other. I also looked at NAPA and Auto Zone parts. Both come with a lifetime warranty and are nationwide. So my question is has anyone used the Auto Zone or NAPA track bars and how well did they do for you? A bit more info on the truck; I just added a Buckstop bumper and 10K winch and will be installing Skyjacker coil springs that give two inches of lift (This is to make up for the 1. 25" drop from the new bumper) and the BD steering box stabilizer. It does have a bit of slop in the steering when going down the road and changing lanes. Tire wear seems normal.



I have received great advice here and I thank everyone for their inputs for my various questions.

 

[Joe Mc]

I have a like new MOOG from my 99 if you are interested I could pass along to you for the cost of shipping - PM me address etc if you are interested and I'll get back to you w/shipping cost.

The reason I have it is because I got tired of changing the lifetime units (no cost to replace the part, just tired of the part swap) which lasted fairly well, but with my 305s the track-bar didn't last more than 30k. I switched over to the 3rd gen style so I no longer needed to retain the stock type 2nd gen.

This one has about 4k on it and should last you.

I noticed you are going w/2" spacers to lift front end. All the info I have, and after installing spacers on mine and my buddies truck, requires adjustable track-bar to "re-center" the front diff. Although you may not have to since you noticed the 1 1/2" drop after the new front bumper.

Let me know via PM if you want the track-bar.

 

[KYOUNG]

I still run a MOOG after installing Kore suspension, no problems, you can buy it at Oreillys.

 

[KBrennan]

I have a like new MOOG from my 99 if you are interested I could pass along to you for the cost of shipping - PM me address etc if you are interested and I'll get back to you w/shipping cost.



The reason I have it is because I got tired of changing the lifetime units (no cost to replace the part, just tired of the part swap) which lasted fairly well, but with my 305s the track-bar didn't last more than 30k. I switched over to the 3rd gen style so I no longer needed to retain the stock type 2nd gen.



This one has about 4k on it and should last you.



I noticed you are going w/2" spacers to lift front end. All the info I have, and after installing spacers on mine and my buddies truck, requires adjustable track-bar to "re-center" the front diff. Although you may not have to since you noticed the 1 1/2" drop after the new front bumper.



Let me know via PM if you want the track-bar.

How do I messure to see if it has shifted to the point it needs the adjustable track bar?

 

[guldam]

I'm looking for a track bar also. Am wondering if anyone has used this one from Napa:

#ad


Track Bar - Front Susp - Adjustable
Product Line: Rare Parts Chassis
Part Number: RPC 28444
Price:
Price
Unit
:
:
354. 00
Each
Features & Benefits Special Rare Parts Design; Heavy Duty & Adjustable; 47% Increase In Wear Surface; 13. 36 Degrees More Stud Swing Than OE; 1. 25" OD Ball Stud With Dual Grease Grooves Vs. 1" Without Grease Grooves; 5 X Bigger Billet Housing; Steel Internal Components Instead of Plastic; Twice as Strong as OE
Warranty Warranty PDF
Attributes Contents : 1. Track Bar, 1. 5/8X18 Hext Nut, 1. 1/8 X 1. 5 Cotter Pin, Instruction Sheet
Material Safety Data Sheet There is no MSDS for this item
Application Information: 1997 Dodge Truck Ram 2500 3/4 Ton - Pickup
Drive Trains : Four Wheel Drive
Per Car Qty: 1

 

[Missouri Mule]

To check out the track bar have some rock the wheel(steering back and forth while you looking at where the track bar is attached to the frame if it pulls away the track bar is bad.



I went with a Thuren track seems to be working fine but has no warranty.



www.thurenfabrications.com

 

[DIESELWRKS]

have used both the DSS can check it out at.

Steering and Suspension Upgrades: Source Automotive Performance Diesel



and currently run the DT pro-fab due to the lifted truck.

DTP02000HD 94-2002 for STOCK TO 4" LIFT



bushings or joints on both are rebuidable

 

[Arctic Taco]

I put a Rare parts Track bar on and I am pretty happy so far although i am also figuring to put adjustable control arms on later this year to finish up the job before I get it all aligned. But everything is feeling pretty good as far as handling around 5k miles since the front end rebuild.
Cheers

 

[Joe Mc]

How do I messure to see if it has shifted to the point it needs the adjustable track bar?

I'm sure there's a more accurate way to check if the diff is centered than the way I'm about to explain (like take to an alignment shop). But, shade-tree ingenuity being what it is, here goes.



Before you install the spacers tie a small nut to a string and tape to the center of each wheel opening. Let the nut drape over the side wall of the tire if the tires are slender. If the tires are wide let the nut dangle on top of the tread. Mace certain the wheels are squarely straight. Observe the distance from where the nut lands on each tire. Is it equal or one side is different than the other side? Make note. Install the spacers and recheck. Typically when you use a stock trackbar and install spacers the diff will shift left (towards the drivers side).



If you've already installed the spacers use the same shade-tree measuring device and you can see if it's sitting more to one side than the other.

 

[KBrennan]

I thought of another way. I messured from the axel shock mount on the passanger side to the center of a small hole on the cross member. It was 15" and if the new messure is the same after the springs are in then I think it would be safe to say there was not much movement. does this sound logical?

 

[Joe Mc]

That would let you know if it moved, but not if its centered on the body. It should be centered on the frame actually.

 

[DieselPuter]

I have a little over 370,000 ,miles on my Thuren trackbar, I had to replace the johnny joint at about 300,000. I sourced it locally and I think it was 15 bucks. The Thuren is pricey but it will be the last track bar that you ever need... ... .

 

[JMcCoy]

I went with the adjustable, 3rd gen upgrade. IT IS AWESOME!!!! If you ever change lifts, because you are unhappy how the bumper/winch combo left your truck, you already have the track bar covered. It is more involved to install than the Thuren, but it is rock solid.



I ran the Lukes link for years. It worked well for years, but eventually wouldn't hold tight anymore. I still have luke's links on all my other joints except my steering arm. It had to be changed out because it interfered with my 3rd gen adapter bracket. A drop steering arm would also have worked. I really like the Luke's links for a the other joints. I feel any ball joint type track bar is going to be weaker than the through bolt design of the 3rd gen bar. It is a failier of a design that can be eliminated. Anything else is just a band aid. Just my opinion. Good luck

 

[DConrad]

Who makes the kit for the adjustable 3rd gen upgrade? BD Diesel? Can you get the adapter bracket from them too or does that come from the guys in Canada?

 

[JCyrbok]

Who makes the kit for the adjustable 3rd gen upgrade? BD Diesel? Can you get the adapter bracket from them too or does that come from the guys in Canada?

not sure who is making them these days, might still be Soild Steel Ind, but I got my 3rd gen track bar, bracket and DSS from Rip at Source Auto.



J-

 

[JMcCoy]

BD's track bar adapter bracket has more fasteners than the other kits. Also has more holes to drill that are probably overkill. I have the adjustable track bar. It is a very high quality kit. The others are probably just as good. You'll be mad at yourself for not doing it sooner. Good luck

 

[KBrennan]

Who makes the kit for the adjustable 3rd gen upgrade? BD Diesel? Can you get the adapter bracket from them too or does that come from the guys in Canada?

I just had the BD installed on mine and it is great. Solid Steel has it as well.