Mag-Hytec Interference with 3rd Gen Trackbar

[Matt42]

I installed a Mag-Hytec differential cover on my 1996 4x4. I had previously upgraded the truck to a third Gen track bar using a BD kit from Geno's. Well, the Mag-Hytec cover seems to interfere just a little with the upgraded front end parts. Test driving on pavement showed some scuffing of the cooling fins on the Mag-Hytec cover, but no cracking or breakage was evident. Once I saw the scuffing, I ground off the interfering fins first with a 4-1/2 inch flat grinder, then finishing with a Dremel.

The truck has been down for other matters. So I have not had the opportunity to give it a rough road & rough country test.

My question is this: Does the Mag-Hytec front cover break when it interferes with the third generation track bar upgrade?

Belt and suspenders comment: I plan to carry the old cover, sealer, and fluid on my first trip to really rough places. Is this necessary? Thanks to all!

 

[AEdelheit]

Just clearance the cover and you should be fine, Its hard to get different aftermarket parts to all work together and it sounds like you caught it early, just make sure it will clear with the suspension fully compressed.

 

[Matt42]

Just clearance the cover and you should be fine, Its hard to get different aftermarket parts to all work together and it sounds like you caught it early, just make sure it will clear with the suspension fully compressed.

Now I need to figure out how to compress the suspension without driving the truck hard. I'm thinking maybe a come-along or a ratchet strap. Other ideas?

And thanks.

 

[AEdelheit]

Now I need to figure out how to compress the suspension without driving the truck hard. I'm thinking maybe a come-along or a ratchet strap. Other ideas?

And thanks.

Only proper way to do it is to pull the coils then use a jack to lift up the able, but if you just look at the path of the track bar and where it will hit the cover throughout the suspension travel that should be good.

There is a massive amount of spring rate built up as you compress the suspension so I would be carful with straps or anything like that.

 

[Matt42]

Only proper way to do it is to pull the coils then use a jack to lift up the able, but if you just look at the path of the track bar and where it will hit the cover throughout the suspension travel that should be good.

There is a massive amount of spring rate built up as you compress the suspension so I would be carful with straps or anything like that.

Oh, yeaahh, for doggone sure. I've done coil spring work before. After my post, I gave it some more thought. Probably time to use the spring compressor. And if I don't actually remove the spring(s), then to use the safety chain. Thanks for the reminder. I have gone to this age with all my teeth, and I want to keep it that way.

 

[Topzide]

@Matt42, Safety, safety, right up till the "hold my beer moment"!

 

[bcbender]

I dont know about the 96, but on my 04 when on the lift and the front AAM axle at full drop, I could move the springs by hand, almost zero compression on them so would be easy to pull the shock and drop them out to do a suspension travel check with them removed.