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2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 3rd Gen Track Bar on 2001.5

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SnoKing

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Well, last Sunday evening I installed the Solidsteel mount and 3rd gen track bar. Yesterday I drove it to DTT in Canada and back for the trannies 500-1000 mile first check up. I now have a truck that drives like it should have in the beginning. I am very pleased with how straight it tracks on the highway. I had moved the steering wheel centering slightly to the right, but I need to take that back out. Got the track bar for 171. 50 via an auto repair shop and Rip provided the bracket to my door for 187. 00. Not a bad bomb considering that I should never have to do it again. Like someone else said, the steering now is very precise and the 3rd gen bar is one HD piece of hardware.



BTW, getting the drivers end of the old one off was a bear. I made a puller with a piece of heavy duty 2" angle iron slotted to slide in above the rubber boot and bolted that to a steering wheel puller. What finally made it come off, was hitting the puller with the end of a solid 2" trailer hitch insert that a buddy made for me many years ago. It weights about 15 lbs, and about the forteenth hit with it did the trick.



SNOKING
 
I am going on my third track bar in 55k. I am interested in changing out the ball joint design track bar. Where did you get the bracket you used for the 3rd gen track bar.
 
mszumilas said:
I am going on my third track bar in 55k. I am interested in changing out the ball joint design track bar. Where did you get the bracket you used for the 3rd gen track bar.





Got mine from Rip and Source Automotive. Here is the list of dealers.



http://www.solidsteel.biz/order.htm



SNOKING
 
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Jeff Knight said:
SnoKing, I'm doing mine tomorrow. Is there anything special I should look out for? How long did it take you? Thanks Jeff





What do you have for a puller to remove the drivers side? I did the whole thing with the truck on all fours in the garage. Wife turn the wheel without the motor running to connect the second end of the new bar. I then removed the drivers front tire to really tighten the 215lb nut. 1/2 flex bar with a pipe, that's about right, 215lbs for sure. Read about the puller I made above or get a puller like others have used and grind it to fit. Couple hours. :-{} I was talking to myself removing the ball join end. SNOKING
 
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everythime i have removed my stock track bar i just back the nut off to the threads are level with the nut than take a few hits on the nut with a brass hammer and it always pops off



ken
 
Thanks SNOKING, When I changed my track bar on my 95 it wasn't that difficult. I hit the mount where the track bar attaches and it popped out. I'm looking forward to my truck driving better. I'll let you know how it turns out. Jeff
 
The truck is done. It definitely steers better. I used an air chisel with a blunt end to drive the ball joint end out. I need to center up my steering wheel yet. I would highly recommend this bracket. It took about 3 hrs. Thank again for the help. Jeff
 
Jeff Knight said:
The truck is done. It definitely steers better. I used an air chisel with a blunt end to drive the ball joint end out. I need to center up my steering wheel yet. I would highly recommend this bracket. It took about 3 hrs. Thank again for the help. Jeff





Great, the clamps on the drag link will turn on the adjustment collar, so the nuts stay on the bottom facing the front of the truck. SNOKING
 
One turn on the collar was all it took to straighten the steering wheel. I also did an over center adjustment on the steering box while I was under the truck. Jeff
 
Its good to hear about the success of these things :) Im planing on ordering a DSS,03 track bar and bracket from Rip after i get my gauges . The new TDR issue 46 has a good write up on the track bar up grade with pictures. I can,t wait to feel the difference Oo.
 
We went for a drive of 70 miles on 4 lane highways today. My truck never handled this good when it was new. I need to learn how to drive it all over again. If you are thinking about it just do it. You won't be sorry. I also have the DSS on my truck. Jeff
 
Jeff Knight said:
We went for a drive of 70 miles on 4 lane highways today. My truck never handled this good when it was new. I need to learn how to drive it all over again. If you are thinking about it just do it. You won't be sorry. I also have the DSS on my truck. Jeff



Jeff that is how I am feeling. You just put pressure on the wheel now. You no longer steer the truck. Waiting to tow! I have to take my trailer in for service on the 14th, so will get to tow it 40 miles each way on the freeway.



SNOKING
 
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