'97 Track Bar Conversion Questions

[PToombs]

I know track bar conversions have been well covered, but I have been looking for 30-40 minutes and haven't seen what I was looking for. What is the better way to go for ends, the poly bushing, or the heim joint type ball end? I have a Lukes Link on my track bar now but it is about whipped. I've adjusted it several times, but since I live where the State policy is to put down as much salt as snow that fell, it's a several hour process to clean, heat, disassemble, clean, lube and reinstall and adjust the link. I can get the Spohn conversion for about $380 but it has the ball ends and I don't know how well they will hold up.
I was also looking at just getting a conversion bracket from someone like Synergy, and getting a used 3rd gen bar from a junkyard and putting new bushings in it. Then I got wondering, will the bracket work with a regular bar, or is it designed to only fit their conversion track bar?
I want to get the best bang for my bucks as I don't have a lot available at this time but it needs to be done. The truck has a leveling kit, DSS bracket, and the Link on the trackbar. The summer tires aren't huge, 265/70-17's, and the winter tires are 235/85-16's, which end up being the same height.

 

[Joe Mc]

MHO = get the 3rd gen conversion kit with "adjustable" trackbar. Might be a bit of an expense versus cobbling up something yourself, but the kits are complete, well made and install fairly easily. On the adjustable trackbar: allows centering front axel correctly.

 

[VolsFan]

I had the spohn bar on my old truck, it was ok. I got one now from Cumminsperformanceparts, CPP.com had it for handful of years and love it, easy install and no drilling. Beefier than the spohn and $399. Its adjustable so can center the axle up too after the level kithttp://cppdiesel.com/cpp-adjustable-track-bar-with-bracket-3g-style-fits-94-02-dodge-ram/

 

[PToombs]

Thanks VolsFan, that looks like a beefy unit for a reasonable price. I was having a hard time justifying $500 or so for a bracket, bolts, and a track bar when I know I can get a bracket for less then $200, and a 3rd gen trackbar in the junkyard for $30-40.

Has the heim joint end held up ok? I read they don't seem to last good and hate to have to replace it in a few years. Thanks for the help!

 

[VolsFan]

Yes heim joint is fine. I don't put many miles on the truck a year, in nearly five years maybe 40k. That bar was one of the first things I put on as the front end needed a lot when I got it. It still looks like new. I was gonna go the bracket and stock bar route too but then wouldn't be able to adjust axle after leveling which kicked back axle 3/4" on passenger side as I recall.

 

[Joe Mc]

Checked out the CPP tBar kit. It looks like a nice kit for the price. However, I’m not convinced on the helm joint deal attaching to the diff, but that’s just me. BTW: the product description reads = in bold text this kit will only work on trucks with up to a 3” lift. So, does that mean it won’t with a stock setup or leveling spacers? I’d call them and ask before ordering. JMHO

 

[VolsFan]

Worked on mine with leveling kit

 

[PToombs]

It's adjustable, so it will adjust for stock up to a 3" lift or leveling kit. A bigger lift and you need a different bar. The PO of my truck put in the leveling kit which is about 3 inches, and when I bought it he gave me the adapter plate which moves the axle end of the track bar about an inch to compensate for the lift.