Aftermarket Track Bar Upgrade Options

[Hollywud]

Guess what?!?... my track bar is in need of replacement... surprise, surprise!



I don't want to replace a weak link with another weak link so, what options exist to eliminate the problem? Here's what I've found to date (am leaning towards the DT unit):



DT Products, INC - http://www.dtprofab.com/dodge.htm/



Luke's Link - http://www.lukeslink.com/trackbar.html/



Thanks!



jon

 

[RO'neal]

DT... definitely. It's a little expensive but compared to the alternatives you can't go wrong. It's $330 shipped to your door and you'll never have worry about it again.

 

[Dane]

Jon,

You don't have a signature so I don't know about your truck. If you have a 4x4 the DT is best imo because it's adjustable for recentering the axle if you change to taller front springs, which many of us can tell you will make the truck ride alot better. It also allows for bigger tires to fit without rubbing. All of them will need service sooner or later. The stocker being the hardest to R&R.

 

[Chipstien]

There is another option but am not sure os the name. Steve St. Laurent uses one, maybe he'll pipe in.

 

[CRSmith]

Doesn't Moog make a track bar too?

 

[Hohn]

Luke's link

Seems to me that the LL would be a cheaper more permanent fix if you aren't going to lift the truck.





Here's something I haven't read at all on the TDR: Has anyone used the Lukes Link anywhere ELSE OTHER than the track bar? How about on the tie rod ends and pitman arm ends?



It would seem to me that if you could get the play out of all the joint in the steering system, then you would see a vast improvement.





HOHN

 

[Hollywud]

Thanks!

The TDR Greenhorn is back... I added an auto-signature. Having recently joined the group, I haven't yet figured out how to tune all the list knobs.



Thanks for all the advice. I've made the decision to invest in a DT track bar. #1... adjustably for my future lift is enough reason. Not to mention having a straigt bar vs. bent and spherical rod ends (will definitely handle a larger load..... unless of course, the drop bracket(s) don't become the weak link).



Luke's Link seems like a band-aid approach and it doesn't provide adjustably. I too would be curious however, to know if anyone has had success on tie-rod ends/pitman arm. If Moog does offer a replacement track bar, I'm sure it does offer higher quality compared to OEM... . just don't think it will come lose to the strength of DT's product.

 

[24V-DSL]

Jon... .



don't wanna butt in here, but if you ever want the cool Mag-hytec dana 60 cover, I think the DT bar won't work/fit unless you have ~4. 5" lift or more.



Just a heads-up. If this has any meaning for you, suggest you verify for sure.

 

[Idaho CTD]

Re: Luke's link

Originally posted by Hohn

Here's something I haven't read at all on the TDR: Has anyone used the Lukes Link anywhere ELSE OTHER than the track bar? How about on the tie rod ends and pitman arm ends?



It would seem to me that if you could get the play out of all the joint in the steering system, then you would see a vast improvement.





HOHN

It's funny that you mention this because I just finished the whole front end on my second truck today. The first truck I did has a loose/worn steering box so it tends to wander a bit. The second truck only has 8k miles and is so much better now it's unbelievable. I would definately recomend doing the whole front end even if you use a different trac bar.

 

[Dreher]

Re: Luke's link

Originally posted by Hohn

Seems to me that the LL would be a cheaper more permanent fix if you aren't going to lift the truck.





Here's something I haven't read at all on the TDR: Has anyone used the Lukes Link anywhere ELSE OTHER than the track bar? How about on the tie rod ends and pitman arm ends?



It would seem to me that if you could get the play out of all the joint in the steering system, then you would see a vast improvement.





HOHN

I replaced all five of the factory joints on my 96 4x4 with Luke's Links at about 130k. I've only put about 5000 miles on it since, but it still steers. The steering is a little tighter than before. There were no problems with installation or fit except for the usual grinding so the track bar joint would clear the diff cover.



Bob

 

[Hollywud]

Gotcha!

24V-DSL,



Thanks for the tip. I am currently working out my suspension lift options so, I don't think I'll have an interference problem between DT & Mag-Tech... . see my other post: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=587403#post587403



Also, I'm going to throw the track bar on right away and later this summer will work on the lift. Everything is stock right now (except for my BFG's).

 

[rjones]

Originally posted by reduaram

Doesn't Moog make a track bar too?

DS1413 is the moog number... .

 

[KWIKKURT]

Re: Re: Luke's link

Originally posted by Dreher

I replaced all five of the factory joints on my 96 4x4 with Luke's Links at about 130k. I've only put about 5000 miles on it since, but it still steers. The steering is a little tighter than before. There were no problems with installation or fit except for the usual grinding so the track bar joint would clear the diff cover.



Bob

FYI... Lukes's link has shortened the joint kit slightly to help elimate the rubbing on some trucks.



They are extremely Strong and IMHO a Rebuilt oem trackBar Rebuilt with a Lukes Link kit including the Stronger Bushing for the other end is better than even a NEw Moog. And Much less expensive... Kurt