2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Axle alignment issues after spring install

[Deezal Man]

Just finished installing the Kore Recon system w/control arms. Looks great, unfortunately the factory track bar in combination with the new leveling springs have shifted my axle to the driver's side. I'm guessing between 1/2" - 3/4" in comparison to the passenger side. I realize, by nature of its design, the axle will shift to the passenger side as the springs compress and the track bar travels through its stroke. Considering how bad my factory springs were, I suppose I didn't notice it gradually favoring the passenger side over time. In any event the bottom line, is an adjustable track bar a requirement for leveling springs (Kore system) ? Its going in for an alignment in a week or so, I'd like to have everything taken care of by then.



MLS

 

[y-knot]

As in any lift system (change in ride height) , the track bar is affected. The further you go up the more it pulls the front axle to the drivers side. This like you stated is a function of pure physics, the track bar is permanently attached to the frame on the drivers side and as the height changes the axle is shifted. The only plausible solution is to replace it with an adjustable one so the front axle can once again be positioned in the center of the truck. many lift there trucks and think screw the track bar, but what they fail to realize, is it also drastically alters the front drive shaft angle, and the result is a thrown front drive shaft or worn transfer case, or both.

 

[foolkiller]

sounds like a good time to upgrade to an 03 adjustable track bar. i did it on my 99 and loved it. do a search you'll find a ton of info on this EASY mod. i reccomend the DSS unit if you're going to run tires bigger than 285's as well.



jeff

 

[GOT-Torque]

Yes an adjustable trackbar is required unless you want to live with horrible bumpsteer. I went with a DTprofab adjustable trackbar and bracket, excellent quality and service.

 

[AFoulk]

is an adjustable track bar really necessary with a 2" leveling kit?

 

[GOT-Torque]

I seemed to think it was, it has been awhile since I researched it and put it all on though. I do know that if it isn't required, your factory track bar is probably worn out and needing replaced anyways. So why not go with a better design that has rebuildable ends?

 

[JSellers]

is an adjustable track bar really necessary with a 2" leveling kit?

No, it's not necessary with such a small change in ride height. The axle moves slightly sideways throughout the entire range of suspension travel.



Realize too, that if you do change track bar length, it affects horizontal side-to-side location of the axle through the whole range of travel. Better to check consequences of lengthening the track bar for all extremes of the movement.



Also, changing the track bar length does not cause bump steer. Bump steer is caused by changing the height of the track bar end links, without making correlating change in the steering drag link heights. (think - track bar angle and rotation must match angle/rotation of the drag link from the pitman arm.



Hope this helps,

John

 

[AFoulk]

I only ask cause I ordered a solidsteel track bar conversion kit and I'm trying to decide between a stock style 3rd. gen. bar and an adjustable one. I'm having trouble justifying paying that much more for an adjustable bar if I don't really need it. other than the leveling kit, I have no plans on lifting the truck.

 

[Deezal Man]

And the plot thickens

Let me also say this. I did buy a DSS adjustable track bar with the 3rd gen upgrade bracket for all the reasons why I should. . mentioned above. I do however find it difficult to believe the frames on our trucks vary as much as the bracket would lead me to believe, based on the poor alignment of the mounting holes. I'm not impressed with the overall workmanship of the track bar bracket which is why I chose to re-install the factory bracket until I come to some kind of conclusion. Never the less, a good point was mentioned. If I center the axle in a resting position, where's it going when the springs compress and the track bar travels through it's stroke. (rhetorical question). I was hoping others who installed the Kore Recon system would be able to shed some light on what they did or experienced. I can't imagine everyone updated their track bar.

 

[Desert Proven]

It is not required to change the track bar. The Dodge front axle moves up and down as well as side to side while moving through it's travel cycle. An adjustable track bar will help to center your axle in a stationary position.



Factory Track bars wear out and many people replace them when upgrading their suspension because they are worn AND because you can recenter your axle.



A new Track bar, especially a good one, will give you better steering precision and will also last longer than the factory one.

 

[PRattenbury]

I had this very discussion with Kore a couple years ago. Their contention was yes, the axle does shift to the left with additional ride height. But it does not adversely affect the way your truck will drive or wear anything out prematurely. Believe me, I was genuinely concerned, bet they and my front end guy put my mind at ease. It isn't necessary, but would be a good idea to replace it with an adjustable one when whatever was in the truck wears out, as mentioned above. The track bar will be a beast to get back in when you put the front end back together. I had to pull the axle to the left with a come-a-long to get 'er done.

 

[jkalchik]

Here's a trick for getting a new track bar in. Yes, this does take 2 people. Start the truck, and use the power steering to move the truck over the axle a bit.