2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Carli/Solidsteel 3rd Generation Trackbar Bracket

[AKington]

Hey guys, having some problems putting on this trackbar bracket on a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel 4x4. The middle bolt that comes from the top seems to be hitting the steering shaft, which puts it at an angle were it will not go through the bottom hole. I do not see any other way to get it through besides taking the steering shaft off and trying again to get the bolt through. Taking the steering shaft off is not normal is it? I did not want to grind on the bottom hole before asking for your help and opinions. Anyone that has installed this bracket please give me some tips.

 

[Bob4x4]

There is enough variation in the frames and sometimes the bracket that a die grinder and carbide burr will be needed to get that bolt in.

 

[bmoeller]

I had to egg that hole with a die grinder and deburring tool. Bolt was put up from the bottom, not the top.

The directions I got from DSS said that bolt may not be straight, but at a slight angle, like mine was.

 

[AKington]

Thanks for the replies. I had to grind the bottom hole, but I did get the trackbar installed. The only other problem was on top of the frame on that middle bolt. It had a 1/4 inch bend or notch where I could barely get the nut on the bottom, I had to mushroom the washer because I could not get to it to grind. I tried a long drift and a hammer but that frame metal would not budge. Test drove the truck and it helped my wobble a little. Instead of two things shaking it feels like one. I still don't know where that one is quite yet. I have a psc steering stabilizer on the way to help tighten everything up a little more. If the steering gear box is bad, and the steering shaft is bad, would it cause a violent wobble when braking? I have changed brake pads, calipers, rotors, drums(turned), shoes, tried different rims and tires, tie rods and trackbar. I will probably change the steering gear box and shaft when I install the psc steering stabilizer. The wobble definitely seems worse braking downhill than up. Any suggestions, questions, comments are welcome.

 

[Joe Mc]

How bout the stabilizer shock? The one that mounts on the diff and drag link, is it original?

 

[bmoeller]

Replacing the old brake fluid will help the braking performance more than one would think.

 

[Bob4x4]

Make sure all the control arm bushings are good

 

[AKington]

I have had two stabilizer shocks, neither fixed the wobble. I will replace the old brake fluid and the control arm bushings have seen better days. I will try both suggestions and give results. Since the shaking is worse going downhill wouldn't that mean it is something around the front end? I have read the article on buying the balanced drums from napa that made a huge difference, but thought it was something up front.