2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Checking the trac bar

[grtescpa]

Ok you guys from the front end shops, here is an easy question:

With all the worn out trac bars I have read about I decided to check mine which was replaced 30 k ago. I had the wife move the steering wheel back and forth while I was under the truck. I notice up and down movement of the ball joint but not side to side play. Is this normal or do I need to order lukes links??

 

[Rob Thomas]

The up and down movement is not normal and should be fixed/replaced.



Later, Rob

 

[lmills]

Hey guys, which is the trackbar? And how often do they typically need fixed? Is this an issue on all the years?

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by lmills

Hey guys, which is the trackbar? And how often do they typically need fixed? Is this an issue on all the years?

It's the bar that goes from the top of the axle (passenger side bushing), to the frame on the drivers side ( ball joint, near the cross member). It keeps the axle from side to side movement. They seem to go south anywhere from 25,000 to 40,000 miles, and yes, on your truck to. You can do a search and find loads of information, on fixes, and replacements.



Later, Rob

 

[lmills]

Thanks I will check that out. The truck has 65,000 and I never knew to check it. :--)

 

[csevers]

84000 on the truck

And I have not put a trac bar on mine yet! but that might be part of the wandering feeling I have grown so acustom to



Craig

 

[24vcummins]

Symptoms

What are some of the symptoms of a bad track bar? Wandering? Any noises?

 

[csevers]

yes wandering is one

of the problems also death wobble is the other Mine truck has wandered since day one I got used to it but it wanders alot now with 84k on it to the point that you need to think about turning the corner 1/4 mile early if at hwy speeds seriously it does wander alot but have not had the death wobble like other years of trucks I have had (that is very scary) I broke down and baught a MOOG trac bar today and installed it maid a little difference on my truck may do more for others trucks. I am not sure for my style driving that it will make a big difference?



Craig

 

[grtescpa]

Thankyou

Thanks for the info. Thats on my important to do list for next week.

 

[tcourse]

Moog track bar

I paid about $132 for the Moog at rockauto.com.

Install about 2 week ago. Big difference. I should have done 20k earlier(could have save $ on skivvies)



TC

 

[Joe G.]

The Green Monster has 210K miles on it. No problems so far with the track bar. Original equipment. I put a dial indicator on it once in a while to check for any slack. Still nice and tight. No funny driving symptoms that might be caused by it. In fact, the only front end problem I've had has been a bad axle U-joint on the passenger's side. All the zerks get a shot of grease every oil change.

 

[Cobra]

track bar

Joe G.



You are luck that your truck has zerks. My 01 has no grease fittings on the front end. So far no problems with the front end yet with 20 k miles.

 

[illflem]

Cobra, look harder, I think you will find three.

 

[Cowboy Medic]

Just this last week my truck has started to feel like it wants to shift side to side while I am driving down the road. kinda like a very small turn of the wheel, except that I am hold the wheel still. Is the trac bar the culprit?

 

[lmills]

Originally posted by illflem

Cobra, look harder, I think you will find three.

I don't know. I have had my truck on the lift numerous times doing my oil changes and I have never been able to find any zerk fittings. I will look harder next time, maybe I am missing something

 

[KL]

lmills, I don't know if you have a 2X4 or a 4X4. I know that the 4X4 has 3 Zerks, but I don't know about the 2X4. My 2002 4X4 has 3 Zerks. If your vehicle is on a lift you can only see one of them from below. The other 2 can only be seen from above. On a 4X4, look at the outer ends of the axle near the knuckle. They are just behind the brake - (just look over and behind the wheel, or you can see them easiest if the wheel is off when the tires are rotated). Hope this helps. KL

 

[jmtandem]

grease fittings

My '01 4x4 has three, one on the track bar frame end (drivers side) and a fitting on top of each ball joint on the ends. They are easy to find.

 

[jbrowne]

tracking bar

I had a tracking problem with my 96 RAM 2500. I saw the add in TDR about Lukes Link. I have to tell you that this is the easiest and least expensive fix for tracking. I had never done one before and by just following the simple instructions I was able to get the job done in about 45 minutes. I was really supprised at how chinsy the helical spring from factory was. It sure seems that they could have dreamed up something a lot better. Now if I have a problem with tracking, it will be a simple matter to remove one cotter key and retaining screw and replace the urithane spring. All the parts can be ordered separetly. Good luck on your tracking bar. jbrowne

 

[jmtandem]

track bar, etc.

Anybody know whether the '03's front end is substantially stronger?

 

[KWIKKURT]

After installing and driving with a Luke's link I was so impressed I have become a Luke's Link Dealer. In my opinon a Used Bar rebuilt with a Luke's link is even better than a Brand new Bar. You have to remeber that sitting still and moving the steering wheel back and forth is nothing compared to the forces placed on our front suspensions when we are cruising at 75 Mph + on and off road... Kurt