2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Clunking From Track Bar: At The Axle/Rubber Grommet

[MacGreenie]

All,



I finally found the source of the clunking when I turn at low speed (predominantly to the left).



The lollypop end of the track bar where it conects to the axle on the passenger side is binding and giving way and transmitting a popping and shifting motion to the frame.



It is a new track bar (NAPA) with a new rubber grommet in the end of it.



I just put a Luke's Link on the track bar and all the tie rod ends so nothing is loose in the front end except this lollypop and bolt mounting.



Is there a better rubber bushing to put in there? Poly?



I also have a brand new PSC steering box, alignment, stabilizer, flaming river shaft and DSS... covered all the bases. Ball joints OK still at 95K.



Any ideas and can I replace that rubber grommet without any special tools?



Perhaps the sleeve inside of it is not fitting correctly?



The bolt holding the track bar at that end looks fine... don't see how that critter could wear out.



Thanks all... almost cured all the wander in the front end. This last bit of axle shift at the axle as the lollypop end moves around that tiny little bit should cure it all.



Lotta' money... but she sure drives sweet now.







MacGreenie

 

[DBentley]

When i ordered my lukes link he asked if i wanted the bushing and metal sleeve for the lower end so i told him to add it to the order. Looks to be a poly type material not rubber.

 

[JGK]

MacGreenie,



Lemme get this straight, you got a new track bar from NAPA and (immediately, more or less) replaced the ball joint with a Luke's Link? So much for the life time warranty!



While it would have been a bit of a pain, I'd have taken it back and told them to give me a new (correct) one.



Oh well. Sounds like DBently has the answer. Luke's Links are popular. Go with that fix.



(FWIW, I have the NAPA trackbar as well. But all is tight so far. )



Cheers!

-Jay

 

[tp0d]

I put the lukes link and the urethane bushing on my stock track bar. . works great so far, no more wander and no clunks. . Got it direct from the luke guy, but I`m sure one of the 4x4 suspension people would have it available. . I think it was 8$ from luke. . hmm. .



-j

 

[MTegtmeyer]

I just installed one of these.



http://solidsteel.biz/product_tbk.htm