2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front axle trac bar

[stevegeorge]

I have a 99 4x4 with CTD, auto, would like to know where to get a STEEL front axle trac bar, and also how much trouble it is to replace it myself.

 

[CWeidenkeller]

Since nobody else is throwing you a bone... ... try http://www.rockauto.com/ . Lists at 136 and change for a Moog replacement track bar.



Try looking into DT or Skyjacker. I'm ordering an adjustable track bar from Skyjacker for about $200. I believe the Skyjacker only works with a suspension lift, I'm not sure about the DT. The other alternative is a Luke's Link. Look in the Links section, it tells all about it, and it's cheap.



Replacement of the stock track bar is pretty easy, just a ball joint on one side and a bolt on the other.....

 

[TPlasek]

Has anyone made their own Trac bar. Maybe a hybrid using the original end on the axel and replacing the rest of it with and adjuster and a heim/rod end joint at the other???



I was thinking of making my own, just if anyone has already done this, I would like to compare thoughts...

 

[CSloat]

I was thinking about making my own. Instead I installed a DT bar. The bracket that he uses for the heim joint end that bolts to the frame is VERY well designed..... Lots of complex angles and looks very strong. I have a mill and a welder but I couldn't even begin to design and build that bracket for what he sells it for. I don't like the aluminum bar that he uses, but the rod ends and the bracket are very solid... . ok I guess the heim joint could be a little larger.



In my opinion, the ultimate would be using the DT setup and making your own custom steel bar to replace the aluminum one.

 

[TPlasek]

I bet DT would not sell the bracket separate. I will call and ask...



I couldn't make that complicated bracket. Too complex, and it would take too much time. If you had welding capabilities, I would think you could weld something up in much simpler design.



Just a thought, I haven't made actual measurements yet, I just popped my head under there to see if it would be possible.



I have made so many trac bars of this type for custom offroad machines, I just find it hard to believe I couldn't make something work for the Dodge. Maybe after I investigate closer I may change my mind. I do realize that when you include your time in a project, it is sometimes is cheaper to buy it outright.



My stock trac bar is getting very loose, I will have to do something soon. If I decide to do it myself, I will take lots of pictures, but one would have to have welding ability to do it. I don't think I would take the time to make it a bolt on application.

 

[CSloat]

DT uses one bracket for 0-3 inch lift and another dropped bracket for 3-6 inch lift. When I purchased I asked if the brackets used the same holes so I could switch later after my lift. He said I can switch brackets and that they would use the same holes. He also said that he would sell the 3-6" bracket seperatly if someone wanted to lift their truck later so he'd probably sell the 0-3" bracket too. I forget the price, but I think it was somewhere around $130. After my lift I'll have a 0-3" bracket to get rid of!

 

[TPlasek]

I'll take it!!!! That is good to know. I would gladly pay $130 for the bracket. I will have to call him as soon as I get the chance.



I think you better hurry up and get that lift installed, so you can send me that old bracket. You don't want that thing just laying around your garage cluttering up the place, do ya??