Help with track bar reattachment

[CThomsen]

Just installed a Lorenz leveling kit on the wife's 04. Had to detach track bar from pass. side to get new coil spring in. Can't for the life of me get it reattached. Any hints. Bar needs to move to the pass. side about 1/2 of the bolt hole.

 

[Lorenz]

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS, but I have heard of it being done... Peterson 4x4 Magazine did this when our System was installed on their truck.

Block the truck... All 4 tires front an rear. Check and then double check that the e-brake is on and the operator knows exactly what he is doing. You will be hurt or killed if you craw under the truck when its running and put into gear. DO NOT CRAWL UNDER THE TRUCK WHEN IT'S RUNNING!!!!!!!!

Use the power steering to move the axle over as much as you need. By turning the wheel with the truck running you can move the axle with you finger. If the trac bar is removed your truck body and frame can be moved side to side separate from the axle, and allowing you to line up the trac bar.

After moving the steering wheel a hair, turn the truck off, check the e-brake and wheel chalks again, and then see if the trac bar lines up with its mount.

 

[Jeepr]

As a manufacturer, he has to be more careful on what he says than the rest of us! But, yes, start the truck (In PARK with BRAKE ON) and have someone turn the wheel left or right. That will cause the axle to move and you can get the bolt to line up.

 

[CThomsen]

Thanks-will give it a try later this morning.

 

[schv]

Better yet, install an adjustable track bar so your front end is centered left to right. Until you do, your truck will never track straight over bumps, and your front suspension will always be in a pre-load/bind condition. Once you get your factory track bar installed, see if the driver's side front tire isn't sticking out more than the passenger side (it will be).



Another option for re-attaching your existing track bar is to jack up the passenger side (only) of the front axle - a lot. The steering wheel method sounds easier, wish I'd thought of that when I first installed my lift.

 

[JCrockett]

I have always just left the track bar attached to the axle and unbolted it from the frame. To reassemble I just jacked up the pass side and it will slide right into place. Very simple and safe. My sway bar was disconnected though after installing the system. Bolting up the sway bar was my last step. Having the sway bar disconnected may allow the axle to move easier. Hope that helps too.

 

[blmyachtsales]

I just installed a cheapy 2" leveling kit (Fat bobs, actully went quite well). I jacked the passanger side up and things fell into place. The axle is moved over a bit. Anyone have the guts to weld a plate over the existing lower track bar mount and redrill it???? A lot cheaper than an adjustable bar.

 

[CThomsen]

Power steering trick worked great. Track bar fell right back into place. Thanks