2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How much play in trackbar?

[TMitch]

My buddy has a '01 3500 4x4 that is all over the road. He had the steering box replaced and it didn't make much difference. He was over at my place last night and I checked all the tie rod ends and they are all tight.

I watched the end of the trackbar as he turned the wheel back and forth and it looked like it was moving up and down on the frame end (ball joint end) at least 1/2". How much movement is normal. I have a Luke's Link that we can put in but I don't want to use it if the movement I saw was normal?

Comments?

Thanks

Terry

 

[bmoeller]

If it's that much, it needs fixed.

 

[Dane]

That is way too much play. I don't remember the spec, but I fix any play I can find in the front suspension/steering that is over . 005". The DSS steering box shaft brace is a "must have" imo...

 

[RCook]

If I recall correctly, the spec is no more than 1/8" movement.

 

[jrobinson2]

The Dodge specs and prcedure for checking are in this TSB: Track Bar Ball Joint Diagnosis



The TSB says . 080 is max but I think any slack will be noticable. Increasing caster to the high end of spec or even slightly higher will also help with wandering.



Jared