2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How to Replace 3RD Gen TB Bushings?

[Dave M]

Was replacing front axle seals and found bad LH outer Tie Rod End bad. Waiting for weekend to replace tie rod and got Death Wobble on bad section of road where road crew let some whop=dee-doos. Replaced toe rod end with NAPA part. Got Death Wobble again.



Checked out wear on front end tie rods... etc with wife sawing steering wheel back and forth. The axle end of 3rd gen bar has slight movement and frame end has too much movement and the bushings appears torn. I checked track bar torque and it's good (70 ft-lbs frame end and 130 ft-lbs axle end).



Anyone replaced these bushings and where would I get them? I bought the bar from PSC before they quit carrying them.



I'm also considering the Y to T steering conversion. Anyone with a 97 3500 4x4 ever done this? My friends 99 3500 4x4 appears to have T steering but the bars appear about the same size as mine. My 97 appears to be the Y steering.



Getting tired and a little discouraged throwing money at this front end but I want this thing to drive decent and not squirm on the road... . geeez!



Thanks,

Dave

 

[SRath]

Give Energy Suspension a call.

The polyurethane bushings that came with my 3rd gen adjustable trackbar conversion for my '96 are made by Energy Suspension.



I'm having a bit of trouble finding the install sheet where I did write down the Energy part numbers just for this situation where they would someday need replaced . I will continue to try to find the "safe place" where I stashed those documents , but you could probably just contact Energy and explain what you need. If you would take a set of calipers and give them some sizing info (I realize the sizing won't be dead-on on a worn set, so measure the ends of the trackbar), they will be able to set you up, I'm sure.



Mine came with the Energy numbers clearly molded into the ends of the bushings. Who knows? Maybe once you remove your's they will still be there?



I'll post up the numbers if/when I find them.

 

[Dave M]

Thanks for the info 'SRath'. It would be nice if I could get the bushings ahead of time and take the bar off once. I got the TB, DSS and steering box from PSC and they don't sell the TB or power steering box anymore. I suppose all 3rd gen bars are alike... right?



How are the bushings removed/replaced?

 

[SRath]

Mine came out easily by hand when my bar was new. They are pressed in from each side as two-piece bushings just like some leaf spring bushings. I would assume they kept them as standard as possible (off the shelf items) and I'll bet Energy knows exactly what bushings they sold them to use.

Scott

 

[SRath]

Here's my trackbar info (finally found the folder!!):

Purchased from:
Source Automotive
Milwaukie,OR
503-654-9004
Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Offline

Trackbar conversion kit (frame brackets): TBK2029402-4
Dodge Adjustable track bar (94-02) (manufactured/distributed by Solid Steel): DAT3029402-4

Bushings and sleeve kit:
Energy suspension 9. 9468G
sku 03639 07304

Bushings have 7087 molded on them

Hope this helps.
Scott

BTW: If you end up buying the bushings and sleeves, please post up any info and price. I might just order a spare set now. You just never know when something might become "unavailable"...

 

[SRath]

Here is Energy's "universal bushing" listing. I could NOT get a hit when typing in a search for 9. 9468G. You will notice it does NOT appear in their universal list either. This is troubling.

You will definitely need to call them. Their techs are very helpful and knowledgeable.

energysuspension.com | UNIVERSAL #1: Link-Flange Type Bushings, Universal Mounts/Isolatorss

Please note from the charts that you can have the same bushing mated with several different sized sleeves. So it may be that the combination used by Solid Steel is simply not a combination commonly listed by Energy.

 

[Dave M]

I sent an email to PSC and Source Automotive asking where to get the bushings. I'll post results. I'm out of town next week for a training class (be back Friday) and was hoping to order them and have them ready to install on the weekend but that is not looking too promising right now.



Thanks for spending time to get the info 'SRath'. I'll keep you posted.



I did not expect this PSC (I guess it's a Solid Steel knock-off track bar) to fail after 2 1/2 years. I wish I had went with Solid Steel from Source Automotive (where I got my SBC clutch) so I'd not be wondering what bushing will fit this bar.



Edit: I just checked my PSC receipt and it lists the track bar PSC PN as "SB-400 (they don't sell these anymore) but the sub part number as "DAT3029402-4" for my track bar. That is the same PN you listed from Source Automotive above. That is promising. It appears Solid Steel made this bar also and PSC re-packed it under their PN. If it's the same bar then the bushings you listed should fit. I'll try get get confirmation from Source and PSC.



Thanks,

Dave

 

[Dave M]

I've been out of town this week anmd today I ordered the 3rd gen track bar bushings from Rip at Source Automotive for $35. Rip said the older 3rd gen TB bushings were rubber (I believe mine are) are failed so they changed to poly bushings. I'll update next week when I install the new bushings.



Dave