2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission If you've had/have track bar problems

[Dane]

I've found an inherent weakness in the 2nd gen track bar design ( duh, eh?)



I thought my DT track bar needed rebuilding. I was getting a "clunk" changing steering directions and a "hitch" when passing over center while driving.



The problem is not my DT track bar, it's the track bar mounts on the truck. The bracket holes where the bolts pass through have enlarged themselves. There is 3/16" play in the passenger side mount holes and 1/16" to 1/8" on the driver side mount. You can see the movement if you have some one turn the wheel back and forth while you look from underneath. Do it with the motor running.



The fix for me is going to be welding reinforcements to the mounting plates. DT being a chassis fabricator, the shop just happens to have some. Oo.



They are 4130 steel weld on reinforcements. I'd post a picture, but they only show them in the downloadable file here -



http://www.dtprofab.com/tabzone/



There is cool stuff in the file you can buy from DT other than the reinforcements



So, you may want to check your truck by pulling the track bar from one end, and checking the play on the other end with the bolts slightly loose.

 

[EBottema]

DT's track bar is the best design out there but their relocation bracket it weak. Many people have had flexing in the bracket. You either need to weld it on the crossmember or add extra side brackets to the frame. Custom crush sleeves need to be made for the crossmember. After bringing the problem to the owner of DT, he could have cared less.

 

[Dane]

It's the passenger side that has most play, which is the factory bracket, not DT. I do understand mounting the DT bracket is not easy though...



I'm working with DT on a fix that will work for all brands of track bars including the factory bar. The biggest problem is the the factory bracket is metric :{ so, welding on a reinforcing tab is not going to work unless I go to American bolt and nut. 1st thing I'm going to try is to drill the sleeve to next bigger American size bolt.

 

[Morphious]

Dane, I'm in the same boat, my 99 has developed the play down at the axle as well. I'm probably going to drill it out to fit a grade 8 bolt into it.



Morph.

 

[THUREN]

Another thing that can be done is to swap out the 14mm coarse thread bolt to a 9/16 fine thread grade 8 bolt... The difference in clamp force really helps the bolt/sleeve from shifting. .

 

[Dane]

THUREN - do you know the bolt length ?

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Don,



I recently ordered you track bar. It got good reviews at Pavement sucks. It looks like it's gonna be bulletproof!



Dons T-Bar's: http://thurenfabrication.com/products.html

 

[THUREN]

THUREN - do you know the bolt length ?

well. . I know the bushing/sleeve is 1-5/8" soooooo... . 2. 5" maybe 2. 75". . should leave room for washers and a nylock but be very carefull the bolt doesn't bottom out on the axle tube...





Don

 

[THUREN]

Don,



I recently ordered you track bar. It got good reviews at Pavement sucks. It looks like it's gonna be bulletproof!



Dons T-Bar's: http://thurenfabrication.com/products.html

Thanks Bill. . feedback has been awesome!! Your's is comin' soon. .



Don