2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Installation of SS 3rd gen track bar retrofit- a tip

[DLangford]

I learned a tip during installation of this part when I replaced my 2nd gen track bar that had a Luke's link (which loosened up twice and caused death wobble each time).

The SS 3rd gen TB retrofit kit appears very well made. I had trouble though when I got the bracket mounted and tried to fit the (solid) track bar. The TB "appeared" to be 1/4" too long.

After cussing and fussing about 2 hours with trying to get it to go (tried removing/loosening bracket, etc. ) I got smart and called the company, Solid Steel.

THe rep there, Russ, told me to get a come-a-long, and attach one end to the passenger frame rail and the other end to the driver side axle out by the knuckle.

After I cranked down on the come-a-long, it aligned things so I could get the bar in and bolt started.

Russ explained the the axle can get "out of position" in relation to the frame ever so slightly while removing the old track bar, causing this problem where it can be mis-aligned in either direction and preventing the new track bar to fit well.

I thanked him and suggested he ADD this potential problem to the instructions to avoid a lot of hassles.

 

[Dario]

Glad you got it fixed easily. Im thinking of doing this to my truck did you weld the bracket in after bolting it up or will the bolts be fine. Let us know if it a good upgrade.



dario

 

[DLangford]

No welding needed. THey supply grade 8 bolts. THe only thing I needed to do in installation is to use my die grinder and egg shaped burr, and elongate a hole on the bottom of the frame rail, where a vertical bolt comes down through to also attach the new bracket.

 

[wcjp]

Did you try moving the steering wheel? Requires second person.

 

[JCyrbok]

Did you try moving the steering wheel? Requires second person.

Thats what I did (after reading other threads on TDR about this prior to doing mine) took about 30 seconds to get it aligned and bolted with my buddy in the truck. But if you dont have anyone to help the come a long is a good alternative.



J-

 

[SRath]

I personally thought the bracket needed more gusseting to the frame and welded. It flexes quite a bit if you have someone get in and turn the wheel back and forth.



I did not weld it at that time, since I had spent soooo much time cutting apart and rewelding the steering box stabilizer I installed at the same time (which did not even come close to fitting) PLUS I had to fabricate a whole new Boss snowplow framemount for the driver's side.



The trackbar bracket has lasted through the winter, but I will probably go ahead and make it stronger and more solid (weld it) when I rebuild the front suspension. I just don't like the flex; it will eventually lead to metal fatigue plus it is not much different than having a sloppy bushing.

 

[DLangford]

Yes,

The solid steel guy also said to try moving the wheel, but I was working alone.

That is interesting about the bracket and flexion. I will see how the set up works for me. Eventually I might weld it in also, especially if there is any noticible movement.

Next step is to add a DSS.

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

Dss

You will not be sorry with a DSS worked great for me!

 

[Bob4x4]

I have not seen any flexing of the brackets on the many conversions I have done. Nor did I have to elongate any holes in the frame. It does take a bit of time to line everything up so you can get the bolts through the frame. Some trucks will be tougher than others due to factory tolerances being what they are.

 

[SRath]

The bracket on mine cantilevers, unsupported, away from the frame. It flexes significantly and easily.



Have you watched the bracket with the tires and wheels mounted to the truck and the full weight of the vehicle on them, Bob?



That bracket is the only thing that really limits lateral axle movement. The control arms add a little. Darned little, as anyone with a worn stock trackbar can attest. Given the frontend weight, large tires, and height of the vehicle (leverage), that's a heckuva lot of stress on that bolt-on bracket! With the 3rd gen conversion and its superior trackbar design, it is definitely the weakest link. Consider how solidly and why the factory welds the stock mount on.



Since I will NEVER go back to the junk original trackbar setup, reinforcing and welding that bracket as solid as possible only makes sense.

 

[robbiesworld]

Yep with my old worn track bar I can move the whole front of my truck back and forth about 2 inches= death wobble EVARY DAY!

 

[JVackiner]

I use a rubber tarp strap around the steering wheel and mirror to hold the wheel in position. Still some up and down but can be done by yourself this way!

 

[abranz]

Installed my 3rd gen track bar conversion kit today. I used the supplied bolts and the bracket would flex while sitting still turning the wheels. I then welded it making it one in the same with the frame which completely eliminated any flex what-so-ever. Coated it with POR-15. Expensive kit but well worth it considering all the track bars I've gone through with a very poorly designed tie rod end for such heavy trucks.

Tony in ID