2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Luc's Link vs 03 Track bar

[RJWEST]

Just receive a luc's link for the trac bar, Reading instructions, there is a note

about weak springs and hitting diff. case.

I run most of my miles with a truck camper. Front end is loaded fairly heavy...

I'm concerned about hitting the cover. Note says it is ok to ' Grind'.

Does not make me feel good about this, just seems like a band aid fix.



Please, any comments, recommendations, etc...



Note: I am approaching 90K miles on an 02 4x4. Ball joints and damper

have been replaced at 50K, DSS installed. Steering is ok ( well Dodge ok )

but starting to get a little more wander. Like to do the Trac bar improvement.

Than steering box ( little weak at kow RPM ).

Thanks. .

 

[WrenchRat]

While I have not run into your specific condition, that of track bar interfering with the pumpkin, it is very close with non lifted trucks. Before I lifted mine, I never had an issue and did get significant articulation in forays into the 'back forty'.

I would NOT grind the track bar for clearance. This is the wrong approach. While it's not very likely, the grinding marks set up points for a fatigue crack to start, particularly if done perpendicular to the centerline of the bar. This is a critical component, so I would not modify it. There are some ways to do it, but I ain't mentioning them, 'cause I wouldn't do to any truck I would drive. Better to fix the problem correctly up front.

If you are that close, get some new springs or add a leveling kit for about $150 buckos. I added a leveling kit from Tuff Country at the same time I upgraded to a 3G track bar. Both are VERY easy to do. Absolutely no clearance issues. You should be OK with any of the leveling kits and your original track bar with the Luke's Link kit. Personally I prefer the solid leveling kits like the ones sold by Tuff Country. YMMV

 

[foolkiller]

go with your instincts..... if you're worried about it now you'll likely be worried about with it on as well.



i've never used the luke link but have experienced great results with the 03 conversion on mine as welll as a couple i've installed for others.



in my opinion you are correct with your "band aid' theory.



j

 

[WilsonF]

I put a Lukes Link on three years ago, it has never hit.

Floyd

 

[LJFiler]

My uncle installed the Luke Link on his 00 and it has hit the front pumpkin a couple of times but just enough to leave a scratch or two nothing that he or I would worry about. He is a farmer so his truck has quite abit of weight in the bed most of the time with the aux fuel tank plus other tools and equipment.



I have used the lukes link on an 05 and it has not hit the front pumpkin yet.



Larry

 

[Tinman]

Luke's links are great product, but they aren't a life long fix. I had to rebuild my track bar Link recently. Not a problem, but it will require some maintainance periodically (mine lasted about 80-90K). The 3rd gen track bar maybe the way to go, or one of the much better build aftermarket units available today. Depends on how much $ you wanta spend.



If you us a leveling kit with larger bump stops (increase ride height, no increase in travel) the diff won't move far enough up to contact the track bar. I have stock bump stops and my Link scrapes the diff. cover slightly, not a problem though.