2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New Track Bar

[DLausche]

I purchased a DT track bar a month or two back and it is finally warm enough outside to work on it. The question I have is about the wheel spacer and re-centering the axle. I seem to remember that there is a spacer (2. 5mm?) on the right front. Should I recenter the axle taking into account the spacer on the right? The DT instructions don't mention anything about a wheel spacer. It certainly would seem easy enough to compensate for the thickness of the spacer. I wouldn't think it would make much difference either way. I think I'm leaning toward centering the axle taking into account the spacer so the wheels are lined up evenly on each side.



Thanks for your thoughts.



-Deon

 

[illflem]

The spacer was a stop gap measure by DC to prevent drift. Many folks have removed the spacer and haven't noticed any difference.

 

[Spooled-up]

Just removed mine the other day when rotating the tires. The truck doesn't seem to wander as much as it did before. It still wanders though. I also noticed that I didn't have any more pulling to the right when I firmly applied the brakes. The spacer was on the passenger side of my truck.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

DT track bar

I called DT when I installed mine about 2 years ago.

They said remove the spacer and center the axle.

Mine seems to work just fine.



SFB

 

[DLausche]

Thanks for the info. I removed the spacer and centered the axle. Wow, I can't believe how different it is now. No more fighting it just to keep the thing between the lines! And without the spacer, it doesn't pull to the right anymore when I hit the brakes.



Does anyone know if the hiem joint needs lubrication? I was thinking of adding a layer of grease all around to try and prevent dirt from getting into the joint, but figured that that would end up attracting lots of dust and dirt.



Thanks again for the info. This site is great!



-Deon

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Once again .

I asked DT the same question.

They said the Heim is permanently lubed teflon bushing or something.

However my Heim did need to be replaced after 80,000 miles

It was still in good shape no shimmy in the front end at all , just a rattle when the tires started to try and shake.

Most of my track bar problems were related to the rotors warping and causing the front axle to shimmy.

I'm sure this is what caused the DT heim to wear.

I have the brake problem solved. I expect the DT to go at least 150,000 miles.



SFB