2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Replacing track bar!!

[drandle]

Hello,



its time to replace my track bar on my 1996 cummins. What track bar should i go with? there's so many different companys that make this thing. Can you use lukes link on a worn out ball stud? i wouldn't think so but iam a little unsure. I can get a MOOG track bar from my local parts store. Is it know for being a good brand name. Any advice would be awesome!!!!!!!



Thanks,



Darren

 

[AEdelheit]

Best bet is to do the 3rd gen conversion and a Thuren track bar, not cheap but bulletproof

 

[JMcCoy]

I agree to go with the third generation track bar. I had the Lukes Links for years. It worked well but needed to be adjusted and rebuilt. I now have the BD adjustable track bar and conversion. Way better now.

 

[drandle]

okay, thanks. I live in alberta, canada and there is this company called solid steel industries that are located fairly close!! they make the conversion kit and track bar. has anybody ever heard of them?

 

[JMcCoy]

I believe they are one of the leading companies.

 

[cerberusiam]

Oh yeah, if one plays with diesels one has heard of Darin and Solid Steel. Good heavy duty stuff.

 

[AEdelheit]

It will work, sorry but they are not the best, Ive seen there stuff fail in hard off road use, but for the OP's application and there local to him them perfect!

 

[AClayton]

SSI..... Solid Steel Ind. Never will you have another problem again!! If Geno's sells it, it's good for our trucks!

 

[1tuffram]

Are any special tools or pullers needed to remove the old track bar?

 

[drandle]

Hi,

I haven't replaced my track bar yet but as far as i know you only need a pickle fork or a puller to remove the ball stud on one end of the track bar. The other end has a bushing so you just need to remove the bolt!!!!!

 

[VolsFan]

when I still had my stock 2nd gen track bar i took a digging iron between it and the frame and popped it loose. Had plenty of leverage like that. Took all of 5 mins to take the whole bar out

 

[Missouri Mule]

You will need heavy duty straps or come-a-long to keep the frame from speading. Usually you will get instructions where ever you buy your track bar.

 

[Bob4x4]

If you use solid steels conversion bracket you can use the oem 3rd gen bar on a stock height truck. I used to save the good track bars when I would upgrade to Carli's adjustable unit on lifted trucks;
Also no need to use a come along,have a helper turn the steering wheel and the holes will line up easily.

 

[Bill Weber]

Check the size of the bolt holes in the mounting brackets & the TB bushings. On my 04 the bushings - on a new bar - were bigger than the bolt and the brackets. Also, the bolts shoulder did NOT go through the bracket. Leaving the threaded area to contact the mounting bracket - plenty of slop. Was able to replace the bolts with 9/16" bolts (grade 8) with shoulder going through the bracket and using a washer so the nut could be tightened. Eliminated a bunch of slop. Hope this gives food for thought.
Bill