Solidsteel track bar bracket install problem

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I'm in the middle of installing the Solidsteel bracket on my '96 for the 3rd Gen track bar upgrade and the head of the bolt that goes through the middle of the bracket rubs hard on the steering shaft.



Any ideas???



I am using a washer on the upper side like the directions show, without it the head should clear OK but I don't like the idea of torquing 40 ft/lbs and having all that pressure concentrated on one small spot.



I may grind the head down but I'll have to grind at least half the head away to make sure it won't ride on the steering shaft.



I did a bunch of searching but didn't find any posts of anyone else having this problem.



Thanks, Vaughn

 

[trucknut]

Sorry can't help you with the soild steel product maybe contact the manufactur. I installed the D. T track bar on my 98 and 02. The top bolt going down seemed a little tight but no rubbing. Let us know how it turns out, good luck.



Do you have the e-mail address for solid steel?

Tim

 

[jrobinson2]

I hardly dare ask but I really do want to know, is it a Marv or a Darrin bracket?



Jared

 

[BPonci]

I had to turn mine down on a lathe to clear correctly. Its not hard to do. if you don't have access to a lathe it should cost you about 10. 00 at a machine shop. Hope all goes well... ... ... ... ... ..... Brad

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I don't know if it's Marv's or Darrins, I bought it from Rip in October I think it was. Finally got around to putting it on.



Anyway I hit the bolt head with the bench grinder and took some off the lower side of the head and some off the upper side on the oppposite side and then I got it to clear OK. I'll know for sure tomorrow, too tired for a test drive tonight.



It would've been nice if it fit easy but don't get me wrong, I'm happy with this unit otherwise and appreciate the fact someone has put the effort into creating this product to take care of a real need for our trucks.



Vaughn

 

[MThorn]

If the bracket was purchased from RIP it is made by Darrin.



~Monk~

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Well drove it this AM and steers great, definitely less lateral play than before. I'm happy. Makes the ol' 370k truck steer like a new one



Vaughn

 

[MThorn]

I talked to Marv this morning, he said if the bolt is put through the frame before the bracket is put on, it should go easier. Sometimes turning the steering will find a "sweet spot", I know you have yours together, but maybe this will help someone else in the future.



~Monk~

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I did it that way, but order of installation has nothing to do with the clearance issue of the bolt head when in place.