2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Stabilizer Bars: Thuren vs. 3rd Gen.

[Freidhof]

I am looking to do something to the 99, ASAP, its down right scary in any amount of wind . I am not quite sure yet which route to go, a Thuren bolt in replacement or a 3rd Gen upgrade.



I just have a few questions.

The Thuren says its a bolt in replacement, so it looks to still have the ball type socket that mounts on the frame side, and has also been mentioned that it is rebuildable. This is where my current trackbar is loose, that thing moves all over the place. In the picture, that piece on the Thuren appears welded, so how do you replace it?



Also, if it is a direct replacement, will it last, or is the design at fault, even if the Thuren is a much better piece of iron, and one should upgrade to a 3rd generation because it will last longer by design.



Being a tightwad, I like to save wherever possible, but have no problem sending good $$$ after good Iron. By running the numbers on it, the Thuren appears to be a much cheaper approach to the 3rd Gen. upgrade and necessary Brackets. (by comparing to Source Automotives kit anyways) I however dont want to do this over again if I can help it, so was hoping for some more feed back from you guys who have been this route before.



I know this topic has probably been beat to death, but I just wasn't able to fine a good answer on a search. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[WTBurke]

Freid,

The Thuren TracBar is a 3rd Gen design and the adjustable end on the passenger side is a heim-joint. The adjustability allows you to true-center your front axle, that in most cases, is not dead center from the factory. As for the assembly of the Thuren TracBar it is built like no other unit out there. It's a fine piece of iron. Most guys who have gone the "Thuren" route are done for good... once is all you'll need.



William

 

[Freidhof]

Once is all I want. I like wrenching but not repetitive stuff. I was not aware that a Thuren was of 3rd Gen. design. Help me out though, whats a heim-joint? I was able to do a little more searching when the boss wasnt looking, and read that the faulty design of the 2nd generation was in the frame side ball joint mount, which is where all of my play is on my current truck. Is this addressed on the Thuren bar?

William, how many miles have you got on yours since you installed it? I have read guys saying they have 4 years and 40K on one and its still good, but if my history continues to hold true, thats only about a year and half worths of driving. I tend to be the guy that drives a rig till it falls apart, so getting all the life out of a part is a plus. Thanks for your help,

Freidhof

 

[WTBurke]

Freid,

My Thuren TracBar has only been on my rig about 6 months but, it was a vast improvement over the factory 2nd Gen design.



The heim-joint is a superior and much more expensive way to terminate a connection with precession and finite articulation in vehicle chassis components. Once you examine how it's assembled compared to the usual manufactured components it will enlighten you.



The termination-end on the frame side is what we are referring to as 3rd Gen design... . the hi molecular poly bushing being used by Thuren is a fabulous composition and I believe it will provide extreme longevity.



Once, and if you do this... the precession adjustment ability to center your front axle will reveal driveability manors that most guys didn't think their trucks had! It tightens up the front end like a frogs butt in water.



William

 

[EKlem]

I also agree that the thuren track bar is the way to go. The heim joint is quite large and has no slop in it like the regular design. One advantage of the thuren method is that it is a lot easier to install since it uses the old mounting holes. I had never replaced a track bar before and it took probably only 1. 5hours to replace it and center the steering even with a truck where everything is rusted solid.

 

[Freidhof]

Gentlemen,



Well you all had me talked into the Thuren. But after doing the interference test on my 99 this morning ( using the rattle can lid as stated on Thuren's website) I dont think it will fit. With the lid centered under the frame side joint, there is only about 1/8" clearance up and down before the joint would hit the pumpkin of the differential. Is this what you all were seeing as normal and will fit, or am I right in assuming that this bar is just not for my truck.

Thanks,

 

[WTBurke]

Freid,

I just looked at the details on Thuren's web site. I would call Don and share the aspects of your truck with him.

My truck is lifted nearly six inches and the custom detail in my signature is because Don did a little "trick" for me during the installation. Yes, Don installed my TracBar for me at his shop.



I'm sorry if I've given you a false impression but, I still feel you will have an improvement over your factory TracBar once all the details are discussed with Don. He always returns his phone messages so give him a call.



William

 

[Freidhof]

Thanks William



I have been in touch with Don via email for the last couple of days. I will probably try to give him a call this afternoon if I dont hear back from him soon. So far he has been very helpful. Wish I had the luxury of going down to the shop to put it on, but thats not an option. Whichever route i go, I am sure it will not be back to a stock track bar.

 

[MrDiesel]

Just remember he is usually way behind on them... I had the regular bar, and now I have a lifted truck so I'm doing away with the crappy SkyJacker drop bracket and getting his kit for lifted trucks. I'm still waiting after 3 1/2 weeks...

 

[Freidhof]

I ended up calling Don, very nice guy to talk to on the phone. He agreed that the bar wouldnt fit, so recommended a 3rd generation upgrade. I ended up going with Solid Steel bracket and track bar, as it was going to be at least 2 weeks before Don could get a 3rd gen. bar out the door, and I didnt want to wait that long, winters close you know. Hopefully be here this week.



Thanks for all your help guys. And even though we didn't come together on a bar, I would reccommend Don's stuff, just on people skills alone.

 

[Hammer]

Fred...

You will be very pleased with the Solid Steel Third gen kit. I have had mine on now for a year and have almost 20k on it and love it. The truck drives straight as can be and does not follow the road at all. I also use SS's DSS Brace and Lower Control arms. Simply put,the best money a owner can spend on his truck... ... . Andy