2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Problem Solved.....

[hammersley]

Went over to RIP at Source Automotive this AM and had them put a new 03 Track Bar and Darin's Track Bar Bracket on - END OF PROBLEM!!! This is a MUST for all 2nd Gens with a problem... . Now it has all of Darin's Stuff.....



http://www.sourceautomotive.biz/steeringsuspension.htm

 

[rmcnamee]

What kind of steering problem(s) did it solve? I've ordered my bracket kit and will be installing it next week.



Ryan

 

[hammersley]

I just had new ball joints put on - 1st ones in 220,000

miles so that's great - IMO. My steering wheel had slop - like I could move it a full maybe 2-3 inches from deadcenter - either way before anything happened---NOT ANYMORE - Problem Solved!

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

like I could move it a full maybe 2-3 inches from deadcenter -!

Gee that's all??? Man your rig was tight! :-laf

 

[BTighe]

yeah no kidding. i thought my play was in the gear so i got a psc and a DSS and it really didnt do anything. looks like i need to call rip again

 

[hammersley]

Honest - everything else is tight - and I have the DSS

And just replaced two Ball joints on pass side - drivers is ok - check with RIP and get it ASAP..... that 03 track bar setup is the only way to go... ...

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

whoever designed the 2nd gen steering needs to be fired and then set loose for all of us to lynch them. I would prolly keep my truck after the lease is up next summer if it where not for the horrible steering

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I was wondering on the way back from BZ today. Instead of purchasing a 3Gen track bar, can you drill out a 2Gen and put in the replaceable bushings?



Probably not because someone would have thought of this by now - but I thought I'd ask.

 

[hammersley]

It's some of the best $$$$$ you spend

by getting this Kit... ... when you look at it - wow - this is the way it should have been done from day 1... ... .

 

[CTD12V]

Is the '03 trackbar retrofit better than something like the DT trackbar? That seemed to be the way to go from what I've read in posts from a year or so ago. I seem to remember one of these kits had problems with the bracket working loose if not torqued down to the frame extremely tight--Does the '03 kit have this problem since there is no welding involved?



Thanks from a newbie.

 

[kingdutch]

I have had the DT tracbar installed for over a year now with no problems. I have read others having problems with the crossmember warping, fears of it breaking, etc. I have not had any of those issues.



I think either way you go, your suspension setup will be greatly improved.

 

[CTD12V]

Thanks for the info, Kingdutch. My steering gearbox needs to be replaced, and I suppose it would be throwing good money after bad not to upgrade the other components as well.



Glad you like your setup, Hammersley. Let us know if you have any updates.

 

[McLaughlin]

I was wondering on the way back from BZ today. Instead of purchasing a 3Gen track bar, can you drill out a 2Gen and put in the replaceable bushings?



Probably not because someone would have thought of this by now - but I thought I'd ask.

If your talking about the Luke's Links then yes otherwise I'd say probably not given how the bar has to move.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

It also looks like two options are available:



1) bracket with OEM 3Gen trackbar.



2) Aftermarket 3Gen adjustable trackbar. Less expensive too.



Which option have folks been buying and pros/cons for each? It looks like Solid Steel Industries also has a similar product. Why did folks choose which vendor? Although my 97 had a new OEM trackbar installed when I bought it, I plan on going with one of the above vendors/options this spring and would appreciate opinions.

 

[CTD12V]

CTD12V: After U bolt it up, weld it to the frame. That bracket will not go anywhere.

That sounds like it would probably be a good idea.

It also looks like two options are available:



1) bracket with OEM 3Gen trackbar.



2) Aftermarket 3Gen adjustable trackbar. Less expensive too.



Which option have folks been buying and pros/cons for each? It looks like Solid Steel Industries also has a similar product. Why did folks choose which vendor? Although my 97 had a new OEM trackbar installed when I bought it, I plan on going with one of the above vendors/options this spring and would appreciate opinions.

I'd like to hear more on this, too.



Thanks Everyone.



CTD12V

 

[McLaughlin]

It also looks like two options are available:



1) bracket with OEM 3Gen trackbar.



2) Aftermarket 3Gen adjustable trackbar. Less expensive too.



Which option have folks been buying and pros/cons for each? It looks like Solid Steel Industries also has a similar product. Why did folks choose which vendor? Although my 97 had a new OEM trackbar installed when I bought it, I plan on going with one of the above vendors/options this spring and would appreciate opinions.

I went with the solid steel 3rd gen trackbar bracket and an OEM 3rd gen trackbar. Primary reason was cost. I talked to RIP at Source Automotive and was told that unless I intended to lift the truck the OEM version would work fine and was about $50 less expensive. As far as I know the only advantage is the adjustability and flexibility if you ever wanted to lift the truck. One thing I have not heard an answer about (haven't asked) is whether an adjustable trackbar could also be used to correct for sagging springs. If your truck's front springs sag a good bit and you put an OEM trackbar on you sometimes have to pull the axle a good bit to one side to get the trackbar to line up with the bracket. Truck pulls to one side afterwards which at the least means you will have to get a new alignment and might have to put new springs or levelers on the front.



If I was purchasing I'd go through Rip at Source Automotive.

 

[duaneparks]

McLaughlin,



As I understand it, the trackbar is in the system to provide lateral stability to the axle. Because of this, I don't believe it will do anything to help with sagging springs, with the exception of what you mentioned about lining up the axle under the springs. In other words, to correct for sagging springs it's best to simply replace the springs.



To make this thread useful for folks who are thinking about lifting their trucks, I'd like to add:



The DT Trackbar is adjustable, and therefore a better choice for those who want to lift their trucks AND need to replace the track bar (IMO. . I have one on mine and it made a world of difference)



Also, the DSS is a great preventative measure that strengthens the steering system and reduces wear on those components, especially if larger tires are going to be put on the truck (again, this is my opinion, but I have one and swear by it).



After replacing my worn ball joints (all 4 of them), bolting up the DT Trackbar and the DSS, and getting a quality alignment based on Brent's specs, my truck steers like it should. No more wander, and no more unintended lane changes.



That's not to say that the truck ALWAYS goes straight down the road. There's something to be said about how taller sidewalls behave under a 6800-7000 lb truck. If the road leans left or right, the truck will want to turn "downhill. "



Duane

 

[McLaughlin]

McLaughlin,



As I understand it, the trackbar is in the system to provide lateral stability to the axle. Because of this, I don't believe it will do anything to help with sagging springs, with the exception of what you mentioned about lining up the axle under the springs. In other words, to correct for sagging springs it's best to simply replace the springs.





Duane

Yep, I agree. I sometimes don't state things to well. The 3rd Gen track bar won't help the sagging springs. Actually sagging springs can cause the truck to pull to one side if you put the track bar on and have to pull the axle to one side to get it to connect to the mount.



Also, I couldn't agree more with the rest of your comments. I put the 3rd gen trackbar on first and noticed a big reduction in steering play. I put the DSS on next and the play was reduced some more. I finally put on new tie rod ends and got just a little reduction in steering play. I may still need to replace the ball joints but from all I've heard those are a pain or expensive or a pain and expensive.

 

[Fishin Guide]

McLaughlin,



The DT Trackbar is adjustable, and therefore a better choice for those who want to lift their trucks AND need to replace the track bar



Duane

Rip has a Solid Steel adjustable trackbar that does the same thing as the DT. Also, the braket appears to be a little better designed than DTs.



I have heard that the rubber compound in the Solid Steel bar is a little harder than that of the stock 3rd gen. This would give more durability and better axle locating ability. (Feel)



Dave

 

[duaneparks]

Rip has a Solid Steel adjustable trackbar that does the same thing as the DT. Also, the braket appears to be a little better designed than DTs.



I have heard that the rubber compound in the Solid Steel bar is a little harder than that of the stock 3rd gen. This would give more durability and better axle locating ability. (Feel)



Dave

Good points Dave. I don't have any experience with the Solid Steel trackbar, so I felt less than qualified to comment on it. Glad to hear there are quality options out there!



Duane