2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission synergy track bar conversion kit

[mweiman]

I am getting ready to upgrade my trackbar as mine has some play and I feel like I am constantly working the wheel back and forth when driving. I am looking at the Synergy kit that Geno's sells. Has anyone put one on before? Just wondering about quality and fit. Is it bolt on only with no drilling required? The metal ball socket end seems like it would be a better option than rubber bushings. I also will be adding a Mag Hytec cover at the same time. Thanks for any help or other suggestions.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[HHhuntitall]

They seem to be a good upgrade. I'll ask about your current trackbar, though. Is the slack in it or the steering box? I see a lot of them that need a steering box, get a new one, and after a week or so are back to doing the same thing. It appears, after some discussion with a former Dodge engineer and some tear downs and inspections, that you can't get a quality rebuild in any form for less than a truck payment. The UUC steering stabilizers that bolt on the end of the steering box and frame to stabilize your pitman arm are a good investment for those problems.



As for the Synergy bar, the mount and bar seem solid enough, and the bushings are actually polyethylene, and last a good while. New bushings can be bought to rebuild it, same as the '03+ style factory bar. For lifted trucks, it's pretty much a necessity, IMO. The factory bar has the same type poly bushings on the lower end where it bolts to the axle.

 

[VolsFan]

I dont know if you have to drill the crossmember for the bracket or not for the synergy track bar. I had one from spohn performance on the old rig that required drilling and it was a tedious task. Im sure the synergy track bar is a quality product though if genos sells it. I almost ordered one myself when I was dialing the front end of my 01 in, but ended up getting a 3rd gen bar from cumminsperformanceparts.com Its 1. 5" tubing, and no drilling required for the bracket, was a piece of cake. Its $400 + freight. (I had to pay tax since they are located in PA, as am I unfortunately) Also, are you running any kind of lift? If your factory height, you can just order the bracket and get a 3rd gen track bar for cheap at a junk yard. Bracket alone is around $200. No need for an adjustable if running stock height

 

[mweiman]

Truck is stock height so I don't need the adjustable. At $445. 00 the synergy looks like a good deal. It says bolt on installation so I assume no drilling is required. I am already running a BD brace on the steering box to protect it. There is some movement in the trackbar end when rocking the steering wheel back and forth. What do you do to set the adjustment on the bar?
Matt

 

[HHhuntitall]

The Synergy setup will have drilling on the frame, as well. Here's their installation instructions: http://synergysuspension.com/instructions/8554-INST.pdf



As far as centering it, it should be parked on level ground, and with no steering forces against it, it should be sitting where it needs to be centered under both springs. If in doubt, measure the hub faces against the body or frame, and center the axle accordingly. Usually, it sits pretty close under the springs. A good alignment shop can get it good and square with the rear axle, if they have a knowledgable tech working on it..... IF!!

 

[Beck]

I own a 98 -5. 9- 3500 and the trac bar is def. a sloppy mess we turn the steering back and forth, I also shake like hell when I pass on the highway at 70 plus mph, no problems under 70 mph, I hope a trac bar fixes that, now I'm learning about st
eering boxes, how do I know if I need a new one or just a brace, also can I just buy parts for the bar ? I have only had this stock truck for 1 year and this is all new to me, Thanks

 

[VolsFan]

Beck- get somebody behind the wheel turning it and you get under the front end inspecting all parts for movement. (track bar, pitman arm, up and down movement in tie rods) With a 98, unsure of mileage, but it would be my guess box is shot. It has been my experience with these trucks that the steering gears are not very robust. The steering brace is only for a box that is tight and is meant to prevent play, it will not correct play in a worn box. Personally, I have owned a 99 and now an 01, and it took some parts to get the steering dialed in. I had to put a new box, rebuild tie rods, put a fancy track bar, and sway bar links for giggles to get my steering tight, but it was worth it. A borgeson or redhead box is a good option. If truck is stock height, you can get a lukes link rebuild kit for the track bar, as well as all the tie rod ends. There is a TON of information on this subject if you do a search. Also, fill out your signature by going to user control panel so folks know what your rig is, miles, where your from.

Rick

 

[Beck]

I'm really hoping that its the trac bar that's causing me to wobble at 70 mph and no wobble at 60, its driving me nuts, cant pass people without wondering if I'm gonna shake apart