2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Trac Bar? Not in MY book! What is it?

[Newf Limo]

I have been having a tremendous amount of trouble with my steering and have searched all the threads. I have my manual open on my lap to 19-28 Steering / Linkage-Link/Coil Suspension. Could someone please tell me where the heck this "Trac-Bar" is supposed to be? This is frustrating as H#**.

 

[Newf Limo]

OK, after my tantrum it occured to me to look under suspension. There it is. When I throw my front-end into the dumpster I don't want to miss anything!



My steering wanders tremendously. My Drivers side front tire is worn out on the inside 3' of tread and my passenger side front is worn out on the outside 3" of tread. Only 76K on this POS. I can really see myself start Un-Loving my truck real quick.



At a stop: With my foot on the brake, I can ease the clutch in and out (in gear ofcourse) and the steering column bumps up and down Yet, I can't grab the wheel and force it to do it by hand.



I don't have a couple grand laying around to replace the front end of my truck because Dodge made a Heavy Duty Truck out of rinky dink parts. I don't want to take it to them to fix it because they will put the same parts back in it and it will start all over again.



Any suggestions?

 

[fox]

I sovled my wander problem by adjusting the tow-in to about 1/8-1/4. It was 1/4 out from the factory.

Yes I should go get it adjusted and set by a shop soon.

 

[amsoilman]

Replace the tracking bar end at the frame with a "Lukes Link", your problems will be lessened. Also check all the bolts on your steering box.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

Yes, it is frustrating. Is the truck still under warranty? If so, I would make Dodge fix it, while I saved up some money to fix it right. If not, try going to Advance auto or some comparable place and get a new track bar. They are a little over $100 bucks. Then order one of Darin's steering stabilizers for about $160, Piers has them, not sure of the exact price. Assuming that is all that is wrong with the front end, you will be happy with the results. To test trac bar, have someone turn the wheel slightly in both directions and watch both ends of it. Mine had some up and down play in the tie rod end of it. Also, look at the shaft coming out of the steering box. Mine had some lateral movement in it, also. There are some adjustments on the box, too. They helped some, but the steering stabilizer was the best fix. At least so far. Good luck.



Jim

 

[Newf Limo]

Thanks guys, I'll do that, now that I found what the trac bar is. One would think that it would be in steering section. Guess you gotta draw the line somewhere. It's kinda like the frustration I felt going grocery shopping. . . tomatoe paste, tomatoes-crushed-stewed-chopped-diced all on Isle 3. Tomatoe sauce???? It's own little section on Isle 5, MORONS!



Wow, I must really be in a funk! I gotta go for awhile till I change my attitude. Thanks for the help guys! and sorry.