2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission track bar install

[swhalen]

hi guys:

time to replace the track bar. looks pretty easy, but in the back of my mind i think i remember some folks posting that after a track bar install the steering wheel was a bit off center. can that happen? if so, how do i prevent it?

thanks, steve whalen

 

[MNiebel]

Steering wheel centering can be done easily by adjusting the drag link.

 

[rholcom2]

You have probably already made your purchase of the new trac bar. But, I would like to make a suggestion, knowing that you will probably get many other suggestions here that may conflict with my thoughts. But, I would suggest that you check out the Lukes Link option. I installed on on my '98 and that was the last time I touched the track bar. I have friends that have put 5 and 6 track bars on theirs. Another thing to note, when I installed my track bar, the steering wheel remained straight with not adjustments needed. Now, I dont know if that was pure luck or what, but it worked for me. Good luck!!!

 

[fkovalski]

If you do the retro fit, HERE'S THE LINK for the install instructions. I did it on my '01... really easy to do.

 

[gonehuntingagain]

There is a little bit of play on the end of the bar that bolts to the front axle, you can mess with that if you are a little bit off at the steering wheel. Don't forget to torque the living hell out of that end of the track bar as well.

 

[SnoKing]

Or you can go to www.solidsteel.biz and deal with Darin. SNOKING

 

[Allnew2Me]

I used the Lindstad kit, but it does require welding. It is similar to Lukes and is working great on my truck. It is adjustable and has a Zerk fitting also. I chose this kit because even though the Luke is not supposed to have front diff clearance issues, I didn't have a lot of room. Even the Lindstad barely clears without rubbing, it is smaller in diameter than Lukes. The bar itself doesn't wear out, just the end, so the Luke and Lindstad are a great way to repair them. http://www.bellefourche.com/lindstad/

 

[swhalen]

Thanks,guys. I already have to track bar, but want to get rid of the wander forever. if that does not do it, i guess the next step should be the steerign stabilizer. i was on the solid steel site and it looks like it takes forever to have one shipped to the states. is that so, or are there vendors here that have them ready to ship? thanks steve whalen

 

[DKarvwnaris]

Thanks,guys. I already have to track bar, but want to get rid of the wander forever. if that does not do it, i guess the next step should be the steerign stabilizer. i was on the solid steel site and it looks like it takes forever to have one shipped to the states. is that so, or are there vendors here that have them ready to ship? thanks steve whalen

I just converted my '96 to the '98 heavy duty "T" style steering assembly. In addition to this, I have had a luk's link for a few years on this truck. The wander stopped immediately after I installed the Luk's link. It only returned now due to worn out tie rod ends.

My truck has never driven as straight as it is right now. I have put 100 miles on the truck today trying to get it to wander, shimmy, or act in any fashion similar to before. It is rock solid and very responsive.

One other note, I also adjusted the steering box while I had the truck in my shop.

If you have any return of the wandering issue as the track bar wears, install the luk's link first, I did not need to install the aftermarket stabilizer/ steering box brace to get mine cured.

 

[SnoKing]

Thanks,guys. I already have to track bar, but want to get rid of the wander forever. if that does not do it, i guess the next step should be the steerign stabilizer. i was on the solid steel site and it looks like it takes forever to have one shipped to the states. is that so, or are there vendors here that have them ready to ship? thanks steve whalen

Call RIP at source automotive. SNOKING

 

[SnoKing]

I have had the third gen TB from Darin (. biz) installed for a year and it is great. SNOKING

 

[MNiebel]

Yea give Rip a call I got my 3rd gen. adjustable trackbar from him,he's got'em in stock!