2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Track bar question

[Nick H]

I bought a Track bar from Napa six months ago and aready need to replace it. Is it nessery to align my truck after replacing the track bar or will be ok. 98. 5 4x4.

 

[jabird]

was told by a few suppliers that napa change where they get some stuff... . trac. bars... . for one. they last no where near as long as they should. i had the same trouble as you with one i bought from them. pulled it out of the truck and had it on their counter until i got my money back, took a good 30min. of arguing. no where near good enough quality on that item.

 

[dresslered]

I thought that Napa was selling Moog? If not, perhaps this is the brand that you should try. They have a lifetime warrantee.

 

[jbrowne]

track bar

No you don't have to realigne the front wheels after working on the track bar. My 96 was wandering all over and a quick look at the upper end while my wife rotated the steering wheel revealed why. There was a good quarter inch movement in the upper joint. Now I'm going plug one of the best and easiest ways to solve all your problems. Go to lukeslink.com and take a good look. I got one of those and in thirty minutes had the thing done. Anyone with the least amount of mechanical skills can make the change. And the good thing about it is, if the thing wears out , it just costs a little bit to buy the internal goodies and a few minutes and all is well again. I repaired mine with Luke's link about five years ago and it is still doing fine.

jbrowne

96 RAM2500 converted to one ton dually.

 

[JGK]

I replaced the original track bar on mine with a NAPA unit in mid June. In about a month it was sloppy and ready for a replacement. Yes, they have a life time warranty and yes, they gave me a new one. It's been a couple of weeks and so far, so good. If this one fails I'm going after my money. I still have the original bar and will do the Lukes Link on it and say nuts to NAPA.



And yes, they source the track bars from various suppliers. Both of mine had different brands on the box and the counter guy said as much.



But no, I don't believe you have to realign the front end. All the track bar does is keep the front axel and attached parts from shifting left or right. It does not change castor, camber, height, length, grow hair, reduce weight, or whiten your teeth! Just makes the truck drive straight when the driver is.



JK

 

[Nick H]

I have been away for a while but would like to thank you guys for all the info. I took it back to Napa and yes they gave me a replacement. It moves up and down about 1\8th of an inch so I guess I will get a Luke's link as soon as I can.