Track Bar question ???

[rootmanslim]

On my 2001 2500 4X4 Cummins ----- I put the full Luke's links kit in.

Took the truck in for alignment but they say the track bar still has 1/2" of play.

Short of replacing the track bar ($$$$$) what can I do ?

 

[GrantP]

1/2" of play seems like an overstatement, the truck would be nearly undriveable with that much play. I've used Lukes Links on my 2nd Gen, I wasn't a fan. Just get a new track bar if it does have any play (verify that yourself). Most parts stores will have lifetime warranties on them so keep your receipt.

 

[Bob4x4]

Get a solid steel conversion bracket so you can use a 3rd gen track bar

 

[SnoKing]

Get a solid steel conversion bracket so you can use a 3rd gen track bar

What Bob4x4 said ^^^^^^!

 

[LandShark]

I had good service from a Luke's Link on the track bar on my '95. After going thru 3 track bars within 100K miles, I installed a Lukes's and it was still tight at 275,000 miles. They are made to be adjusted, so you could try that, but if you really have 1/2" of play there is a serious problem. Your alignment guy should have given more detail.
Get under the truck and have someone move the steering back and forth. Check both ends of the track bar. Sounds like the bushing end may be bad (or gone) on yours if you have that much play.

 

[mfurrh55]

 

[dblake]

I went with a BD diesel adjustable trac bar. The difference between it and the stock one was incredible.

 

[Joe Mc]

Not being rude but, stop throwing $$$ at the 2nd gen track bar and upgrade to the 3rd gen. I got my truck in May 01 replaced track bar in September same year then again Feb 03, both times with high quality (I think TRW?). Finally in like Mar 04 I went 3rd gen adjustable. Bushings are still solid and no more slop. Do it, you won't be sorry...

 

[Cummins12V98]

Several years ago I replaced mine with the solid Steel Industries 3rd gen adjustable and 300k later it’s going strong.

Wha makes the BEST unit today? Need one for my 01 2500 Sport. Also need a steering box stabilizer.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have been looking at the TB below. I'm sure it's not as long lasting as the DSS adjustable TB but at $275 less and I don't off road and don't drive a ton of miles what say you guys???


Diesel Power Products sell this one.
Rare Parts RP28444 Heavy Duty Adjustable Track Bar 94-02 5.9L Dodge Cummins

 

[petersonj]

@Cummins12V98, I am using the Rare Parts track bar. The length is adjustable and more importantly the ball socket is adjustable without track bar removal. Two allen wrenches are used to make the ball socket adjustment (5/32" and 1/4").

The ball socket has 47% more working area than the OEM ball socket.

I have logged 100,000 miles on the Rare Parts trackbar with one adjustment about 10,000 miles ago. So far, it has performed as advertised.

- John

 

[Cummins12V98]

@Cummins12V98, I am using the Rare Parts track bar. The length is adjustable and more importantly the ball socket is adjustable without track bar removal. Two allen wrenches are used to make the ball socket adjustment (5/32" and 1/4").

The ball socket has 47% more working area than the OEM ball socket.

I have logged 100,000 miles on the Rare Parts trackbar with one adjustment about 10,000 miles ago. So far, it has performed as advertised.

- John

THATS the type of answer I was hoping for!!!

Thanks!

 

[Cummins12V98]

I installed the "Rare Parts RP28444 Heavy Duty Adjustable Track Bar" yesterday. I am impressed!!!

My suspension guy gave me a tip. He said to simply adjust the TB so the spacing between the coil spring and frame is the same on both sides. Now I have to re center my steering wheel.

I also added a steering box stabilizer, result of both parts made my steering nice and tight!

petersonj,

The TB I bought does NOT have an adjustable head. I could not find one that did. But the head on this is HUGE compared to the OE.

 

[petersonj]

I installed the "Rare Parts RP28444 Heavy Duty Adjustable Track Bar" yesterday. I am impressed!!!

petersonj,

The TB I bought does NOT have an adjustable head. I could not find one that did. But the head on this is HUGE compared to the OE.

Your Rare Parts RP28444 track bar should look like this. There should be a allen set screw on the end (out of view in the photo) that would be loosened to allow for ball joint adjustment. Remove the zerk fitting and you will find an allen head adjustment screw inside to adjust the ball joint clearance.

- John

 

[petersonj]

@Cummins12V98, here is a better picture that shows the set screw on the end. It seems that DPP is selling a newer modified version with the same part number RP28444. I wonder if the photos that I posted represent the actual product.

If this is not the case, I think it is unfortunate that the ball socket is no longer adjustable.

- John

 

[Cummins12V98]

Just spoke to Rare Parts, that design is no longer available. Same part number but this is what you get now. This image is from Rare Parts web site.

 

[Matt42]

My suspension guy gave me a tip. He said to simply adjust the TB so the spacing between the coil spring and frame is the same on both sides. Now I have to re center my steering wheel.


petersonj,

The TB I bought does NOT have an adjustable head. I could not find one that did. But the head on this is HUGE compared to the OE.View attachment 114018

That tip about adjusting the track bar is exactly what I've been looking for. After replacing several OEMs and a Lindstad that I just plain wore out, I always had to slightly adjust the drag link. When I made the third gen conversion, I couldn't get the track bar adjusted quite right. Now I know what to do. Thanks!

 

[EricViviano]

Go to DOR and get a real trac bar. The 3rd gen trac bar is made for a 3rd gen.

 

[Matt42]

Go to DOR and get a real trac bar. The 3rd gen trac bar is made for a 3rd gen.

1. DOR?
2. Too late. Conversion is already done.

 

[EricViviano]

1. DOR?
2. Too late. Conversion is already done.

Yikes. From now on get real steering and suspension parts from DOR.

http://store.dodgeoffroad.com/

Made is USA and WAY beefier than anything you have ever seen.

Do it once and be done with it.