2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Track Bar Replacement - how easy?

[Lube Man]

I have to replace the track bar and also the drag link connection to the Pitman arm on my 99 4wd TD. This involves disconnecting two ball joint connections. I have never pulled a ball joint before. Is this difficult to do? What is the recommended puller tool?



I will be using a Lindstat rebuilt track bar and a Moog part for the Pitman arm connection. My alignment guy says the two parts will require about 1. 5 hours to install at a charge of $97. 50.



I prefer to do things myself when possible. Whats the recommendation?



Thanks for help.

 

[Got Smoke?]

I would say that installation is quite easy, however I've read that it can be difficult. I had to replace my track bar a couple of months ago and with me have the 2. 5" skyjacker coils in the front I thought it would be a bear to do so I paid to have it done. BIG mistake! :{



Watched the guy do it. It took him about 7 minutes if that long. He unbolted it at the frame, knocked the studd back out with a hammer, unbolted it at the axle and it fell right out. New one slid right in smoother than silk. :{ I'll never waste that money again.



Now the drag link connection is something I haven't seen done nor have done myself so I'd let someone do that.

 

[Cooker]

As already mentioned the track bar is very easy. The draglink end on the Pitman arm is a little more challenging. It can be a real PIA especially if your truck has been through some salty winters. The drag link end will not spin out of the collar easily so be prepared for a bit of a fight, but it is not all that bad. I certainly wouldn't pay $100 to have it done.

 

[krs]

The tracbar has a tapered mounting on the driver's side that can be very easy to remove or very hard to remove depending on corrosion, or luck I guess.



What you can do is remove the cotter pin and the castellated nut on the driver side mount and try it. Only take a few minutes and you won't even have to remove the wheel. If it comes out easy the rest will be easy. If you can't get it to come out with moderate effort maybe it'd be easier to pay to have it done.

 

[wcjp]

The tracbar isn't real difficult. It helped to have the neighbor come over. I needed her to move the steering wheel just a little bit. The new tracbar had a slightly different position than the old one. I haven't replaced the drag link on my Dodge. On my Jeep it was very easy. Since your replacing the unit it'll come with new grease boots. Destroying the old grease boots during removal won't be an issue.