2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Track bar what the !!!!!!!!

[mymtnhauler]

Like the title says. The track bar on my on my 02 4X4 2500, dies every 6 to 8 months!#@$%! I've replaced the ball joints, tires, shocks, and steering stablelizer shock. The tie rods were replaced about 3 months before that. Is there something that I've missed? Thanks ahead of time.

 

[cj hall]

track bar upgrade

Hello



2nd gen trucks eat track bars this is just the way they are had the same problem with my 2001 fixed it with a track bar from a third gen truck



the housing end fits the frame end needs a bracket welded to it



Josh at Prindle Mfg and Performance makes the bracket

he is in Billings Mt and does great work.



Hope this helps you



cj hall

 

[Joe Mc]

I used this set-up
Solid Steel. biz
No welding straight "bolt-in".

 

[MARK JAQUITH]

I put a Solid Steel 3rd gen bolt on unit on my 2001 HO 4x4 over 110000 miles ago and still going strong.

 

[rrl989]

Seems like there is another issue that's causing you to need trac bars evry six months. Is your 2500 front end stock/oem ?

 

[AEdelheit]

Well it depends what track bar your using, if your buying cheap ones then they wont last long, if you drive on rough roads and your front suspension droops alot, especially if you have a leveling kit that will really destroy a stock 2nd gen track bar fast, A good 3rd gen track bar kit should solve alot. If you can find a used 3rd gen track bar you can get replacement bushings from Genos and then just buy the bracket, save some money.

 

[rkressg]

Do a 3rd gen conversion, and get a good bar with polyurethane bushings. .

I recently rebuilt my 3rd gen trackbar with Luk's Links bushings, and it made a big difference. I ran the 3rd gen mod for over 100,000 miles, and figured it was time for new bushings.

I also changed out my upper and lower control arms with upgraded arms from Top Guns Customz, and it made a huge difference. The truck drives like a different vehicle.

 

[Texis]

What does the truck do when the track bar is shot? What to look for??



My original bar has 381K on it. (I'm assuming it is shot!... but it drives fine?)

 

[mymtnhauler]

Seems like there is another issue that's causing you to need trac bars evry six months. Is your 2500 front end stock/oem ?

The front is compeltly stock!

What does the truck do when the track bar is shot? What to look for??



My original bar has 381K on it. (I'm assuming it is shot!... but it drives fine?)

It will be like driving a shopping cart with a bad wheel, it just feels like it goes only were it wants to, when it wants too!#@$%! What to look for. The end joint at the frame will move excessively, and so will the connection at the axle, When the steering wheel is turned side to side while on a level surface. Now mine seem to fail at the axle rather than the end joint at the frame!#@$%!

 

[JKosten]

I used this set-up

Solid Steel. biz

No welding straight "bolt-in".

I have one too and one of the better mods I have done.



Also I used a OEM track bar with poly inserts from Geno's.

 

[AABEN]

LUK'S LINKS is the way to go!

 

[JKosten]

LUK'S LINKS is the way to go!

Yes for 2wd and factory ride height 4wd. It will NOT articulate as well or handle any type of lift/leveling kit.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Thuren make and adjustable 3rd gen track bar. I have his 2nd adjustable track bar on my truck. (Seems to be doing good but the Mule is on pavement most of the time. )



Thuren Fabrication

Dodges Front End Components

0-3’’ Track Bar

. : THUREN FABRICATION :.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

When I bought my 98 12v it had a brand new Moog. The steering was fine, but since I planned on keeping the truck, I went with the 3 gen conversion using the Lazer Smith bracket and the Solid Steel stabilizer. I've been pleased. The latest issue of TDR has quite a section on the 2nd gen steering.





I'm thinking about the borgeson steering box conversion for some additional preventive maintenance, for the better ratios, and while they still are available. Anyone had any experience or comments on steering box alternatives?

 

[VolsFan]

I have a borgeson box and I love it. Just recently did the four tie rod ends with lukes links, and seem to be working great, but the link on the track bar is going south even after shimming it. Was going to start a new thread on this, but has anybody used the XRF adjustable track bar? They are $130, and look a lot like the thuren bars. As mentioned a few posts up, the lukes links are great, and I will continue to support/recommend them, but if you have any lift on the front, they wont last, atleast from my experience, on the track bar that is. Worked great when it was at stock height. Truck handles like a dream now though doing borgeson box, new steering shaft, sway bar links, control arms, and lukes link on tie rod ends

 

[jpogue]

I recently took my truck (96 4x4) in for an alignment and they would not align it due to the track bar slop. I have the third gen track bar and retrofit kit. I can't remember which one it is I bought both from PDR, only 2 years ago. I believe the track bar is just a stock 3rd gen dodge track bar. The rubber bushing that is on the pass side has a huge amount of slop to it and the alignment place said an alignment wouldn't do any good with it being like that. I will check out some of the other track bars mentioned above. I replaced the control arms,steering stabilizer,steering box,added the DSS,and pitman arm. Oh also the guy said the outer tie rod end on pass side should be replaced as well.

 

[JKosten]

The rubber bushing that is on the pass side has a huge amount of slop to it

The factory bushings can do that within 20k miles of being new. As mentioned above, get the poly inserts from Geno's and then go back for alignment, or do it yourself.

 

[jpogue]

So the bushing on the side that bolts up to the frame, not the retrofit kit side can be replaced? I'll check it out and order the bushing kit.

 

[JKosten]

The kit will change both

LUKE'S LINK REPLACEMENT TRACKBAR BUSHINGS ('03-'07)-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage

#ad

 

[jpogue]

Thanks JKosten. Gonna order them today.