2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Track Bar?

[DStarkey]

My good diesel friends, I need some advice. Took truck to tire shop today for alignment/rotate/balance, and am told I need the "track bar" replaced, as this is causing play in the front suspension. I was quoted $330 for part and $85 labor. Does this diagnosis/pricing sound right?



Thanks for the input

dstarkey

 

[MKinner]

check out this site http://www.solidsteel.ca/



they seem to have good info on what you might need

 

[SRadke]

One of the guys I do pickup maintenance for just called and informed me the tire shop had told him the same thing. I ordered a "Luke's Link" for it to rebuild the track bar. Hopefully that will do the job but I won't know for a couple weeks until I can get it in.



-Scott

 

[jrobinson2]

This is a common problem on the 4x4 trucks, I think an aftermarket track bar from someplace like Napa is a little over 100 bucks, they dont seem to wear any faster than the OEM bars and are much cheaper, time to change it is 1/2 hour max, its only 2 bolts and they are easy to get at. The quote sounds a bit high to me. Theres a link to "Lukes Link" in my signature

Jared

 

[RTessier]

Track Bar Conversion Kit

Solid Steel Industries new website: The manufacturers of the DSS and the TBK.



www.solidsteel. biz



This kit lets you install a 2003 Track Bar on your 94 to 02 Dodge Ram 4x4.





Russell

www.solidsteel. biz

 

[Kernel]

Make sure you replace it before you get the alignment done. I found out after I replaced all the tierods and took it to get aligned. I was stuck because it was a saturday, had to drive 1200 miles the next day and needed the alignment done. I was told it would not knock the front end off by replacing it later. Well, I replaced it, noticed as difference, took it to get checked out, and sure enough, it was off by 1/2 inch both sides. So I had to get it aligned a second time in less than two weeks. The longest part is getting the old one out, after that it isn't anything to do.



Scott

 

[JGK]

NAPA track bars are about $180, but have a life time warranty. Just make sure you keep the ball joint greased (it has a zerk) and keep the receipt in with your registration, proof of insurance, etc. $330 for the bar and $85 to install is insane, unless yours is REALLY special.



A good alternative is the Luke's Link.



You should not have to realign the front end after replacing the track bar. All it does is keep the front axle from moving side to side as a whole unit. But do so if it makes you feel better!



-Jay

 

[WyattEarp]

that quote is to high, i had my track bar replaced a year ago and the bar was $169. 00 and it don't cost no 85. 00 for labor, your getting jilted on that one.

When my track bar went it was almost impossible to keep the truck from running off the right side of the highway, I live in the mountains a straight road, what is that, so needless to say it caused more than just a uneasy feeling, I actually thought it was me and had almost come to the point of saying the Heck with driving LOL...

I would check with Napa, or another parts place, im sure you can get the bar for at least half what they quoted you, if not they have surely gone WAY UP in price since my fix. .

 

[jrobinson2]

I think this thread is where I got the "just over $100" from

trackin bar problem

quote from the other thread 5/20/03:

"I went to the local Auto Parts store and got a MOOG track bar with lifetime warranty for about $138. 02 with my wholesale discount (basically Jobber price)"

Advance Auto parts seemed to get quite a few recomendations for good prices on the heavy duty moog track bar.

Jared

 

[Sjester]

Within the last 3 weeks I paid $100 plus tax for a Moog Trackbar at Advance Auto parts. It was a Moog part but was in a TRW? box. Took about 45 minutes to replace. If you do it yourself make sure you Loctite the bushing end and put anti-sieze on the ball joint end. Sometimes the ball joint end sticks after removing the castlenut. Mine loosened with a few whacks to the side of the attachment point.



PS Mine needed an alignment after I replaced the trackbar