Track Bar

[GColeman]

I just had my track bar replaced under warranty at 31K. I crawled under the truck when I got home to check out the work. I have no idea what wears out since it is a solid bar. There are no lubrication points on the ends and no adjustable parts.



1. What does the "track bar" do?



2. Is this a common problem?



3. Is there a better after-market track bar available and if so, what is the difference between it and the OEM part?



Thanks



Greg

 

[jelag]

I don't know what you mean by track bar... are you talking about either the drag link that connects the left wheel to the right wheel to the stearing box.....



If so... the ball joint at each end can wear..... and will allow the wheels to move from left to right without movement in the stearing gear box... . if both sides are worn. . than both tires wear un-evenly and if one side is worn... . than that tire associated with the bad side wears.....



BTW the dealer might call it the track bar but its always been a drag link as an industry name... some replacement..... Moog as an example will often have grease fittings to make this last longer..... Hope this helps...

 

[GColeman]

Track Bar is what the service dept. called it. Also says track bar on the work order. I will take another look at it tonight. There is no ball joint on the end. Just a hole on each end, probably a grommet, and bolt. Seems like I have heard others on this board talking about replacing worn track bars. The thread was usually about Death Wobble and attempts to fix it.

 

[tazzen]

I thinks its the bar that conects to the rearend on passenger side and crosses over to the drivers side and attaches to the frame and holds the rear end in place from side to side. and there are rubber bushings in each end. that said you scare me saying it is worn out already because i got the bracket to convert my 01 to the 3rd gen track bar .



ed

 

[Jong]

The track bar locates your front axle side to side. It connects from the drivers side of your frame to the right hand side of your front axle. It is mostly straight with a hump over the differential on the axle. On your truck, both ends of your track bar are bushed, with rubber bushings. They can and do wear out. At least you don't have a ball jointed end on the frame side like the 2nd gen trucks. I just ordered a Thuren track bar for my '01. 5 which uses plastic bushings which are much tougher. Check out his web site, www.thurenfabrication.com for way better than stock pieces.

 

[GColeman]

The track bar locates your front axle side to side. It connects from the drivers side of your frame to the right hand side of your front axle. It is mostly straight with a hump over the differential on the axle. On your truck, both ends of your track bar are bushed, with rubber bushings. They can and do wear out. At least you don't have a ball jointed end on the frame side like the 2nd gen trucks. I just ordered a Thuren track bar for my '01. 5 which uses plastic bushings which are much tougher. Check out his web site, www.thurenfabrication.com for way better than stock pieces.

That's the one. Thanks for the info. I just saw an advertisement in a magazine for a replacement that claims to be much more durable. Thanks everyone for the help.