Track Bar

[DSorrells]

I am looking for some insight in track bars. I know the bushings on my stock track bar are worn out. Can you replace these bushings? Should I by an 08 track bar, bigger bolt holes? Should I go completely aftermarket? Who likes what and why, Carli, KORE, BD, Thuren? I will be putting 35" tires on the truck soon. I don't want them to wear wrong. I also want my steering back, no more drifting from line to line. What do you guys think?

 

[jdiller]

I got the Carli and it works great. Just can't use a mag hytec front cover. Make sure you get new mounting bolts for both side and tighten the hell out upper mount both actually.

 

[CPittman]

The Thuren seems to be a well-built, affordable solution.



Go to Hoot's page and click on "Thuren install" for info.

 

[JKreiss]

I got the Thuren bar and his steering system. Hands down the best money i've ever put into any truck i've ever owned. Carli's bar is very similar and i've heard nothing but good things.

 

[steved]

I believe you can buy the replacement bushings from Napa and Geno's...

 

[CPittman]

I got my new track bar bushings from Geno's. I used an 18mm impact socket to get my track bar bolts loose. You might just use your breaker bar with a cheater pipe because the bolts are secured at the factory with blue Loctite. Either way, cheater pipe or impact driver to get them off.



I used a flame wrench to heat the track bar around the factory bushings slightly. Then I used a drift to bend the stock bushing collars down after I had used the drift to drive the center of the bushing out. Once the collars are bent down, I used my Cummins fuel filter canister socket (1 1/8") socket with a 1. 5" OD and a 3 lb. shop hammer (with some PB Blaster / Kroil) to drive the stock bushing outer collar out.



Took 1 hour and three beers.

 

[kowaliga]

The factory trackbar bushings can be replaced with a set from Geno's. As CPittman said, it will be 'work' to remove the originals, unless you've access to a hydraulic press. After they are out, the replacement and re-install will be relatively easy.

 

[DSorrells]

I went ahead and bought the Carli bar. Because it is adjustable and since I lifted the truck that would be better. Besides I really enjoied working with the Guys at RPM Offroad. Thanks for all of your help. I will let you know how much it helps.

 

[seafish]

I am almost positive that Thuren and Carli developed and manufacture the track bar as a joint project. I just ordered mine from Don Thuren. It is also adjustable for lift.

 

[pwknapp]

Don Thuren.

 

[Prairie Dog]

So, on a stock truck that doesn't see any off roading but does lots of towing, is there any advantage to going with a complete new track bar over just replacing the bushings with poly's?

 

[seafish]

My Thuren has nor yet arrived, but stated adavntages from Don are these:

- almost ridgid ends to reduce bushing recoil and slop
- larger diameter bar to reduce flex
- decreased bend angles to reduce flex/recoil
- adjustable length to center axle with small lifts
- 100% rebuildable for about $60

Poly bushings re definitely a step in the right direction.

 

[Jeepr]

You said you are going with 35's. If you are going to lift it at all, and have to replace the track bar anyway, then go with an adjustable one so you can center the axle after the lift.

 

[CPittman]

The Thuren and Carli bars ARE adjustable.

 

[Regcabguy]

Being that your truck's an '03,you might consider upgrading to the '09 steering assembly. I just had it done due to dw and it along with a Carli highmount ss and a free stock ss I acquired makes for a great handling rig.