2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission trackbar explosion

[pdxkid]

ok, please forgive me as i'm not very familiar with all the front end terms yet. the ball joint at the end of the trackbar on the driver's side exploded through the end of itself recently. should i replace it with a moog part or upgrade to the 3rd gen setup? should i replace lots of other stuff while i'm in there? where do I find the 3rd gen setup? thank you in advance

 

[Dave M]

There are many track bar options and you will get lots of different opinions of which one that you must decide for yourself to use.



My opinion is go with the SS 3rd gen conversion bracket and SS 3rd gen track bar. You can get them at Source Automotive in Oregon here:



Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Track Bar Conversion Kit



There are others places to buy it from. Do a search on user '12Vmudder' who found it cheaper and has just finished his front end rebuild.



The 3rd gen track bar is better in my opinion because it eliminates the joint on the frame end of track bar and now both ends of the bar have a bolt thru bushing... . no more joint to fail. I used the adjustable bar so I can lift the front 2 inches for a leveling kit when I decide to do that.



(Edit: A disadvantage going SS 3rd gen TB is the added cost of the conversion bracket and also added cost of an adjustable TB over the non-adjustable TB. I think its well worth the added cost considering the reliability of the 3rd gen track bar design verses the 2nd gen track bar with the failure prone end joint)



I'd recommend a SS (Solid Steel Industries) DSS (Dodge Steering Stabilizer) to help protect the stress on the steering box output shaft and maybe a 3 turn PSC steering box. You can replace shocks, sway bar bushings, end links and control arm bushings if needed and steering stabilizers... . depends on what you feel is neeeded. Check for play in any other front end parts by having someone turn steering wheel back and forth and look for any play in joints. Check ball joints and hub bearing for play and look at your calipers/rotors. The list goes on and on.



Good Luck,

Dave

 

[EKlem]

An easier to install and cheaper option than the 3rd gen conversion is Don Thuren's track bar. It works quite well and uses a large heim joint for the frame end. The only thing about this option is that it will probably take him a few weeks to get one to you and if you don't have a track bar right now, that might not be ideal.

As far as replacing other stuff, there is no formula for it. I would suggest having a friend turn the wheel and lie under there for a little while and inspect everything. Anything that has play needs to be replaced. Pay particular attention to the output shaft on the steering box, if it is wobbling, you need a DSS.

 

[Missouri Mule]

You can get a 2nd gen track bar or 3rd gen track bar at Thuren's he doesn't make the 3rd gen bracket. As stated it mite take a few weeks.

. : THUREN FABRICATION :.

 

[pdxkid]

follow up

so i replaced the failed trackbar with the mopar part. i may regret this in the future as i could have upgraded and perhaps solved the problem, but with diesel fuel now at $4. 60/gal here, money is tight. it was a very quick, easy repair. my buddy who owns a shop luckily passed on his dealer price to me and I only had to pay $205 to the dodge stealership! what an expensive hunk of steel! thanks to all for the replies.