2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Trackbar replacement

[kglenn]

Just got through replacing the trackbar with a new one. I could not afford one of the good ones right now, so I had to go with a cheap one. It went back on fine, but now the steering wheel is clocked to one side when driving straight. is this just an alinement problem or is this the wrong trackbar ?

 

[SRath]

It could be either or both or neither. Did you compare the old to the new before installing? How shot was your old one? If an alignment was done with a worn one, the steering wheel would not center the same with a new one. The settling and sagging of the front springs over time, or a leveling or lift kit, would also affect the trackbar's effective length.

Does the truck go down the road straight without pulling? Is the front axle still centered under the truck? A trackbar won't affect the alignment of the front wheels per se (caster, camber, toe-in), it affects how the front axle centers under the truck and how it tracks with the rear axle.

If the truck drives fine and the axle centers well, you can clock your steering wheel back to center without affecting alignment by first parking the truck with the tires pointed straight ahead, then loosening the clamps on the draglink adjuster sleeve going to your pitman arm and turning it one way or the other until the steering wheel centers. Make sure the key is in a position to unlock the column before doing this and save yourself a ton of crawling under and back out by having someone sit in the driver seat and tell if you are going the right way and when to stop.

Don't forget to retorque those clamp bolts when finished!!!

 

[kglenn]

SRath,
Thanks for the response. I did add 2" spacers awhile back to make up for the sagging springs, but I didn't notice it moving the steering wheel much till I put on the new trackbar. I went back and checked the part number again and it showed to be right for my truck. I have owned the truck for seven years and this is the first time I have replaced it. Truck is a 2000 model. I will try doing as you suggested to straighten it out. It really bugs the heck out of me.

 

[SRath]

You will find the adjuster sleeve is pretty tough to turn even after loosening the clamps. Spray the threads down good with some penetrating oil. Maybe even a couple of times for a day or two ahead of time. They make a special tool for turning the sleeve, but for those of us without one, a common pipe wrench will do the job.

And, yeah, there is nothing more annoying than an uncentered steering wheel. Many shops do alignments and then don't re-center the wheel, which is just plain lazy and a rip off since that is part of a proper alignment.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Another tip or two: I went with a 3rd gen and a lazersmith bracket. $60 for the trackbar, new, off ebay. And I think about $140 for the bracket. Then I sold the almost new Moog that came on the truck on ebay. Ended up costing me little and I've been quite happy thus far.

When you are re-aligning your steering wheel put a wrap of something white around the top center of the wheel. Then as you adjust the drag link you can peer through the windshield and see how you are doing.

 

[kglenn]

Thanks for all the help. I am going to get this fixed this weekend. Truck drives fine with the new trackbar , but that steering wheel is driving me crazy! Like most of you here I do all my own repairs, so all of your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[BK]

When I put an adjustable in, it didnt take much at all for the steering wheel to be off center.

I dont have any lift of any sort, and replaced the stock tb.

I centered the axle with the new adjustable track bar, and it took a bunch of turns of the sleeve on the drag link to get the wheel back to center.

 

[kglenn]

Well I finally had time to stop and center my steering wheel. Took my pipe wrench and went to town. Worked great. Just got through ordering a steering box stabilizer from PSC. I hope this will take out what wandering is left. The track bar really helped. Again, thanks for your help gentlemen.