Wandering Thoughts.....

[Rob Thomas]

I hate to bring it up again,but I was just under my truck looking at the wandering mess of undersized steering parts. Now I'm just curious,but, about the track bar ,it seems to me that the way it has that big bend in it over the dif may not be a very good design. I would think it would flex at that point,now I know it's a fat peice of metal,but it is under alot of stress. Also that stupid joint there,I would rather see bushings at both ends.

My better-half has a PHERD,and no I didn't condone it,but you can't tell a woman anything,or if you can she don't listen, but she thought that PHERD was CUTE!! Anyhoo,I was under her truck looking at their steering setup,and even with leaf springs they also have a track bar. Their's is bigger and fatter and has big bushings at both ends and is STRAIGHT not bent. Now, I know DC can't do anything about it now onaccounta' the new body style,and I'm sure new front end,but... ... ..... I'm thinking about doing my own engineering. My thought is taking a PHERD track bar and with my own made brackets,incorperating it to my truck. Now I'm almost done here,I don't nessesarilly need to use a PHERD part ,but somthing similar. Now my question is does that make sense to anybody,or did I just waste a whole bunch of my brain thinking about this!Any input would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks, Rob

 

[Rob Thomas]

Hello?

 

[NVR FNSH]

DTT, I think that's who it is, makes a 'straight' track bar - check Fritz's web page for installation. Also, check out Luke's Link for a rebuildable kit to fix the stock track bar.



The bend in the DC track bar is not the problem - the tie rod end at the frame mount is the biggest problem IMO. It's not up to loads placed on it by our trucks - especially when we run larger tires or very heavy loads.



Brian

 

[Rob Thomas]

NVR FNSH,I was unaware that someone made a straight trackbar,as far as the Lukes Link,it still has a joint in it. I was looking for something more solid,thanks for the update on the straight bar I'll check into that.

Rob

 

[Clinton]

I've been looking into this as well. DT makes a beefy looking bar, about $330 for everything you'll need (for stock to 3" lifts, more for 4" + lifts). Their web site isn't easy to find nor is it current, go to Fritz's site and hit the link, then call. I'm not sold on the Luke's Link either. Fabricating the bracketry? Good luck my man. That seems like it would be alot of R&D before you arrived anywhere, at least it would be for me. Anyway, so far I like the DT model best, but I'm not finished looking yet.

 

[Rob Thomas]

I like that fabricating stuff,I'm working on an air ride setup now,all air no springs,for the rear of the truck. That Fritz's site what's the adress?



Thanks, Rob

 

[RJOL]

Try this:



http://dodgeram.org/



Have fun...

 

[Clinton]

His site can be found at www.dodgeram.org



Fabication of stuff on that scale intimidates me, I stick to fabricating things more on the bicycle scale. (My toolworks and garage are more on the bicycle scale too).



Fritz has several pictures of the DT bar and bracketry, perhaps you'll be able to get some good ideas.

 

[RamThatStroker]

Somebody else with wandering

Guys,



I guess I'm not alone with the wondering issue. Take a look at my post in the 12-valve section. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37260



Joe

 

[ageorge]

Luke's Link?

Clinton, you said you are not happy with the Luke's Link. What do you find wrong with it, other than if TRW had made the factory joint heavy enough for D/Chrysler Luke wouldn't need to sell them? Just wondering.

 

[Clinton]

ageorge,

I said I wasn't sold on the Lukes Link, not that I'm unhappy with it. I'm still running stock steering componetry and shopping the market. After our 5k mile ski trip this year I'm committed to improving this system. My overall goal for my Ram is something close to an offroad RV capable of many types and styles of travel. I'm not at all sure my steering upgrades will end with just a track bar replacement as I think the whole system could use improvement. If I never went offroad I would already have the Lukes Link upgrade either done or in the works. I think it's a solid product, but like I say, I'm not sold on it (yet). I'm new to the BIG truck world and am not willing to rush on upgrades, so I'll keep shopping.