2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Which track bar option is best?

[JMead]

I joined TDR yesterday with the intent on getting the best information on what to do about the track bar on my '96 2500. I have got more questions now than when I started! Money is of course a factor, but more importantly I want something that works. I replaced the original track bar a few years ago but it is bad again. I'm looking at Luke's link or the 2003 conversion but I am open to suggestions! Also, not to be too stupid, but what is DSS and would this be something I need depending on which way I go? I've also replaced the steering gear and am concerned about what effects a bad track bar will have on this unit. My truck is stock (no lift kit) and has stock size tires.

 

[24V-DSL]

Give Rip Rook a call to talk about DSS and 3rd. gen track-bar. Take a look at all of this stuff on his site prior to calling, if you like.



www.sourceautomotive.biz



P. S. , welcome to the TDR.

 

[JKinney]

Welcome to TDR do a search and you will find alot of reading on trackbars I went with thuren and am very pleased. http://thurenfabrication.com/ It is one hunk of steel.

 

[JMead]

I've looked at and priced out some aftermarket bars, but aren't they just a little more heavy duty than the OEM? Most bars I have looked at are for trucks with a lift kit. How many miles do you have on the bar you put on and is it adjustable (tightenable)?

 

[Allnew2Me]

I used the Lindstadt link on mine and it is holding up very well after more than a year. It does require welding but it allows you to grease it and tighten it if needed. The track bar doesn't wear out it is just the end that goes. The stock end has a silly spiral spring and a plastic cup in it and the spring goes flat and it gets sloppy. The lindstadt uses a metal ball cup and a heavy lock washer for tension. It can be tightened or replaced if it ever goes flat. you can spend hundreds of dollars for a new bar but unless you are going to mod your suspension and get fancy, this kit does a great job.

 

[ProspectorTim]

Any of the aftermarket solutions are going to be better than the stock setup.
Some are better than others, but who is to judge which is "best?

If you want to fix your truck and save some $$ to put diesel in the tank, <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[url="https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/member.php?u=990787"]Bajabob[/url] has two for sale at very resonable prices.


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The trackbars are Mopars. Both have maybe 3,000 miles on them,no offroad use. They wouldn't mount flush with my frame after KORE lift. One has Luke's Link already mounted and Energy Suspension uruthane axle bushing. The other is stock in damn near new condition and I'll throw in a new Luke's Link in the box to upgrade it. The pre-assembled bar retails for $***and was done by Luke on a exchange sale. $*** for the stock bar w/Luke's kit. $***for the pre-assembled one w/uruthane insert. If you want both I'd sell them for $***+shipping.

I was considering buying them, but Luke's Link is sending me a new Luke's Link under warranty, so I won't be needing these.

PM BajaBob for prices if you are interested.

 

[KevinLewis]

check this thread for my findings



Thuren report

 

[SMorneau]

I used the Lindstadt link on mine and it is holding up very well after more than a year. It does require welding but it allows you to grease it and tighten it if needed. The track bar doesn't wear out it is just the end that goes. The stock end has a silly spiral spring and a plastic cup in it and the spring goes flat and it gets sloppy. The lindstadt uses a metal ball cup and a heavy lock washer for tension. It can be tightened or replaced if it ever goes flat. you can spend hundreds of dollars for a new bar but unless you are going to mod your suspension and get fancy, this kit does a great job.

I have also had good results with the Lindstadt setup. No trouble in over 175k miles.

 

[paulb]

Give Rip Rook a call to talk about DSS and 3rd. gen track-bar. Take a look at all of this stuff on his site prior to calling, if you like.



www.sourceautomotive.biz



P. S. , welcome to the TDR.

X2. I have the 3rd gen track-bar and it made a big improvement on mine. Changing lanes is no longer an adventure...



Paul

 

[BILLVO]

Which ones are the one piece nonadjustable bars is this the 3rd gen? I too would and need to upgrade but want a drop in replacement with no adjustments to go wrong.

 

[McLaughlin]

The third gen track bar may or may not be adjustable. Typically they are not. You can get an adjustable track bar from Rip at Solid Steel but it is mostly for lifted trucks. If you have a stock truck and don't intend to lift just save a bit of $$ and get a stock 3rd gen bar. The 3rd gen set up is more expensive than the Thuren track bar mostly due to the higher cost of the 3rd gen track bar and the required bracket. Didn't require any adjustment other than an alignment. Putting in a 3rd gen track bar made more difference for my truck then the DSS or the Luke's Links but the improvement really depends on where the problem exists in your truck.

 

[EBung]

Get a Thuren and save money,have adjustability and replace it via 2 bolts.

 

[TMoe]

Do you have stock height? I didn't think the Thuren would fit 2001 and 2002 without a lift?

 

[Clinton]

DT is another option I don't see mentioned yet. They were one of the first to offer an adjustable and rebuildable track bar. Seems like they were more popular a few years ago before they had so much competition. I've been very happy with mine and it hasn't needed rebuilding yet after about 60k miles. I also have the DSS and it too is highly recommended. The combo of the two really helped drivability.

 

[TMoe]

Thuren tb in stock height 2001

Does anyone have a Thuren bolt on track bar in a stock height 2001? I know it will be tight and there is info on the Thuren website, paint can lid to check. I just can't believe it would fit one 2001 and not another with the same springs, axles, etc. Maybe it can be tilted back to provide enough clearance. I like the idea of not having to add another bracket especially if the frame hole is solid enough, which I think it is. Not sure about the Thuren ball joint vs. the 3rd gen rubber bushing. I am convinced that along with a no slop shaft/box and DSS the track bar must be as solid as possible to provide tight steering.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Without getting into to many details, I would not recomend a DT trac bar. I have one and the heim joint on the frame end is a little on the flimsy side for me. Pounded out that heim joint in less than 20,000 miles. Stock trac bar lasted over 130,000 miles. Plus it cost me over $600 bucks Canadain by the time it got here. Coulda bought 2 stockers for that price.

 

[JKinney]

Does anyone have a Thuren bolt on track bar in a stock height 2001? I know it will be tight and there is info on the Thuren website, paint can lid to check. I just can't believe it would fit one 2001 and not another with the same springs, axles, etc. Maybe it can be tilted back to provide enough clearance. I like the idea of not having to add another bracket especially if the frame hole is solid enough, which I think it is. Not sure about the Thuren ball joint vs. the 3rd gen rubber bushing. I am convinced that along with a no slop shaft/box and DSS the track bar must be as solid as possible to provide tight steering. [/QUOTE



My thuren bar was hitting the front differential. It was on for a month before I realized it was hitting. It only hit while driving through big potholes or deep off road dips that will compress the springs. I tried all the pre buy tests and my rig passed all of them. I put on a set of leveling spacers and kept the track bar. That was 12,000 milea ago and she still steers good.