Put new track bar on , does it need an alignment ??????? My steering wheel is now off center and I have the bar that goes to the pitman arm that I must dissconect to adjust , is there any other way to straighten the wheel out ??????

 

You dont have to disconnect anything. The bar that connects to the pitman arm is called the drag link. It has an adjuster tube in the middle. You loosen the nuts on the clamps and slide left the keeper on the left end that keeps it from rotating. Then you rotate the drag link adjuster until your wheel is centered, its very easy.

 

Ahhh. Sun, thanks. I just caught this new thread. So adjusting the drag link does NOT change the alignment????

A mechanic, "adjusted," my steering box, threw MY steering wheel off center, then left it. I didn't realize adjusting the drag link would re-center my steering wheel.

Your comment helped me. Thank you.

Dennis, .... new to my '97 CTD.

 

just my own personal experience, but on my truck, everything seems to trash the alignment.

When I used to do alot more plowing, every spring had to have it in and straightened out.

As it happens, im getting it done again in a week or two.

 

Beware when yo adjust the tube on the drag link that the clamp bolts don't end up pointing towards the steering stabilizer.
Even though it doesn't look like it in a sharp turn the bolts will hit and puncture the stabilizer.

 

Inf: are you referring to the, "shock absorber," that is attached to the drag link?

Dennis

 

I'll have to look again , took a quick look and it looked like ya have to disconnect and turn it. The main question still exists , do ya need an alignment after a track bar I,m thinking no but I could be wrong . lol

 

Yes

No alignment needed after replacing the track bar.
The trick to easy trackbar replacement is to leave the truck on the ground and have a helper turn the steering wheel to line it up.

 

Adjusting the drag link doesn't change the alignment. And I agree with Infidel, changing the trackbar doesn't change the alignment. The draglink allows you to easily center the steering wheel.

 

I'd be real careful letting a mechanic adjust the steering box on these rigs. They are very finicky and any over/under adjustment can cause very rapid wear and require the steering box be replaced. If he's not fully certified to touch these things I'd get it checked out by someone else to be sure. Kurt