Well, I'm redoing all my ball joints and u-joints on the front, have done the disc brake upgrade, and am installing my other wheel bearing. I've also ordered the PSC Steering Stabilizer. Now I need to know the thoughts on the relatively inexpensive Luke's Link ($69) and the very expensive 2003+ track bar upgrade($500+). I'd like to take the cheaper way but want to hear some input on how they have fared with the Luke's Link....

 

You'll get lots of pro comments each way. Lukes don't last for ever but do the job for a while. Really depends on your funds available. I know many thet went with something else after about 2 yrs w/ Lukes Links.

I have 3rd gen bar and it's great. BUT, I bgt it ($280.00 plus Stainless Steel's Bracket) before there were other options .... like Thuren track bar.
Would probably go with Thuren if buying today!
http://thurenfabrication.com/stocktb.html

RJ

 

Luk's link is cheap and it works. I've had not problems with mine. Good product.

 

Stupid question, but is it just the 4x4 second gens that have the death wobble, and other steering problems? Do the 2WD trucks suffer from this as well?

 

Never heard of a 2wd with Death Wobble, but all Dodge 4x4 trucks (94 to current) can suffer from death wobble.

 

I think the death wobble is a solid front axle problem only....

Okay, I'll throw in the Thuren Track Bar into the mix. Seems mid range between the '03 setup and a Luke's Link. I don't really see how a uniball bearing will help more than a Luke's Link, though.... Anyone have one of these on a 2001 2500? Curious about the posted clearance issues....

 

I bought the lukes link, installed it then the next day ordered the 3rd gen from SSI(solid steel industries) I did not like the way that the lukes link bottomed out on the bottom of the bracket, I had NO room for articulation of the track bar, it could have been because my suspension has sagged (called HRT today for a price on cali suspension and will likely order tomorrow) I ate thru track bars every 3-4 months, as I courior daily. I've no regretts with the 3rd gen mod, my only wish was that I had done it earlier,
Now all that said after the fact I did find a link, and for the life of me I cant remember the name of the company that you can buy the parts from, but its very silimar to a luks link but you have to weld the threaded tube to the track bar, I would have gone this route had I found it before I had installed the 3rd gen stuff. it looked beefy and robust, and to me it would not have had the clearance issues that for me the lukes link caused, I believe lukes link carrys a money back warranty if your not satisfied with their product, mine is still sitting in the garage hooked to a trackbar, I just have not gotten around to trying to send it back, Up here I paid 109$ plus shipping for a lukes link.

I'm gonna go do a search, I think it was called Franks track bar or something like that, I think the parts to do it were in the 100-150 range

 

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ight=track+bar

here's a link with a picture, but I know you can buy the parts and do it yourself, just cant recall the companys name

 

So now it's between Luke's Link ($80), 03+ Upgrade ($500), Thuren ($300), DT Pro Fab ($395), Rare Parts 28444 ($270), or the Frank's Auto option ($200+a track bar)....

It kinda looks like the DT ProFab option is a pretty good way to go, since you get basically a totally adjustable 3rd gen setup. I like the double rod ends instead of any type of ball, uniball, or jimmy joint at the top....

 

i have frank's bar. i can't say whether or not it helped though - i removed the stocker and replaced it when i installed the leveling springs - the old track bar was not worn yet . . .

i have no complaints about it, but if i were to do it again - i would do the 3rd gen conversion with adjustable bar so i can center my axle.

the end he welds on looks like it is more than tough enough, plus he guarantees you will never have to replace it - just back it off and re-tighten as needed.

 

nickg . . .

where did you get the 3rd gen conversion kit from? how much?

 

Canadian Co.
http://www.solidsteel.biz/
RJ

 

thanx rowj - i was wondering if he ordered direct from them or from someone else . . .

the reason i ask him is because he lives very close to me and was wondering where he sourced it to be the cheapest . . .

 

Got you!
I bgt one of the first conversion kits, in late 03 ($139.00)....direct from mfg. Doesn't look like that's still possible.

RJ

 

you bought in '03 - how are the bushings now?