I just replaced my ball joints last night hoping it would fix my wandering problem. They were definitely bad and it seemed to help a little but after I finished I noticed that when I turn my wheel my whole axle shifts side to side under my truck. The only thing I could see it being is a large bar that connects to the front diff and then runs to the passenger side of the truck. Does anyone know the actual name of this part?? Thanks for any help..

 

That is your track bar, and definitely needs attention. It holds your axle centered under the truck, and is supposed to hold it in a fixed position, so that it doesn't move itself when you steer. Because it moves, the truck wanders. Bad ball joints, bad track bar, bad tie rod ends, bad control arm bushings- all add up to much wandering. Fixing the track bar will definitely help, but don't be surprised if it still wanders a little. You should also look into a bracket to hold the steering gearbox still.

 

Hodge is correct. Its the Trac bar.

Unfortunately, when this thing goes it can ruin a lot of other parts in the front end. Even after a complete rebuild with all new parts I still added a DSS and am now considering replacing the steering shaft with a Borgeson unit. The only original part in my front end is the steering box.

 

Thanks for the help fellas, I looked at some pictures and a track bar is definitely what I'm looking for..

 

If you do some research you'll find many others will not recommend the stock as a replacement, at the very least go with a Moog "problem solver", has a much larger joint at the frame end. I put mine in 40k ago, has helped with wandering TONS. Then I tightened down the preload on the steering box, which eliminated the slop on my rebuilt box.

 

I have seen the "moog" on ebay and I am probably gonna head in that direction and just do it right the first time..I really appreciate the input guys thanks

 

If you insist on going with moog, buy it at you local auto parts store. It's got a lifetime warranty and you will be able to swap it out every 10K or less without waiting for a replacement in the mail.

Personally, I'd go with a 3rd gen conversion. I went through 4 moog bars in less than 20K and still had sloppy steering. After biting the bullet and converting to a 3rd gen bar, I couldn't be happier. And the truck has no more wander issues.

 

I already ordered one this morning, but the 3rd gen idea sounds interesting...

 

If you are going all out with a third gen conversion check out the Thuren kit. I think its the best.

 

hi
do the 3 rd gen conversion , it is the best way to end the wondering !

no trackbar replacing every few thousand miles !

 

I went ahead and slapped my new one on today but when it decides to go i will definitely go the 3rd gen way..thanks for all the help!