Any tips on removal and replacement of my trackbar to make it a smooth repair? Thanks.

 

See if this link helps:

http://dodgeram.info/tech/mods/trackbar/index.html

 

I needed a pickle fork to pop the ball end on my 95. Also when its removed the truck went off center somewhat so reinstallation was off. I had to push the body centered over the axle to put the bolt thru the bush end. Another person or a come along will help. I was able to use my feet while laying on the ground and push one side enough to align it again. Its pretty straight forward of a job.

 

It's easier to install the ball end first and then align the bushing end. One thing you can do is have a buddy start the truck and turn the steering wheel while you lie underneath it to align it. Makes life real easy that way.

 

Steering the truck back and forth is the only way to go for lineup. That comealong business in the linked instructions is for the birds. I've always been able to do it with the engine off.

 

why when i went to napa to get a trackion bar on order they flat out told me that they could not order one because if they did they told me that it would not fit? is there a napa part number or somthing that any body has used with good results?

 

Napa number on my last one I bought dated 6/02 is 272-4229, fit perfect on a '97

 

that should work as mines a a later 96 stupid napa lazy guys

 

beware, if you use the napa one, and down the road want to use a lukes link , your out of luck.
Napa, or Moog replacement has a different size than stock

 

Why would you want to use a Luke's on a bar that has a lifetime warranty?

 

You can use the luke's link on a napa bar. Says so in the instructions. Just can't use it on a Moog bar. I agree with infidel though. Why buy a lukes link for a bar that has a life time warranty.

 

You want to be a bit cautious with the NAPA bar. I have not seen one last any better than the OEM trash, and the NAPA stores around here will no longer carry them because of the high failure rate.

If you want a system that will last, easy to install, and is affordable, see these folks: http://www.solidsteel.ca/ It is a product made with common sense. If for some reason you ever do knock an end out of this one, the replacement bushings are less than $10 from Dodge, or $25 from a good poly suspension part supplier.

 

In regards to the track bar itself, does the bar go bad or just the bushings and links with it. I am looking to correct the wondering in my truck, but still am confused about which to do first. Should I just replace the track bar and use the lukes link and work foward from that point. What type of bar would one chose as a replacement? Can the dealer retro my 01 to be like the 03's? I like what I saw in the link RCW posted.

cjthor

01, 4x4, ext cab, HO 6pd, no mods.

 

Regardless if you are using an adjustable or stock bar it's usually easiest to do the steering wheel method.... using a buddy ..

#1 --- Truck stationary on level ground, loosen the axle end bolt and remove, turn the steering wheel so that the track bar falls out of the axle pocket, and turn key back to lock the wheel....

#2 --- loosen the ball stud and wedge something under the frame tab and use the trackbar leverage to pop itself out, install new bar through frame and snug down....

#3(adjustable bar only) --- Have buddy hold the wheel center while you line up and set the adjuster length by lining the bolt hole up on the front of the axle pocket hole..

#4 --- Have buddy turn the wheel one way to get the track bar in the axle pocket, and then back to line up the hole.. Insert and tighten bolts/adjusters...

That's how I do em'.....

Don

 

I have installed the O3TBK from Solid Steel Industries at http://www.solidsteel.biz and now you can get the adjustable track bar from them for the same price as an OEM Bar from the Dealer.

I have the OEM bar, but would have just bought the entire kit from them if I were to do it now.

Getting rid of that darn ball joint was the point. I couldn' t be bothered to replace that thing again, after battleing to get it out the first time.

MHO... J-eh