Hello,
I have a bit of steering wander on my truck, especially at highway speeds. I have installed a DSS, and that has helped a little, but I would like to eliminate some of the additional wander. I had my wife turn the steering wheel with the key off and did not see much play in the ball joint on the track bar. I then had her start the truck and turn the wheel and there was considerable movement in the ball joint of the track bar where it is mounted to the frame. Is it time for a new track bar or is this normal? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kess Berg

 

Thuren makes a good replacement trackbar.

 

I was just going to make a post about a track bar. You and I have the same year and model. I have installed the DSS and my drag link adjustment bolts are rubbing on the cross member.

How big of a job is replacing the track bar? and will the truck require an alignment afterwards.

 

Loosen the two bolts on the drag link adjuster and turn the two sleeves and bolts so they are facing the ground, torque them up and your done no more rubbing. As for the track bar I have not changed mine out yet but it does not look to bad.

 

Its not too bad of a job if you don't mind laying on your back.

Just did my whole front end.

You need to remove the bolt and nut for the mount on the passenger side. (need a good breaker bar)

Then you have to remove the tie-rod end side. I had a heck of a time with mine. I destroyed a cheap pickle-fork, but replaced it with a nice Lisle unit and also used an air-chisel as well. It finally took the air-chisel to pop it off. Im not sure why I had such a time trying to get it too pop off, but it finally came. I knows theres lots of tricks to pop tie-rods off so Im sure you'll hear other methods.

Once its out, just put up the new one and reassemble.

Hope this helps.

 

If it's the same as a third gen, you don't need to remove the knuckle on the passenger side to get the track bar off. Just turn the wheel and it should give the clearance. Pretty easy on a third gen.