Looking over my truck for annual inspection. With the wheels on the ground and a helper turning back and forth I can see the bushing moving a bit on the end where it connects to the axle. Seems to me a rubber bushing would give a bit but I've read any movement is bad.Other end has no play. Should I replace? If so what is needed to do a 3 gen bar on the truck in my sig.? Is it worth it, and what kit is available? Is kit bolt on and go or are there mods. to be made?

7 minutes ago, dave110 said:

Seems to me a rubber bushing would give a bit but I've read any movement is bad.Other end has no play. Should I replace?

 

Yes, replace it. I bought an Autozone track bar being low on funds. I was shocked to find the AutoZone track bar was a sealed unit and figured that the ball end would fail first. Nope. The rubber end failed and it was pulling the bolt back and forth. Once replaced it with NAPA track bar the steering was tight once again. 

Mine was clunking noise from the lower axle end so a guy at source automotive used a large cordless impact wrench and just tightened up the bolt  located there and clunk went away.

Edited October 7, 20186 yr by JAG1

15 minutes ago, Mopar1973Man said:

 

Yes, replace it. I bought an Autozone track bar being low on funds. I was shocked to find the AutoZone track bar was a sealed unit and figured that the ball end would fail first. Nope. The rubber end failed and it was pulling the bolt back and forth. Once replaced it with NAPA track bar the steering was tight once again. 

Which NAPA did you get?

Standard NAPA track bar. I don't buy into the premium junk.

Bd diesel 3rd gen adjustable track bar upgrade and never look back. It’s not exactly a fun install but it’s worth it. Had mine for about 4 years now and no issues. Also bd sells new poly bushings and every other price individualy if something does fail you won’t have to buy the whole kit again. 

I would personally get an adjustable one, things aren't going to be in same place as they were 16 years ago. Centering axle under trucks frame makes more sense to me then lifting body high enough to get track bar in.

Just now, Dieselfuture said:

things aren't going to be in same place as they were 16 years ago.

 

If everything is still factory height then it should be the same even 16 years later. Like my truck, no lift or leveling kit, so factory size track bar should be the same years later. The axle center should be still the same. 

 

Your comment holds true if the is leveling kit or lift kit added. Then the geometry of the axle is way different and would require adjustment. Because as you push the axle down the track bar becomes too short and needs to be extended.

22 hours ago, Mopar1973Man said:

 

Yes, replace it. 

Just reading over this again. Do you mean replace the bar or the bushing? Is it worth replacing the bushing? The stud end is tight yet.

Replace the entire bar. The factory style bar is a vulcanized rubber insert that isn't designed for replacement. 

Now here's another question. Being a 99 3500 I have the HD t style steering. From the pitman arm there's a short link, then to an adjustment sleeve and the a longer rod link to the right front where it ties into the rod that connects the front wheels together. What's that longer rod called? Outer tie rod? Outer drag link?

When I made my own adjustable track bar in bought a poly bushing for $10 that was meant for bottom and used it on top instead of the ball. I still have factory press in kind in bottom as its still tight and the one that is meant to replace it at top. I was cheap at that time that's why I made my own, now I would probably just buy a kit.