Track bar

[stevens cummins]

OK 5 years ago I installed a 2in leveling kit I had asked on here if it would mess with any thing and I was told no. However I've been seeing on here that in fact I need a adjustable track bar is this true? I need a alignment and will this mess with it? Thanks guys

[notlimah]

So I don't have any first hand experience with this, but I am about to install a lukes link on my stock track bar. According to their instructions, they actually recommended installing a small lift (1-2in) to keep things from rubbing in the case of the front end springs settling over time.

Unless someone knows for sure, I think you'd be ok without the adjustable track bar.

Also, if the lift has been on the truck for 5 years, I'd say your probably in the clear. Are you getting any signs of the track bar loosening up?

[stevens cummins]

No looseness just don't want the Axel uncenterd shops around here won't align if anything out a sort, there just to lazy to work around it,

[notlimah]

Well I'd say, if it aint broke don't fix it!

[Mopar1973Man]

Easy to check get a person in the cab, start the engine rock the steering back and forth slowly. A second person watch both ends of the track bar. If any movement is seen the track needs to be replaced.

[stevens cummins]

Many I didn't word it right my track bar is good  what I'm wanting to know is do I need a adjustable bar with the 2in leveling kit? I had been seeing post saying if any thing above stock I need one or my front Axel won't be centered  and if this is so around here they won't do a alignment

[notlimah]

Ah ok, well if you're wondering about that you can always do an eye ball calibration. Just look down the side and if one seems out further then the other, you probably would need an adjustable one.

[stevens cummins]

Many I would measure from frame to wheel on each side, guess I just answered my own question 

[notlimah]

Yea you could measure, not like that would hurt anything!

I believe the whole eye ball thing came about because if it looks out of alignment, it probably is, but if it's close enough to look equal on both sides, alignment is probably good, unless your all over the road or something!

[dripley]

I am no track bar expert but if you lift the body it has to get off center, simple geometry there. How much on a 2" lift? I would think not alot maybe not noticeable.

[Mopar1973Man]

3 minutes ago, dripley said:

I am no track bar expert but if you lift the body it has to get off center, simple geometry there. How much on a 2" lift? I would think not alot maybe not noticeable.

Actually very noticable. I've done a 2" leveling kit on a Ford truck and was shocked at the huge change of axle placement. It pulled the front axle about 1-2" looking down the body you could see the axle on front was not centered.

Your right Dripley... Simple Geometry if the axle goes down 2" and the track bar isn't longer the axle will shift over to the driver side because its not long enough.

[dripley]

4 minutes ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Actually very noticable. I've done a 2" leveling kit on a Ford truck and was shocked at the huge change of axle placement. It pulled the front axle about 1-2" looking down the body you could see the axle on front was not centered.

Your right Dripley... Simple Geometry if the axle goes down 2" and the track bar isn't longer the axle will shift over to the driver side because its not long enough.

I knew it would move it. But it surprises me it moves that much. Like I said I am no expert.

[dodgedieselnewbie]

My truck came with a 2.5 or 3" leveling kit that I had removed and a new track bar installed. I'd rather not have the problems than a certain look... 

[Mopar1973Man]

If you want your truck leveled... Really simple. Hitch up a trailer it will level right out every time.

The ones that look funny as hell and piss me off is the ones with leveling kits that are towing that shining there headlight in my eyes because now the nose of the truck is high and the rear end is dragging like an old Ford.

[dodgedieselnewbie]

Lol.. I agree. That's another reason. I can't stand a truck that is assss down when towing, Or a trailer that is nose up or down. Bugs the crap outa me........

Edited March 5, 2016 by dodgedieselnewbie

[notlimah]

So here's a question, could you use Luke's links on a stock track bar with a 2in level kit? I have one sitting in the garage waiting to go on but I'm starting to wonder if it'll even be worth my time. 

[TFaoro]

I've got the leveling kit with the Luke's link. The axle is noticeably toward the driver side. How much?? Not sure. Does it work? Yes, but I would recommend an adjustable bar. If I had the $$ right now I'd have a DOR track bar to center the axle better.

[Wild and Free]

Look at it this way, I installed factory snow plow springs in my 02 which lifted it about 1.5 inches over stock with the extra weight of a ranch hand bumper the same as what leveling spacers do and they still use the same track bar regardless from OEM. A 2 inch leveling kit will be no different, no need for a longer or adjustable track bar for anything in the 1-2 inch levelling arena, go over 2.5 inches then yes. I have leveling spacers on my 05 and have had zero issues and recently replaced the OEM ruber bushings with lukes links bushings in the OEM track bar.

[dripley]

All this makes me want to jack up my front end just to see how far it moves, but I have to many other things to jack up this week end, With 2" of lift and the angle of the track bar it just does not look like it could make that big a difference. 

[Wild and Free]

One thing I found on my 05 when I replaced the factory replacement Kyb shocks with Bilstein shocks on the front end was the Bilsteins were longer. I had the rig on my hoist so the axle was hanging at full droop and when I unbolted the old shocks the axle dropped about another inch, when I went to install the new Bilsteins they were long enough to bolt right in which I see now makes a big difference with the extra 1.5-2 inch leveling spacers I have in it. Normal driving one would not notice but if one was off road bouncing and getting to full droop the shocks would have been taking a beating from being bottomed out and acting as the limiting strap and could have failed causing other issues.

Edited March 5, 2016 by Wild and Free