Articles
Upgrading The Factory Track Bar On Your Dodge Diesel Can Help A Poorly Handling Truck
by Rip R. Soure AutomotiveSource Automotive has redesigned and greatly improved the factory track bar for Dodge Diesel Trucks. Track bars are bars that are fixed on the frame near the driver side and extend to the axle near the passenger side of the truck. They are designed to keep the front axle centered underneath the truck and prevent the axle from shifting back and forth from the driver side to the passenger side. Just imagine the front axle shifting while driving at highway speeds towing a trailer! The track bar can make a significant difference in the handling of the vehicle.
From the factory the 1994 to 2002 model years came with a track bar that incorporated a tie rod end on the frame side. When the factory designed tie rod end wears out, the only solution available is to replace the entire track bar. Source Automotive and Solid Steel Industries have designed a high quality solid steel track bar with graphite impregnated polyurethane bushings that replace the tie rod end. In order to make this function properly on a 1994 to 2002 truck, a Track Bar Kit must be installed. The track bar kit is a bracket and hardware that mounts to the frame and accepts the bushing style end from the track bar.
When the bushings of the track bar eventually wear out, simply replacing the bushings is all that is needed instead of replacing the entire track bar! In addition to the bushings, The bar itself has been greatly improved over the stock configuration. The upgraded version is larger in diameter and heavier duty than the lighter, weaker factory track bar.
Source Automotive and Solid Steel Industries have designed two different styles of track bars. For stock height trucks, A standard Non Adjustable Track Bars will place the axle in the proper location. For trucks with leveling kits and lifts up to 3”, the Adjustable Track Bar is needed. If the adjustable track bar is installed, we highly recommend a front end alignment with a check to ensure that the front axle is centered properly. The only remaining consideration is that some aftermarket differential covers may need modification to allow the track bar to clear sufficiently. We have found that some aftermarket cooling fins on the differential covers protrude farther than factory and can come in contact with the track bar.
From the factory the 1994 to 2002 model years came with a track bar that incorporated a tie rod end on the frame side. When the factory designed tie rod end wears out, the only solution available is to replace the entire track bar. Source Automotive and Solid Steel Industries have designed a high quality solid steel track bar with graphite impregnated polyurethane bushings that replace the tie rod end. In order to make this function properly on a 1994 to 2002 truck, a Track Bar Kit must be installed. The track bar kit is a bracket and hardware that mounts to the frame and accepts the bushing style end from the track bar.
When the bushings of the track bar eventually wear out, simply replacing the bushings is all that is needed instead of replacing the entire track bar! In addition to the bushings, The bar itself has been greatly improved over the stock configuration. The upgraded version is larger in diameter and heavier duty than the lighter, weaker factory track bar.
Source Automotive and Solid Steel Industries have designed two different styles of track bars. For stock height trucks, A standard Non Adjustable Track Bars will place the axle in the proper location. For trucks with leveling kits and lifts up to 3”, the Adjustable Track Bar is needed. If the adjustable track bar is installed, we highly recommend a front end alignment with a check to ensure that the front axle is centered properly. The only remaining consideration is that some aftermarket differential covers may need modification to allow the track bar to clear sufficiently. We have found that some aftermarket cooling fins on the differential covers protrude farther than factory and can come in contact with the track bar.
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About Rip R. 
Soure Automotive
18 connections, 0 recommendations, 79 honor points.Joined APSense since, February 27th, 2015, From Oregon, United States.
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.
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