Track Bar Installation

[Big John]

Just a short post to inform ya'll of my recent experience with installing a new track bar. I did not believe the track bar was my problem, although the '96 has 89,000 miles on it. I was experiencing a slight wobble at 63 to 68 mph, right where I like to run!
1. I checked the rims - straight
2. Balance was good - fairly new tires.
3. No tire abnormalities.
4. Changed out the original steering dampner - no help.
5. Checked all steering linkage - all tight
6. Installed new Rancho 9000 front shocks in place of the original ones - still have wobble but I really like the handling and drivability.
7. Checked the track bar and it seemed tight, no give at all. Removed it from the truck and bench checked it, still seemed good.
8. Changed out track bar with one from Lindstad in South Dakota. NO MORE WOBBLE!?!?
It fixed it!

While removing original bar, had to apply a lot of heat and my son bend a stong pry bar to get it free. Melted the dust boot, burned it up. Not available from Dodge or anyone. Used a HELP! brand ball joint dust boot #13564, worked pretty well.

Hints:
1.Check threads on track bar before installing. You have to re-use the old nut.
2. Turn ball where cotter pin hole is where you want it before installing.
3. Install and tighten ball joint end first, then bolt other end. This will save you a lot of grief trying to get the ball joint end in.

Good luck!

Big John

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'94 2500 Diesel Reg. Cab
Auto 3.54 4X4 TST 230hp
"If you can't Dodge it, Ram it!
'96 2500 diesel clubcab 4x4 5speed