Adjustable Track Bar For Dodge Pickups

2005 - Volume #29, Issue #5, Page #40

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Anyone with a Dodge Ram 4-WD pickup will be interested in this new "adjustable track bar" that's designed to keep the axle centered on Dodge pickups.
    The Dodge Adjustable Track Bar (DAT) was recently introduced by Russell Tessier of Solid Steel Industries, Weyburn, Sask. Tessier says the new adjustable track bar is designed to replace the existing OEM trac kbar on Dodge 4-WD pickups made from 1994 to 2002.
    "These Dodge series 4-WD trucks have a track bar that holds the front axle centered from side to side," says Tessier. "On the upper end of these factory track bars is a ball joint, much like a tie rod end. The problem is that this ball joint often fails prematurely. As it wears out the front axle is allowed to move side to side, causing excessive wandering." That, says Tessier, contributes to a problem called the "death wobble".
    "The death wobble is a violent shaking in the front end that usually happens when the truck hits a bump or pothole in the road. Usually, the truck won't come out of it until you drop the speed down to 10 or 15 mph. It can be very dangerous. A loose or worn track bar isn't the only cause of the death wobble, but it's a major contributor to the problem," he says.
    Solid Steel's track bar conversion kit has high quality rubber bushings at both ends, thus eliminating the troublesome ball joint. It's adjustable, and works on trucks with up to 3 in. of lift.
    According to Tessier, one other problem with the factory ball joint version track bar is that it's expensive to replace. "When the ball joint wears out the whole track bar has to be replaced. If the rubber bushings on our adjustable track bar ever wear out, new bushings can be pressed in at minimal cost.
    "Many people have had to replace the factory track bar on their Dodge Rams every 30,000 miles or sooner. It's sometimes hard to tell if the track bar is worn out. The best way is to look at the upper ball joint end of the track bar while someone turns the steering wheel back and forth a few times (with the truck parked, of course). If you see any movement in the ball end, there's wear and the truck will wander. Our rubber bushings are designed to outlast the Dodge factory track bar as well as the Moog replacement track bar."
    The adjustable track bar sells for $295. A conversion kit to install the track bar sells for $175.
    Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Russell Tessier, Solid Steel Industries, Box 301, Weyburn, Sask., Canada S4H 2K1 (ph 306 842-4346; Russell@solidsteel.biz; www.solidsteel.biz).

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Adjustable Track Bar For Dodge Pickups PICKUPS Accessories 29-5-40 Anyone with a Dodge Ram 4-WD pickup will be interested in this new "adjustable track bar" that's designed to keep the axle centered on Dodge pickups. The Dodge Adjustable Track Bar (DAT) was recently introduced by Russell Tessier of Solid Steel Industries, Weyburn, Sask. Tessier says the new adjustable track bar is designed to replace the existing OEM trac kbar on Dodge 4-WD pickups made from 1994 to 2002. "These Dodge series 4-WD trucks have a track bar that holds the front axle centered from side to side," says Tessier. "On the upper end of these factory track bars is a ball joint, much like a tie rod end. The problem is that this ball joint often fails prematurely. As it wears out the front axle is allowed to move side to side, causing excessive wandering." That, says Tessier, contributes to a problem called the "death wobble". "The death wobble is a violent shaking in the front end that usually happens when the truck hits a bump or pothole in the road. Usually, the truck won't come out of it until you drop the speed down to 10 or 15 mph. It can be very dangerous. A loose or worn track bar isn't the only cause of the death wobble, but it's a major contributor to the problem," he says. Solid Steel's track bar conversion kit has high quality rubber bushings at both ends, thus eliminating the troublesome ball joint. It's adjustable, and works on trucks with up to 3 in. of lift. According to Tessier, one other problem with the factory ball joint version track bar is that it's expensive to replace. "When the ball joint wears out the whole track bar has to be replaced. If the rubber bushings on our adjustable track bar ever wear out, new bushings can be pressed in at minimal cost. "Many people have had to replace the factory track bar on their Dodge Rams every 30,000 miles or sooner. It's sometimes hard to tell if the track bar is worn out. The best way is to look at the upper ball joint end of the track bar while someone turns the steering wheel back and forth a few times (with the truck parked, of course). If you see any movement in the ball end, there's wear and the truck will wander. Our rubber bushings are designed to outlast the Dodge factory track bar as well as the Moog replacement track bar." The adjustable track bar sells for $295. A conversion kit to install the track bar sells for $175. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Russell Tessier, Solid Steel Industries, Box 301, Weyburn, Sask., Canada S4H 2K1 (ph 306 842-4346; Russell@solidsteel.biz; www. solidsteel.biz).

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