I would suggest you also read
the DSS FAQ (it will open in a new
window) as many of the steering problems relate to both products.
-
Why is the 2003 trackbar
superior to what I have now ?
-
How can I check the
trackbar for wear ?
-
Why are
there two 1/2" washers shown between the bracket and the truck's
frame ?
-
What is the heavy
bushing for ?
-
Why is my
steering wheel off-center after installation ?
-
What if my
1994 truck has the small ball stud on the OEM trackbar?
Why is
the 2003 trackbar superior to what I have now ?
The trackbar used on the 1994 to
2002 trucks has a rubber bushing on the lower (axle) end and a ball joint
on the upper (frame) end. This ball joint is much the same as a tie-rod
end in design. Due to a combination of factors, this ball joint normally experiences
fairly rapid wear. For the 2003 model year, Dodge has switched to a
trackbar that uses a rubber bushing on both ends. Trackbar wear on
the newer trucks (as well as other makes that use a rubber bushed bar) is
no longer an issue.
How can
I check the trackbar for wear ?
As with the sector shaft check,
have someone rock the wheel for you while you watch the upper end of the
trackbar for movement. Only light pressure need be applied to the
wheel. It's difficult to describe, but what you are looking for is
movement that is in line with the axis of the trackbar. Don't confuse this
with the ball appearing to "pop" in to its socket on an angle
under heavy pressure. It may appear to have play, but due to the internal
design of these joints, it is normal for this to occur under heavy
pressure. These pressures are not reached while driving down the road
under normal conditions, and therefore won't contribute to wander.
Why
are there two 1/2" washers shown between the bracket and the
truck's frame ?
These two washers are supplied
as spacers for the '94 to '95 trucks. Newer models have a reinforcing stamping welded
between the crossmember and the track bar ear. The early trucks had
nothing, or a bolt-on brace to the ear. The stamping on the newer models
takes up the space that the washers would on the early trucks.
Incidentally, if your truck has the bolt-on brace, remove it to allow
installation.
What is
the heavy bushing for ?
Later trucks mount the steering damper to
the front axle instead of the frame. The heavy walled bushing is supplied
to relocate the steering damper forward of the original mounting tabs if
necessary for clearance between the trackbar and the damper. Place the
bushing between the original tabs, and then use the supplied M12 x 110 mm
bolt to mount the damper.
Why
is my steering wheel off-center after installation ?
Replacing any front-end part is
likely to cause some misalignment, and the trackbar is no exception. It
can be re-adjusted by turning the adjustment sleeve on the tie-rod nearest
the steering box. Never attempt to re-center the wheel by any other other
method.
What if my truck
has the small ball stud on the OEM trackbar?
Trucks built before 02/07/94 use a 5/8" ball stud on the
trackbar upper joint instead of the 3/4" ball stud used on later
trucks. On these trucks with a 5/8" stud, it's necessary to drill the
frame lug to 5/8" to accept the mounting bolt supplied. You can't use
the tapered bushing that is supplied with this bolt in this case
either.
On later trucks, the tapered bushing fits into the tapered hole on the
frame lug and locates the 5/8" mounting bolt properly.
