Does my track bar need replacing?

[thkbaron]

So I had my father turn my steering wheel back-and-forth while I crawl under my truck I see a little movement within the rubber bushings on each end how much movement as normal? I swear I’m also feeling a little bit of feedback in my steering wheel although it doesn’t appear to be too much. I know the joint on the steering column in the engine bay you can grab it and it wiggles a little bit but my fathers does also so I’m assuming that is normal. The feedback I feel in my steering wheel seems to be when I go over bumps not driving on the road.

 

[SeppW]

So I had my father turn my steering wheel back-and-forth while I crawl under my truck I see a little movement within the rubber bushings on each end how much movement as normal? I swear I’m also feeling a little bit of feedback in my steering wheel although it doesn’t appear to be too much. I know the joint on the steering column in the engine bay you can grab it and it wiggles a little bit but my fathers does also so I’m assuming that is normal. The feedback I feel in my steering wheel seems to be when I go over bumps not driving on the road.

Probably normal for track bar since they have the rubber bushings. Thuren recommends replacing the track bars at 20,000 mi. The input shaft for steering has a coupler with a rubber bushing. EMF makes a steel bushing kit installed in coupler under the dash, but most that have say they can feel vibration/feedback from the power steering pump or something (Newton's 3rd law). I'd say the steering is okay, unless it's been hammered off road. Hiway miles not so much. Slop is going to appear as things get broken in and normal wear and tear. Steering gear box can be a culprit too. The gear lash in those things can be sloppy. Other upgrades, ball joints, improved gear box, steering brace, hydra assist, drag link, and tie rod.

 

[crazy jerry]

weve got a few of these gen4 6.4 at work and i wouldnt be suprised if theyre all still on original tracbar. one truck im very certain is still using original tracbar, ss, draglink , shocks etc and its daily driven on railroad right of ways thats similar to oilfeild roads. has over 1400hrs idle time as well

 

[thkbaron]

yeah maybe it's normal then. Just trying to to decide when I want to pull the trigger on my suspension upgrades. Might as well do the track bar if I do. I want fox's on all four corners and want to raise the front a bit. Still up in the air on if I want to do the .5 inches or 1.5 inches.

 

[Sandevino]

From what you’ve described, no, it doesn’t need to be replaced.

 

[Travelin Ram]

I noticed some bump steer in mine when it was brand new. Guess I’ve gotten used to it over time, but it’s still there.

 

[IRSmart]

Replace the track bar with Thuren’s anyway. It corrects the rear track bar geometry and completely changes the feel of the truck.

 

[crazy jerry]

theres going to be some movement anytime you have a rubber bushing joint because rubber stretches and compresses even when new. cab mounts, engine mounts, trac bars, radius arms etc. over time and travels the rubber degrades, hardens, wears out. but yours shouldnt be even close to needing replaced. the thuren trac bars are nice but i didnt feel the front one made any difference in how the truck drove. it is adjustable however so you can center the axle if the truck is lifted. the rear one is longer and has a flatter angle than stock and thus gives a more up and down arc swing , rather than sideways. so ya the truck drives better with the rear one

 

[TwinSuns]

I replaced mine when I put my Thurens on as well and has been great! Definitely worth the money. Drag link upgrade next.

 

[thkbaron]

Supposedly they are getting some more of the shocks in this week. I'll see if I'm brave enough to pull the trigger on some stuff.