so i put my x codes on saturday and since i was doing this by myself,i could not get the axle to line up with the pins on the x code springs.so to make my life a little easier i dropped out the top track bar bolt and then it went right back together.
my thought was once the springs were loaded with the truck weight the track bar bolt would go back in.This is not the case it is close but at least 1/8 off.i attempted turning the wheel,i also pulled with a come along.nothing seems to get me that last 1/8 necessary to get the bolt in.

so how is everyone measureing to see their front end is centered?

it seems ford used the same track bar in trucks with x codes so it should fit,or should i just get a adjustable and lengthen it a little?

i dont see anything that could be wrong as everything went back together where it belongs and the spring pins are in the axle holes.so any ideas on what may be going on here?
id prefer not to spend any more money so i may just cut it and extend it 1/8" but i'm surprised it just wont go back together
thanks
pete

 

Pete, most of us don't remove the track bar bolt when changing springs. Your choices are to lengthen or buy an adjustable track bar.

 

When I installed my X Code springs from ATS I had to use a HD ratchet strap to pull the springs into alignment. I did not disconnect the track bar and I did get everything to line up.


I would highly recommend getting an adjustable track bar as the front end will not be centered and the springs will be pulled to the driver side. In my case this caused a lot of noise as there was metal on metal contact in several locations.


Good Luck!

 

I see this is the case,but there was not a lot of options as the track bar was holding the axle quite a bit off the pins.i would have thought that this bar was removable at most any time to replace or swap out bushings.i am going to try a couple more things to get it back in but I think I may just get a adjustable and be done with the screwing around.that way I can center it perfect and get rid of any potential binding.
anyone know who makes a good track bar?


thanks

 

Zone offroad makes an adjustable track bar for our rigs for just over a hundred bucks.

 

I used the one from Zone with my X codes.

Zone Offroad Front AdjustableTrack Bar F5251

 

I had that issue however I got the springs installed without taking loose the trac bar. Thankfully my noises have gone away but I still need to re center the axle with a new trac bar someday.