Is adjustable track bar needed?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,296
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From: freeland, mi
Is adjustable track bar needed?
I have the superdutys rear springs and x code fronts to go in my 2005 EX. I have read where some say I need an adjustable track bar and some say I don't. So which is it? I do have a couple of superduty ones in the barn too, from when I have added leveling kits and lifts and needed the adjustable. I don't see why I need one though if I'm using stock superdutys springs. I would assume I'll need superdutys shocks for this project, correct?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Northern California
if you change the ride height by 4 inches then the distance between the frame mount and the axle mount is going to increase, it stands to reason that to keep the axle centered at ride height you would need to either move one of the mounts or increase the length of the track bar itself to compensate.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Ohio
When I talked to JR at ATS and ordered my X codes from him he stated I would LIKELY need an adjustable track bar, he said some do and some don't but since I was doing it in my driveway with nothing close it was worth the extra $100 to make sure I had everything I needed to do it right the first time.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: freeland, mi
I guess I'll order one, just doesn't seem like you would need it since I'm using stock springs. Anyone know are the superduty and excursion ones the same? Just wondering if the superduty one would be longer.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Ohio
Zone Offroad Front AdjustableTrack Bar F5251 this is the link that I was sent for my excursion from Jr at ATS.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
edit....
thinking about it for a minute, I don't see see how they could be the same length since the distance between mounts is going to change when you increase the ride height.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: freeland, mi
Well I'll let you know when I get it tore apart. I'll probably just order the adjustable track bar, not like it's expensive.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Colorado
i just did my modded x/b code swap. I did not get 4 inches out of the front
more 3.75ish, but i also helped the front a bit with another small leaf (that i am going to remove because the front sits too high) the x code alone would have netted me 3.25 the numbers are posted in my build code and 2.75 if i recall in the rear.
I did not need a new track bar.
more 3.75ish, but i also helped the front a bit with another small leaf (that i am going to remove because the front sits too high) the x code alone would have netted me 3.25 the numbers are posted in my build code and 2.75 if i recall in the rear.
I did not need a new track bar.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
the adjustment is easy but that isn't why I asked. if your steering wheel changed position then your axle has shifted and is no longer centered under your vehicle. in other words, you needed an adjustable track bar, you just didn't use one.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Colorado
my factory spring were so sagged that I am pretty sure it was off the other direction prior to the new springs.
I did set the toe when i first got her, and after the new tires and bearings went on i had Big O tires do an alignment, It did not need any adjustments, everything is well within factory specs. I do want to add a little more Caster though as 3.5 and 3.7 is a bit thin in my opinion. I usually set up a solid axle at at least 5.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,066
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From: North Texas
Keep an eye on where the springs sit in the pockets up front. I ran x codes without an adjustable trac bar just long enough for them to pull over and rub making a terrible noise. New trac bar put everything back to center. My research on SD vs Ex trac bars all said the same part number was used. Perhaps the mounting bracket was different on the frame end? Idk. I do believe that people who claim they don't need one have axles that are not in the center, but don't suffer issues enough to notice.
Last edited by 05MilMachine; Apr 30, 2016 at 07:50 AM. Reason: Morning fog clarity...
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