torque specs on track bar bracket?
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Northwest Indiana
I thing weeeves is saying to move the axle sideways to line up the bar with the bolt eye.
I've got the OEM track bar and it is a PITA to line up. The first time was a nightmare as I had no idea what I was getting into or how to attack it. I was changing my front springs (snapped a leaf) and could not line them up to the axle without unbolting the track bar from the frame.
The second time I was prepared (snapped another leaf). Used two floor jacks (one on each side of the axle) and two ratchet straps. Once I had maneuvered the track bar into the mount and got as close as I could get it with the floor jacks (the truck started to lift too instead of just the axle) I went to phase 2...the ratchet straps. IIRC the first strap went around the axle tube and through a hole in the crossmember for pulling the axle up and the other went around the axle and the frame at the wheel well (slipped the strap between the fender liner and frame and around the frame) to pull to the side. Every few ratchet clicks and I would tap the bar with a dead blow to help guide it into place. I was within 1/2 inch or so from lining it up so it didn't take too much ratchet work to line up the bar with the hole. The bolt went through easily after than and I pneumatically gronked it down.
It sounds pretty haphazard but it worked. The first time took me a couple of hours (with some friends) to get it done and the second time took me about 20 minutes (and that was all due to the ratchet straps).
I've got the OEM track bar and it is a PITA to line up. The first time was a nightmare as I had no idea what I was getting into or how to attack it. I was changing my front springs (snapped a leaf) and could not line them up to the axle without unbolting the track bar from the frame.
The second time I was prepared (snapped another leaf). Used two floor jacks (one on each side of the axle) and two ratchet straps. Once I had maneuvered the track bar into the mount and got as close as I could get it with the floor jacks (the truck started to lift too instead of just the axle) I went to phase 2...the ratchet straps. IIRC the first strap went around the axle tube and through a hole in the crossmember for pulling the axle up and the other went around the axle and the frame at the wheel well (slipped the strap between the fender liner and frame and around the frame) to pull to the side. Every few ratchet clicks and I would tap the bar with a dead blow to help guide it into place. I was within 1/2 inch or so from lining it up so it didn't take too much ratchet work to line up the bar with the hole. The bolt went through easily after than and I pneumatically gronked it down.
It sounds pretty haphazard but it worked. The first time took me a couple of hours (with some friends) to get it done and the second time took me about 20 minutes (and that was all due to the ratchet straps).
Move the axle towards the driver's door. The Fabtech track bar brackets gets narrower when the track bar is pushed over towards the passenger's side, which is what's happening in your case. I'm sure you've already got this covered, but make sure you've got your truck supported on jack stands at the frame rails to remove the weight at the axle and then support the axle with a floor jack.
It's a tight fit, but you should be able to get the holes aligned with just a few taps using a hammer once you get the axle moved over.
It was late last night when I posted, but forget using a ratchet strap. It takes quite a bit of force to move the axle over so use a heavy duty come-along or puller/cable/chains. I used a puller rated for 2,000 lbs and it bent one of the hooks. Thank god it didn't snap or I could have been seriously injured.
It's a tight fit, but you should be able to get the holes aligned with just a few taps using a hammer once you get the axle moved over.
It was late last night when I posted, but forget using a ratchet strap. It takes quite a bit of force to move the axle over so use a heavy duty come-along or puller/cable/chains. I used a puller rated for 2,000 lbs and it bent one of the hooks. Thank god it didn't snap or I could have been seriously injured.
So lets see if I got this right, Jack the truck up. Secure it with jack stands, pull the axle towards the drivers side, then it should be easier to line up?
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Elder User
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From: Northwest Indiana
So I found an old thread from '08, someone who posted there had a much simpler method, just turn the wheels to the left. Worked like a charm. You gotta have 2 people to do it. Going to take it in tomorrow for tires!
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Northwest Indiana
Yeah, worked great. Had my brother put the bolt thru while I turned the wheel. You have to put it in through the back tho cuz the pitman arm will block it going thru the front.
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