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Adjustable trackbar (or drop bracket?) recommedation.

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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 12:47 PM
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Adjustable trackbar (or drop bracket?) recommedation.

I finally decided that I want to raise the front end to level my 2015 F350 4wd and I'm sort of assembling my own kit.

Since I already have the Bilstein 5100 shocks at all four corners, I've decided to go with the Bilstein BTS kit (springs & shocks). The Bilstein BTS kit uses the same front shocks (same part number) as the shocks that I have now. I will probably resell the (new) shocks although I might just put them on the shelf for later use. I've already ordered the 2* caster shims as that seems to be the recommendation for doing the leveling kits.

It seems that most people are suggesting an adjustable trackbar over a drop bracket to center the front axle. The question I need help with is what adjustable trackbar to get. Right now I'm leaning toward the Carli, Fabtech or Icon. I'd appreciate recommendations.

PS. I have done a lot of searching but I haven't seen a lot of discussion on trackbar recommendations.
 
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 03:55 PM
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I only have a 1.5" level on the front but I put on the Fabtech since most people said a trackbar will make the truck drive better. It made it so much worse! It was almost like it did not allow all of the suspension to be used. I also had to cut the cross member to make it fit! The drive was rough and I could feel every bump. I had it all aligned after install drove it for about 3 weeks and ended up removing it, putting the stock back on and having to have it aligned again. Luckily I bought it on Amazon prime so I was able to return it as defective. I've read other people with problems of bushing freezing on other brands too so that could have been my problem. If I had the money to drop I'd by the rough country that replaces the ball joint.
 
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 06:16 PM
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Thanks for the info. I did see in the instructions that trimming the cross member might be an issue. That is something I'm not willing to do. What year truck do you have?

From the reports that I'm reading, it appears that the BTS will give 2" of lift leaving me with a little rake. That is fine with me. One thing I haven't been able to really nail down is how much raising the front 2" will move the axle laterally/sideways. If it is minimal (less than 5/16"), I might not do the trackbar.
 
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 09:06 PM
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I would go with an adjustable track bar from PMF if you decide to go with one.


2005-2016 Ford F-250/350 Direct Replacement Adjustable Trackbar
 
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 11:12 PM
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Can't beat a BD trackbar. No modification needed to install and can be adjusted while it's installed. Some have to have bolt removed to adjust length.

I've had mine for 5 yrs and absolutely no problems.


https://thmotorsports.com/i-1959589....FQOPaQodHYQAbg
 
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Old Mar 28, 2017 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by 2civicrr
Thanks for the info. I did see in the instructions that trimming the cross member might be an issue. That is something I'm not willing to do. What year truck do you have?

From the reports that I'm reading, it appears that the BTS will give 2" of lift leaving me with a little rake. That is fine with me. One thing I haven't been able to really nail down is how much raising the front 2" will move the axle laterally/sideways. If it is minimal (less than 5/16"), I might not do the trackbar.


Mine is a 2011. The Fabtech trackbar was more than double the diameter of the stock and that is why it needed to be trimmed. Kind of frustrating when you get your old one off and find that you'll need to trim. I used a flap disc and did it nice and clean.
 
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Old Mar 28, 2017 | 02:00 PM
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I used a Carli on my 2011 it bolted right up w/o issue..
 
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Old Mar 28, 2017 | 03:07 PM
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Thanks all. I appreciate the info.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2017 | 01:56 PM
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I went with the PMF
 
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