adjustable track bar needed with X codes?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
If you change the distance between the 2 mounting points then you will need a track bar of the correct length.
think about it, if the distance was changed by xx and you used the same length track bar it is going to pull your axle over to one side by x.
You can either move the mounts back to the distance they were before the change and lessen the angle on your pitman arm tie rod end by using a dropped pitman arm and drag link mounts or if the tie rod end angles are ok just get a new drag link of the correct length.
think about it, if the distance was changed by xx and you used the same length track bar it is going to pull your axle over to one side by x.
You can either move the mounts back to the distance they were before the change and lessen the angle on your pitman arm tie rod end by using a dropped pitman arm and drag link mounts or if the tie rod end angles are ok just get a new drag link of the correct length.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 287
Likes: 8
If you change the distance between the 2 mounting points then you will need a track bar of the correct length.
think about it, if the distance was changed by xx and you used the same length track bar it is going to pull your axle over to one side by x.
You can either move the mounts back to the distance they were before the change and lessen the angle on your pitman arm tie rod end by using a dropped pitman arm and drag link mounts or if the tie rod end angles are ok just get a new drag link of the correct length.
think about it, if the distance was changed by xx and you used the same length track bar it is going to pull your axle over to one side by x.
You can either move the mounts back to the distance they were before the change and lessen the angle on your pitman arm tie rod end by using a dropped pitman arm and drag link mounts or if the tie rod end angles are ok just get a new drag link of the correct length.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 240
From: Texas
I am working until next Wednesday but plan on jacking the front end up, loosening everything and starting from scratch to see where the issue lies. I took measurements after work yesterday and everything checks out. I measured wheelbase and it was dead on even front to rear on both sides so my leaf springs are not different (the center pins are in the correct place).
I’m going to lengthen my track bar and leave it desconnected while I loosen everything up and let the axle and leaf springs fall where they want and make a decision from there. I’m sure as hell not leaving my axle over 1” off center from the frame. 1/4-3/8” would be acceptable but there’s no reason for 1” off. I am also going to get a drop pitman arm because I’m over 4” taller in front than stock and I can feel the bump steer even with dual Bilstein 5100 steering stablilizers. I’m not sure what drop I need but I’m thinking 4” will get it close to stock angle. I was 23 1/2” before springs and 2” shackles/hangers and 26 3/4” now.
I’m going to lengthen my track bar and leave it desconnected while I loosen everything up and let the axle and leaf springs fall where they want and make a decision from there. I’m sure as hell not leaving my axle over 1” off center from the frame. 1/4-3/8” would be acceptable but there’s no reason for 1” off. I am also going to get a drop pitman arm because I’m over 4” taller in front than stock and I can feel the bump steer even with dual Bilstein 5100 steering stablilizers. I’m not sure what drop I need but I’m thinking 4” will get it close to stock angle. I was 23 1/2” before springs and 2” shackles/hangers and 26 3/4” now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Should keep this discussion on your thread so others who are following it or search in the future will find the answers.
if you have a stock pitman and stock track bar brackets then you are not feeling bumpsteer caused by your steering geometry caused by their top mounts. Possibl the off center issue to cause it so fix that first.
but if you do get a drop pitman be certain you get the same drop in your track bar mount. This of course is going to change your track bar length.
if you have a stock pitman and stock track bar brackets then you are not feeling bumpsteer caused by your steering geometry caused by their top mounts. Possibl the off center issue to cause it so fix that first.
but if you do get a drop pitman be certain you get the same drop in your track bar mount. This of course is going to change your track bar length.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Fwiw.... steering dampeners can never mask bump steer because it is caused by your axle moving on one arc and the steering traveling on a different arch. The distance difference between those 2 arcs is bump steer.
In other words it is caused by incorrect geometry and since it is actual movement a steering dampener does not mask or stop it.
In other words it is caused by incorrect geometry and since it is actual movement a steering dampener does not mask or stop it.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 42
From: Almost back in TX biotche
When I added the X Codes, I was able to use the OEM trackbar. It wasn't until I added the additional 2" that I did have to go get the adjustable. I did have one hell of a time getting the OEM trackbar to reinstall so I would suggest getting the adjustable.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
once you got yours installed did you have it aligned or measure to confirm the axle was centered ?
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
I've swapped two Ex's to X-codes, factory track bar on both. Didn't have any issues getting it back together, actually both trucks went like butter. Never had either aligned but there is no noticeable shift in the axle, no odd tire wear and tracks perfectly straight down the road. Should I have one? Maybe...but haven't seen any downside to the current set-up. The first one I did now has about 70k miles on that set-up, my current one roughly 10k.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 42
From: Almost back in TX biotche
Yes, it was aligned and all was good. It was actually aligned 2 separate times by 2 different companies during that time. I ran with the X codes and OEM track bar for roughly 100k miles before adding the extra lift and adjustable bar.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 240
From: Texas
Your front axle is centered now after the 2” lift? I have to figure out what the deal is with mine.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 222
Likes: 5
From: Dalton, Ga
I bought the adjustable track bar and installed the X codes up front. The alignment shop cranked the adjustment until the two ends of the track bar butted together. They said it wasn't perfect but it was close enough to not cause me any issues. If you do the adjustable track bar, I would trim the ends about 1/4" before installing it so you don't run out of adjustment. There will still be plenty there to accommodate future lifts should you decide to go that route.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 240
From: Texas
I bought the adjustable track bar and installed the X codes up front. The alignment shop cranked the adjustment until the two ends of the track bar butted together. They said it wasn't perfect but it was close enough to not cause me any issues. If you do the adjustable track bar, I would trim the ends about 1/4" before installing it so you don't run out of adjustment. There will still be plenty there to accommodate future lifts should you decide to go that route.