Do either the Lewis or PMF track bars work with no lift?

 

I know PMF does and I believe Lewis Built does as well.

 

I know Lewis will work with no lift

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18608038

I'm waiting on a replacement Lewis that is 3/4" shorter than the one I tried. Truck is stock height with Plow Prep springs.

 

Lewis Built will NOT adjust down the length of OEM.

 

PMF will work with no lift. It will adjust shorter than stock

 

PMF will work on a stock truck..

 

Now that I still have not had any communication back from Lewis Built after 3 weeks and the feeling that I have to eat $475 and keep a trackbar that won't work on a stock suspension I'm pondering which way to go with another brand.
BDS says 0-4" works.
PMF told me on the phone and I've read here that it's shorter than the stock bar.
Also read here that LB will work stock but that is not the case.
Looking for real world experience and even opinions. I sure don't want to make another mistake compounding the one I've already made.


BDS: Vehicle 2018 Ford F250 / F350 Vehicle Vehicle | BDS Suspension
"Standard turn-buckle length adjustment as featured on other BDS truck track bars
Works with 0-4" of lift using the stock track bar bracket and 4+"-8" with replacement extended track bar bracket
1-3/8" solid steel stock with CNC machined threads
Greaseable, high-durometer polyurethane bushings at the frame end
Heavy-duty, greaseable replacement ball joint pre-installed at the axle end"

Pro: Greaseable. Replaceable ends. Turnbuckle adjustment (LB is not)

I honestly don't know whether the poly ends are better or worse than heim joint ends. Or if the poly in the BDS will hold up longer than Ford OEM. Probably cheaper to replace poly over heim.

PMF 2017-19 Ford F-250/350 Direct Replacement Adjustable Trackbar
For trucks with leveling kits and lifts alike, this adjustable trackbar will recenter your axle and give you tighter steering response. This is a direct plug and play setup. This heavy duty trackbar is constructed from 1.5" OD .250+ wall DOM with an oversized 1" FK heim joint. All lower adapting spacers are machined from 4130 chromoly for increased strength and security.
WE STRIVE TO OFFER THE HIGHEST QUALITY COMPONENTS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET! DUE TO RARE CONCERNS OF PREMATURE WEAR/NOISES, AS OF 8/31/17 WE HAVE UPGRADED THIS PRODUCT TO FK ROD ENDS!! THESE ARE CONSIDERED BY ALL TO BE THE HIGHEST QUALITY, AMERICAN MADE ROD ENDS IN THE INDUSTRY!"

P.S. Fox ATS already installed. Love the feel so far but few miles and no towing.

 

Bummer to hear about Lewis Built. Good products but clearly not good service. He is getting a bad rep on this forum unfortunately. I hope you do a charge back on your credit card since he advertised it to fit stock height and then agreed to you it wouldn't

 

In the off-road world, heims are great when you need a wide range of flexibility -- not really needed on a tow pig. They tend to transfer more vibrations and make a LOT of noise if you're not consistently spraying them down with lube.

 

He was surprised on the phone that the length was too much. I put him on the phone with my buddy, the pro mechanic, and they went over the measurements real time, at which time he said, "No problem, I'll get the one on my bench shortened 3/4", get it powder coated and on the way in a couple days."

Yeah, I'm doing my best to restrain myself from hitting hard right now. I reached out with yet another email yesterday and got the Read Receipt this morning. I also messaged him on his Facebook page today. So still a bit hopeful - I'd like to resolve this amicably (man, I'm getting old). Would like to get the replacement he promised but a return/refund is ok as well if that's what he wants to do so I can pull the trigger on another brand.
I guess a card reversal is last resort - I've never done that. Is there a time restriction? After that I guess I ship the product back??

I've email BDS to ask that they sell me on the superiority of their trackbar (over the PMF) and other details.. sheesh.
I guess I could stay with OEM and keep an eye on bushings for wear then replace as needed.

Meanwhile, I have a borrowed $900 4' long torque wrench in my gun safe... LOL.


Messy.

 

Excellent points - noise and vibration. I did notice in the PMF description that they'd upgraded due to noise so it's a potential issue and would really bite in my luxo-barge. Certainly minimal articulation with my "tow pig" LOL. I have an XJ for that nonsense.

Thank you.

 

No issue with me with noise and vibration with LB trackbar and radius arms. If anything it made the truck feel more planted and not as loose feeling

 

Depends on card - I would just start the process. If anything it gets the vendor off their butt to make the deal right (sad, but true. once the vendor gets cash taken - all the sudden they respond magically). You do not need to ship anything back since he sent you an item that was incorrect. If he wants it back, he will need to send you a label - otherwise your CC will refund you regardless.

 

Post up a pic of your XJ. Here's my "nonsense" toy. Heims all around. ​​​​​​​