Worn track bar bracket. What now?
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 655
Likes: 1
From: Clearfield, UT
Worn track bar bracket. What now?
The bracket on the frame (on my 02 f350 with a leveling kit) that holds the top of the track bar is worn. It looks like the dinky little bolt they originally had on it came loose and allowed the track bar to slide back and forth in the slot in the bracket. This wallowed out the slot and banged up the inside of the bushing. I took the truck into 4-wheel Parts and asked them what the fix was, and they suggested to throw out the old dinky little bolt, eccentric washers, drill out the bracket to accept a 7/8" (!) grade8 bolt. This would make the track bar totally unadjustable, but many times sturdier than stock.
Would this be wise?
I need to do something soon, the front end is a bit loose as it is. I was considering buying a used bracket out of the salvage yard, but the giant grade 8 bolt route would cost about the same.
Would this be wise?
I need to do something soon, the front end is a bit loose as it is. I was considering buying a used bracket out of the salvage yard, but the giant grade 8 bolt route would cost about the same.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
I don't like the adjustable idea. I never realized they were like that. If you need it to be adjustable, get an adjustable bar. That bracket takes a lot of stress. Factory torque on the big bolt is 200 to 300 ft-lbs isn't it? I would install the larger bolt just based on what you've said.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
I don't like the adjustable idea. I never realized they were like that. If you need it to be adjustable, get an adjustable bar. That bracket takes a lot of stress. Factory torque on the big bolt is 200 to 300 ft-lbs isn't it? I would install the larger bolt just based on what you've said.
369ft/lbs
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 655
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From: Clearfield, UT
The "big bolt" isn't big at all. It's like a 7/16 or 3/8 bolt (and it's only grade 5!). Pretty puny. I think I will open up the slot in the bracket and put in the 7/8 grade 8 bolt.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
This sounds like that track bar bracket was changed to an aftermarket setup.
Do what someone else suggested, get an adjustable bar and get rid of the slot on the bracket.
Wierd, though, that with just a "leveling kit" someone did that.
I'm pretty sure my '01 has the big-darn bolt with no adjustment... but now I'm wondering...
Do what someone else suggested, get an adjustable bar and get rid of the slot on the bracket.
Wierd, though, that with just a "leveling kit" someone did that.
I'm pretty sure my '01 has the big-darn bolt with no adjustment... but now I'm wondering...
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Paramount, Ca
I think this is what is causing my vibrating issues. It seems to only do it after I go straight from a turn. Does that sound right?
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
So, you feel a vibration when the steering wheel is returning to center, or after it returns to center?
Also, where do you feel this vibration? Is it in the steering wheel, seat of your pants or all over?
Also, where do you feel this vibration? Is it in the steering wheel, seat of your pants or all over?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,158
Likes: 0
From: Paramount, Ca
Mostly on the steering wheel and it goes on for a few seconds after it has returned to center.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Clearfield, UT
Yeah! That's it! In addition mine gets a miniature "death wobble" whenever I hit a bump. The steering wheel rotates back and forth just a little for a few seconds after the bump.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
This sounds like that track bar bracket was changed to an aftermarket setup.
Do what someone else suggested, get an adjustable bar and get rid of the slot on the bracket.
Wierd, though, that with just a "leveling kit" someone did that.
I'm pretty sure my '01 has the big-darn bolt with no adjustment... but now I'm wondering...
Do what someone else suggested, get an adjustable bar and get rid of the slot on the bracket.
Wierd, though, that with just a "leveling kit" someone did that.
I'm pretty sure my '01 has the big-darn bolt with no adjustment... but now I'm wondering...
Some aftermarket brackets do have some adjustment to them. I've never really been a fan of that.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 679
Likes: 0
From: NW Burbs of Illinois
That sounds like the front axle Ujoint, mine did the same thing but replaced both joints and all is good. The pass side was the bad one but replaced them both anyway
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