2001 1500 4x4 offroad sport. 125,000 miles. Never replaced trac bar. Rest of front end appears tight, and no abnormal tire wear. Truck pulls hard to right. Anyone think trac bar is the culprit? Any suggestions helpful. Thanks.

 

Try swapping the left and right front tires. If it still pulls right then something is out in the front end. If it stops pulling or starts pulling left then it is a problem with the tire...

 

Pulling to one side or another could be multiple things,
Definitely swap tires to eliminate tire problemslike radialbelt failure, odd wear patterns, etc.

Dragging brake paddue to bad install, caliper failure, air in right linecan do it. So could shot wheel bearings. Suspension problems like a worn shock, spring, ball joints, even bushings can cause handling problems. Lots to diagnose besides just the trac bar!

 

Thanks for the reply. I have checked brakes, wheel bearings, swapped tires already, and wondered if the trac bar COULD be the problem, or should I look elsewhere. I have replaced trac bars when the end joint was worn out, but mine appears to be good. The front end doesn't have any slack, or slop, but has gradually worsened leading me to believe it is a wear problem somewhere. I may have to break down, and take it to an alignment shop and let them "diagnose". I used to do alignments, and wish I had a machine or access to one myself.

 

ledwoolf,

I'm having the same problem. Switched the tires, everything is tight up front, still pulling to the right. If you find out anything please let me know, as I will in kind. Thanks.

 

Yeah mine is doing the same thing. Have swapped the tires and still there. My next step is also to take it in for an alignment. If anyone finds out what the culprit is let us all know.

 

If you've checked tire pressure and crossed the front tires and it still pulls, the problem is definitely alignment. The only question is whether theissue is loose parts or simply adjustment.

This is assuming they pull when driving, not braking.

Oh yeah, bad trac bars will make the truck handle poorly and dog track slightly, but it does not change the camber or caster angles of the front tires.They can't get loose enough toput thrust angleout of spec without actually falling off of the truck.