Yesterday, me and my Dad installed the Thuren 0-3" track bar. I painted it red before installation. What an improvement! Couple things I observed:

1. The Napa bar I had on previously, was slightly shorter in length than the stock. I first noticed it when the stock was replaced a couple years ago. The steering wheel was off centered and there's no reason for that to happen unless it was incorrectly aligned previously (which it wasn't). We adjusted the Thuren bar until it was a tad longer, installed the axle end (which needed persuasion to fit) and straightened the axle by turning the steering wheel until the sway bar end links were plum. We eye-balled the axle and tires until it seemed centered again. Then installed the frame end and tightened it down.

2. The steering is not any tighter nor did it remove the play in the steering. However, going over any bumps feels A MILLION TIMES TIGHTER! I thought I was in a car! This thing will absolutely lock in your axle better than when it was new. I'm quite sure the play is still in my steering box, which will be replaced with a Redhead soon.

3. We needed some special tools-- a 18mm wrench for the axle bolt, a file to enlarge the frame hole and a 5/8 hex socket for the Thuren bolt on the frame. Add paint supplies and cost of bar I spent about $400. I did not use a torque wrench but just hand tightened the crap out of it.

4. Don Thuren was great. I emailed him some questions and he was very informative and courteous. I highly recommend this product for ALL 2nd gen trucks. I don't have many tools or a garage but with an extra pair of hands and some basic knowledge, anyone can do this.

Feel free to ask me questions about the install, the track bar, the parts or tools involved, etc.

 

0.o hand tighten? i torqued it down with a breaker bar.. sure you're supposed to hand tighten?

 

It was his recommendation. Believe, it's tight.

I can't believe nobody else cares about this. Every single 4wd truck Dodge makes is affected by this issue. Oh well, happy crappy steering to ya'll. Mine is fixed forever.

 

Sounds cool, any pics from the install? Finished product? Did you have a lift to begin with?

 

That's a good mod.......like me.....you'll never have to worry about it anymore

 

No pics. I gave up long ago trying to upload pics. The internet hates me. Anyway, no I don't have it lifted yet. I have noticed that it does have a little give in the ball joint though. Wondering if that's normal.

Sure glad its on. Today it saved my butt as I had to swerve instantly to avoid an idiot who pulled right out in front of me. Barely saved the ol truck.

 

Was the NAPA bar you had on it bad? Or was it fairly new and you noticed the improvement just by installing the Thuren? I'm asking because I have one, just not on yet. The MOOG I installed doesn't have that many miles on it.

 

The napa bar was trash. The boot tore within 1000 miles and it was only a year old but I was done with those crappers. NEVER BUY A NAPA TRACK BAR!! Anyway, it is very solid now. Going over bumps is like riding in a chevy. Nice and tight. If you already bought it, just put it on. You'll notice a difference. I read many diesel forums where they replaced a moog with it and it was noticeably better. Oh and the napa bars are too short. Threw my steering off and its still not good.

 

OK, Thanks.

 

No pics?