I recently picked up a stock 2000 Ram 4x4 5.9L QC SLT Laramie as I needed a truck that I wouldn't feel bad about loading with dirt and rocks and what have you. Some trucks are just too pretty for getting scratched and dirty -- this one is not.

The truck runs pretty well (engine runs great), but it was clear that the track bar was shot. If I hadn't read this forum, I probably would have just put another Dodge track bar in the truck. I am so glad I didn't.

I had my mechanic install the Solid Steel '03 conversion kit. It went on easy and neat. I decided to also go with a Solid steel adjustable track bar since it seemed to me to be the best compromise in terms of cost, fit (guaranteed to work with the conversion bracket), compliance, and rebuildability. I am sure that the other major aftermarket track bars are great, it just wasn't clear to me that they were as easy to work with.

The install took 1.5 hours for the conversion kit, track bar, and steering damper mostly due to rusty bolts. An alignment was also done and the truck rides a whole lot better now. The steering is tighter (although the steering box is still loose) and the shudder/shimmy/jiggly feeling in the whole truck is gone.

I am delighted that for a $200 upgrade over the stock bar (for the conversion kit), I think I have a track bar setup that is going to remain tight for a long time; and, if I do wear out the bushings, it only costs $35 to replace them.

Thanks again to everyone who has contributed here. It has really helped me make what I feel was a very good decision.

Mike