Truck passed inspection, but warned on track bar. Plan was to replace the steering box anyway, so I'll put both in then have it aligned.

Now the question is, 3rd gen conversion worthwhile - or do I just go with stock?

Truck is a 2000 2500 4x4 reg cab 8800lb version. I started looking at a solidsteelindustries bracket, and just using an OEM junkyard bar with new bushings.

Also have a clank on bumps, thinking need to check that the new shocks bottom bolts are tight enough...

 

Yeah, if you plan to keep the truck any appreciable length of time, the 3rd gen trackbar conversion is worth while. Replace it once, never have to worry about it again.

 

Can I get away with a non-adjustable 3rd gen OEM bar with that conversion bracket?

 

I don't see why you couldn't. If anything the bracket would make the distance smaller not larger.

 

The bracket is designed with stock suspension geometry in mind, so, yes.

 

Tried to call the company, not answering. Sent them an email earlier. The length is pretty critical to centering the axle, so want to make sure. HeyYou, are you running one of these setups yourself?

 

Not yet. I replaced the truck before the track bar failed again.

 

I'm running their adjustable 3rd gen style track bar and love it. It has high quality Energy Suspension made poly bushings in each end. It will be the last track bar you will ever have to install and is extremely well made. I bought the Solid Steel adjustable track bar and a generic 3rd gen track bar conversion bracket. Several places sell the conversion bracket when I did my research some time ago.

 

Either go with 3rd gen, or a stocker with Luke's Link. When I bought my Dodge back in '05, it had enormous slop in steering because of failed frame end on the track bar. Bought some adjustable track bar, drove it for a while but didn't like how it flexed when steered (tube style), so I updated the stock bar with Luke's link. Perfect. Worked fine until spring '17 when I realized that there's no more adjustability left on Luke's Link. So I throw in the previously mentioned aftermarket bar, which on today, turned out to be total junk!



This is why that stock setup won't last. Here's the stock orientation of the frame end:



And this is mine with 2,5" leveling kit. Notice how crooked the angle is on the link. Imagine how much beating it takes when the front is flexed to the max (LH side stuffed and RH drooped):

 

So you're saying about 10 years and how many miles on luke's link product? Looks like you're only $18 away from replacing the internals on Luke's link.
https://lukeslink.com/products/inter...for-lukes-link