Are Track bar upgrades worth the money?

[jacku]

I've been in Jeeps since 1994 and I understand adjustable track bars to center the axles after putting on suspension lifts. I am new to PWs and I see some are upgrading rear track bars and to a lesser extent front track bars.

I've read every thread I can find on three different RAM forums but have two questions:
1. For those that have done so, are the results worth the money?
2. Would you do it again?

Thanks - Old Paratrooper

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Its not worth the effort if you are not lifting it. Some people just like to throw money at their vehicles for no reason. If the bushings wear out eventually then it may be worth it but if your still stock i would still just do a factory replacement anyway

 

[el_barto]

I’ve heard good things for the Thuren rear track bar (even stock) if your truck is normally loaded heavy
I will consider it when my warranty runs out

 

[Crusty old shellback]

The PW has a 2" lift from the factory. But I beleive it still uses the same mounting points and set up as the other HD trucks.

The Thuren rear track bar changes the mounting points and the angle of the track bar, making it more level. This should help.

I've gotten a bad swaying last few times I pulled a trailer. Talking with people and Thuren, their rear track bar should help the issue. So I'm looking at installing one once I get moved.

 

[waveslayer]

Yes!!! Much better ride and way less swaying!!!!

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

 

[UglyViking]

I'd say that it will tighten up a bit of the wobble you feel going over bumps especially noticeable at higher speed. It that is worth the cost really depends on you. If you have noticed this and it bothers you, then yes worth the cost. If you haven't noticed it or have but it doesn't bother you, then probably not.

 

[jetrinka]

While I'm sure the rear track bar can help with things I've always been leery of doing aftermarket things to the suspension. Drilling holes gives me the willies and if/when the aftermarket part wears out who knows it sourcing replacements can happen. At least with the factory stuff I know I'll be able to source parts in 20 years.

 

[UglyViking]

While I'm sure the rear track bar can help with things I've always been leery of doing aftermarket things to the suspension. Drilling holes gives me the willies and if/when the aftermarket part wears out who knows it sourcing replacements can happen. At least with the factory stuff I know I'll be able to source parts in 20 years.

1/4" steel bracket, stainless servicable and rebuildable joints, company has been around for close to 15 years. Worse case, like absolute worse, just have someone do some basic metal work to the factory track bar mount that remains under the Thuren option.

Also, what exactly will happen that your rear trackbar goes bad but the rest of the truck is still ok? Thuren doesn't manufacture the joint, so that's really the only potential failure point.

I mean the call is obviously up to the end user, but I think a lot of times it's mountain out of molehill stuff.

 

[jetrinka]

1/4" steel bracket, stainless servicable and rebuildable joints, company has been around for close to 15 years. Worse case, like absolute worse, just have someone do some basic metal work to the factory track bar mount that remains under the Thuren option.

Also, what exactly will happen that your rear trackbar goes bad but the rest of the truck is still ok? Thuren doesn't manufacture the joint, so that's really the only potential failure point.

I mean the call is obviously up to the end user, but I think a lot of times it's mountain out of molehill stuff.

Perhaps but its still a lot more work than just calling the dealer or parts guy up and ordering a stock bar. Two bolts and done.

I do agree with your point about the rear track bar not being common to go bad and would apply that to the stock bar too - at least with stock/un-lifted use.

 

[IndyRamMega]

Perhaps but its still a lot more work than just calling the dealer or parts guy up and ordering a stock bar. Two bolts and done.

I do agree with your point about the rear track bar not being common to go bad and would apply that to the stock bar too - at least with stock/un-lifted use.

If drilling 1 hole makes you that uneasy don't ever get in to jeeps....we cut and weld brackets and sh!π to our suspensions and axles....

 

[jetrinka]

If drilling 1 hole makes you that uneasy don't ever get in to jeeps....we cut and weld brackets and sh!π to our suspensions and axles....

Lol certainly not my cup of tea. I enjoy my vehicles (mostly) stock.

 

[jacku]

The PW has a 2" lift from the factory. But I beleive it still uses the same mounting points and set up as the other HD trucks.

The Thuren rear track bar changes the mounting points and the angle of the track bar, making it more level. This should help.

I've gotten a bad swaying last few times I pulled a trailer. Talking with people and Thuren, their rear track bar should help the issue. So I'm looking at installing one once I get moved.

Thanks Sailor - that makes sense. PW didn't align the geometry when it lifted is 2"...you've given me something to consider.

BTW, my oldest son is a shellback from the LPD Arlington.

 

[jacku]

Thanks Sailor - that makes sense. PW didn't align the geometry when it lifted is 2"...you've given me something to consider.

BTW, my oldest son is a shellback from the LPD Arlington.

If drilling 1 hole makes you that uneasy don't ever get in to jeeps....we cut and weld brackets and sh!π to our suspensions and axles....

Case in point - I was 10 days post-op for a hip replacement from a parachuting accident...I had a 2 1/2 suspension lift sitting in my garage and a Jeep longingly staring at it...You'd be surprised what a man can do scooting around the garage floor on his butt. One successfully installed suspension lift later and I was a happy camper. My wife - not a happy camper.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Thanks Sailor - that makes sense. PW didn't align the geometry when it lifted is 2"...you've given me something to consider.

BTW, my oldest son is a shellback from the LPD Arlington.

I crossed back in 1987 on USS Halsey (CG-23). retired as FCC in '01.

Tell him thanks for his service.

Have you aligned your truck to the Thuren specs yet? Well worth the effort. My toe was actually out of factory specs from the factory.

 

[Gondul]

I added both front/rear track bars to the truck and I find everything to much more 'planted' than with what I was feeling with OEM.
I will say that I also added 5100s, swaybar and Syngery HD Steering kit at about the same time in prep for picking up my new TT.

Tearing up the Transforce tires on the trip out and back... once I'm home, new wheels/tires and off to the shop for Thuren alignment.

 

[jacku]

I crossed back in 1987 on USS Halsey (CG-23). retired as FCC in '01.

Tell him thanks for his service.

Have you aligned your truck to the Thuren specs yet? Well worth the effort. My toe was actually out of factory specs from the factory.

I have not. I wasn't aware of that but I'll do it when I return to the US. I have another 14 months here in Saudi. Thanks for all the insights - Jack

 

[Wobly]

One of the first suspension mods I did to my PW was the Thuren rear trackbar. I couldn't stand the up-left motion when hitting bumps. It was worse when towing. Adding the Thuren rear trackbar changed the motion to a much more straight up-down action. Yes, I would do it again.

 

[jacku]

One of the first suspension mods I did to my PW was the Thuren rear trackbar. I couldn't stand the up-left motion when hitting bumps. It was worse when towing. Adding the Thuren rear trackbar changed the motion to a much more straight up-down action. Yes, I would do it again.

One of the first suspension mods I did to my PW was the Thuren rear trackbar. I couldn't stand the up-left motion when hitting bumps. It was worse when towing. Adding the Thuren rear trackbar changed the motion to a much more straight up-down action. Yes, I would do it again.

Thank you - I'm now sold. Buying now.