BD Diesels' Track Bar Cures the 'Death Wobble"
DODGE 3/4 and 1-ton trucks have a well-earned reputation for rugged durability. Cummins engines, Dana 80 axles, and an excellent four link coil suspension all add to this reputation.
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course even a white knight can have a little chink in his armor, and the Dodge pickups are no exception. The Ram’s “Achilles’ heel” is its weak transmission and propensity for “death wobble,” par- ticularly with the 1,100 pound Cummins engine under the hood.
The addition of a leveling kit or suspension lift and larg- er, heavier tires make the situation even worse. BD Diesel Performance has been solving the first issue for years with high quality rebuilt transmissions, and now they are addressing the sec- ond issue as well.
In 2007, BD Diesel released a clever steering box brace that added an addi- tional bearing under the pitman arm to support the box and prevent it from wearing out prematurely. This product went a long way towards curing steer- ing woes in 2nd Generation (’94-02) and 3rd Generation (’03-Present) Dodge Ram 2500s and 3500s, but there was still more work to be done. To that end, BD Diesel recently introduced a track bar designed to address the factory deficiencies. Dodge improved the track bar design for the 2003 model year, replac- ing the fixed ball joint at the frame end of the track bar with a replaceable bushing.
The bushings, however, were still made from relatively soft rubber and could not accommodate changes in height from suspension lifts. The new BD track bar also uses bushings at each end, but these replaceable com- ponents are constructed from high durometer polyurethane and are fitted with grease zerks to ensure quiet oper- ation and long life. The track bar itself is constructed from 1 3/8” x 5/16” wall DOM tubing and is adjustable in length, even without removing the track bar from the vehicle.
The same part number is used from BD Diesel for all Dodge heavy duty pickups from ’94 through the current model year, allowing consolidation of part numbers and offer the track bar at a reduced price to customers. The 2nd Generation Dodges do require a brack- et to accept a bushing at the frame end. This bracket connects to the frame in five different locations on three differ- ent planes and only requires three holes to be drilled for a rigid installation.
Sleeves are also included to ensure that the frame is not weakened when the bolts are torqued to their specified value. If you own a Dodge Ram and are experiencing transmission or steering woes, consider BD Diesel Performance your knight in shining armor.
For an Authorized Skyjacker® Dealer near you call 1.866.4.A.DEALER ext.2855 or visit us on the web at skyjacker.com sure to find what defi nes you.
SOURCE BD Diesel Performance www.dieselperformance.com AVAILABLE AT 4 Wheel Parts 800-284-9840 Retail Store Locations: www.4wheelparts.com/stores/StoreLocator.aspx Online at: www.4WheelParts.com
