Links to the best 2nd Gen track bars: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/track-bars/products/thuren-1994-2002-2nd-gen-track-bar www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/track-bars/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift
Dude $575 , its funny u mentioned wife bc thats what im thinking too.. her asking me; sooo what exactly did "we buy" for $575? Lol 😆😆 ( a track bar hon, safety update, specially when im driving our kids to school ) works every time .
@@JustDiesels will the track bar cause the steering to not find center? I wonder all over the road an steering is loose but the biggest problem is trying to drive straight again after turning. My 2nd gen had 240k no problem with steering my 3rd gen is making me pull my teeth out.
Great video. Ive got the same truck, '99 but with an NV4500 and long bed. Same color and everything, cloth interior. LOVE my 2nd gen but I definitely have the wander under braking and shitty ride in general haha. I'll be adding this track bar.
I had a 3rd gen Carli track bar and relocation bracket on my 1997 Ram for a few years and had issues left and right… Saw the Thuren track bar and bracket and gave it a shot, NIGHT AND DAY!!! My truck is finally safe to drive!
@@JustDiesels I’ve still got popping in the steering, and I’m running a PSC box that’s been phenomenal. Thinking it might be my steering shaft since I already did the Synergy T steering on my 97
Literally drove my 1500 with all the stock linkage and have lots of play like this. I lifted it about 3 years ago and threw 20 inch wheels wrapped up in 33x12.5 tires. Just dropped close to $1000 on a complete front suspension from all the way from the top with the steering shaft, gear box, pitman arm, all the linkage including the track bar, my hubs, and gonna finish off with adding a dual Stabilizer. I am hoping after front new tires and a alignment, it drive way better then it does today.
@@JustDiesels when adding the 2 washer spacers on the top of the frame mount my lower bracket hits some welds on the frame did you have to grind that down or am I doing something wrong.
The track bar it's self won't fix any steering problems unless your stock one is blown out. But moving the mounting points it will change handling. The Carli bar is just bent differently.
Great video! Always awesome to see you upload. Will you be doing a video with the 3rd gen & OBS with the whole injector & headstud install at maximumdiesels ?
You can run a DT pro Fab track bar. www.cjcoffroad.com/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift?_pos=1&_sid=1567d5668&_ss=r
i had the DT profab track bar on my 96 and i didn’t like the finished product, it has some deep scratches (caused by other metal) that couldn’t be sanded and even if painted over you’d be able to see them, one was about 10 inches long and on one of the ends it had a ton of other hard smashes and hits, that’s how it came straight out of the box. so i resold it. for 500+ dollars i expected some more quality control, and even their clear coating on the tube was so thin it already felt like it was already coming off.
I am curious as to if you know any company that makes a nice soft ride suspension system for 1st gen cummins 4wd trucks. I reached out to Carli since they make a progressive rate rear leaf spring for second but I believe they don't have any interest.
Great breakdown and thanks for the info. Im looking for TB right now and this is at the top of the list. Im rock crawling a lot with my setup though and one thing I was curious about is: because the track bar does not have the bend around the diff, does the TB not contact if youre axle is at full compression? Do you lose uptravel with this bar? thanks, -Christian
Thuren makes stuff that’s designed to fully cycle, and with their new frame side bracket there’s no contact at full compression or droop even with theirs or Carli’s coils that pull over 10” of wheel travel. It’s quality stuff!
Hey man i’ve been searching for and upgraded steering dampener for our trucks, I have a 2001 cummins and I couldn’t find crap for dual steering stabilizers or a powerful single one. Everything i see doesn’t mount correctly on the second gens. Let me know what you’ve run into or found out on this topic or if you have any recommendations.
My recommendation would be to swap to the Synergy HD steering, which allows you to mount a Fox 2.0, Carli low mount, or King 2.0 stabilizer. It’s a win win with better linkage and stabilizer options! www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/steering-linkage/products/synergy-manufacturing-2000-2002-dodge-ram-2500-3500-heavy-duty-steering-kit
Thanks for the content! I put a Thuren track bar on my 06 3rd gen along with there 2" front springs, Arms, end links, rear shackles and overland shocks. Set up has been really nice. I need to replace the factory sway bar at some point. My biggest beef is noise. I have a bunch of squeeks that I cant seem to track down. I grease the fittings, for some I have the shop do on occasion because they require a lift to access. Love to hear your opinion on tracking down vehicle noises.. was thinking I might swap out the oem body mounts see if that helps.
My go to method is having a friend drive slowly while I walk next to the truck over a speed bump or some sort of uneven dirt road that causes the noises. You can usually track them down pretty quickly like that!
You always make quality content. Would you install and review a HHO kit for us? I see them listed as a 40% increase in fuel economy. I also see "snake oil" in the comments. Is that big brother keeping us in their pocket or does the product not work? Just food for thought. Thanks for your videos keep em coming. You've helped me with my 03 2500 steering. Next is tranny work.
Honestly not something I’d ever use. I’d definitely file that under the snake oil category sadly. If it really was a 40% jump In economy you’d better believe it’d be on every truck!
I think that HHO kit does work. I met with the owner of that company. He said that they have to be careful about claiming they can increase fuel mileage because he doesn’t want to commit suicide any time soon. Instead they talk about how much the hydrogen cleans out the carbon. But yeah it’s legit. The issue is making enough hydrogen to totally replace the fuel.
You're talking about steering linkage, but this is the track bar. That said, DO NOT EVER install 4th gen steering on a 2nd gen. While you may see guys on facebook and the forums say it's okay, the joint taper and steering geometry are all wrong. Go with the Synergy HD Steering linkage setup as that's the best kit for these trucks, and has the correct geometry and joint tapers.
Great video thank you. As im looking at the website, in the description it doesn't mention 1500, only 2500 and 3500. So would this bar fit 1500 4x4?( dont hate its not diesel :) . I've been working on my 2nd replaced and updated all of my suspension+steering got it very tight and i do think this could be the last part of the puzzle. One thing i dont agree is the price point, it shouldn't be more then 300$ imo.
I have everything you have mentioned here and it has not made any difference. I'm frustrated beyond belief. I am going to try a new diatrack or EMF ball joint. Everything is brand new on this low mile 99, red head, 3rd gen track bar you name it. This is a mint low mile 2500 Cummins that is a great truck except for the steering. If the ball joints don't fix it, it's down the road, I prefer my three first gens by far.89,90
@Just Diesels you are correct in this, however... Your particular 2nd gen has t-style steering, most came with y-style steering which also causes this problem. These trucks also have major rust problems on the front frame horns where the steering box is mounted (this is why the steering box braces CAN make a huge difference. There are also problems with the steering column bushing at the firewall that leads to a lot of play in the steering wheel as well. The rag-joint in the steering column and the joints on the steering column also wear out when the steering box starts to wear out. Please consider that your 2nd gen is in SIGNIFICANTLY better condition than the majority on the road.
Oh absolutely! I don’t know if you noticed, but I linked a video at the beginning that is all about tracking down play in your steering. There’s lots of contributing factors so any worn parts need to be replaced, but I can confidently say most 2nd gens could benefit from an upgraded track bar, and this is the nicest one available by a landslide.
Links to the best 2nd Gen track bars:
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/track-bars/products/thuren-1994-2002-2nd-gen-track-bar
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/track-bars/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift
Showing this to my wife to explain why I just spent $500 on a Carli Track bar 😅 Thank you for helping a brotha out 😂
Dude $575 , its funny u mentioned wife bc thats what im thinking too.. her asking me; sooo what exactly did "we buy" for $575? Lol 😆😆 ( a track bar hon, safety update, specially when im driving our kids to school ) works every time .
Honestly, if there’s one single part to change on these trucks, that’s it!
😆
@@JustDiesels will the track bar cause the steering to not find center? I wonder all over the road an steering is loose but the biggest problem is trying to drive straight again after turning. My 2nd gen had 240k no problem with steering my 3rd gen is making me pull my teeth out.
@@luckyGdogg sounds like your caster is off
Great video. Ive got the same truck, '99 but with an NV4500 and long bed. Same color and everything, cloth interior. LOVE my 2nd gen but I definitely have the wander under braking and shitty ride in general haha. I'll be adding this track bar.
Glad to see you posted, was starting to worry abt you😂
I’ve been slacking! I’m sorry!
I had a 3rd gen Carli track bar and relocation bracket on my 1997 Ram for a few years and had issues left and right… Saw the Thuren track bar and bracket and gave it a shot, NIGHT AND DAY!!! My truck is finally safe to drive!
Yeah those relocation brackets aren’t the right way to do it!
@@JustDiesels I’ve still got popping in the steering, and I’m running a PSC box that’s been phenomenal. Thinking it might be my steering shaft since I already did the Synergy T steering on my 97
Sure glad to see your truck this month in the turbo diesel register calendar! Loved the write up on it too.
Thank you! I'm honored to be included!
Literally drove my 1500 with all the stock linkage and have lots of play like this. I lifted it about 3 years ago and threw 20 inch wheels wrapped up in 33x12.5 tires. Just dropped close to $1000 on a complete front suspension from all the way from the top with the steering shaft, gear box, pitman arm, all the linkage including the track bar, my hubs, and gonna finish off with adding a dual Stabilizer. I am hoping after front new tires and a alignment, it drive way better then it does today.
It will work with cobra style links you just cant flip the links to the top of the axle (which is what most people do when lifted).
I can't find an install video for this track bar, is there one? This video mentions you were filming, otherwise install would take 30 minutes.
Nobody has made one, but the written instructions are pretty solid!
@@JustDiesels when adding the 2 washer spacers on the top of the frame mount my lower bracket hits some welds on the frame did you have to grind that down or am I doing something wrong.
Just found this video. Kinda making me wished Thuren had this available when i bought their Synergy track bar
The track bar it's self won't fix any steering problems unless your stock one is blown out. But moving the mounting points it will change handling. The Carli bar is just bent differently.
Factory bars will have flex due to rubber bushings so....wrong
Great video! Always awesome to see you upload. Will you be doing a video with the 3rd gen & OBS with the whole injector & headstud install at maximumdiesels ?
Yes! Had some parts delays with the third gen but the videos are coming soon!
What is the alternative for 94 front ends?
You can run a DT pro Fab track bar. www.cjcoffroad.com/products/dt-pro-fab-dodge-ram-2500-3500-track-bar-kit-1994-2002-0-4-lift?_pos=1&_sid=1567d5668&_ss=r
We need more of the 4th gen reviews.
I need to get this CJC OFF-ROAD lift kit set up
Great video thanks, what is you stabilizer bar kit?
Is there a complete kit like shocks springs track bar sway bar steering dampener n arms n rear shocks to
Yep! Here’s a link to the options like what I have on the truck:
www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/94-02-carli-systems
I have about 1k on my BD Power trackbar. No issues yet, but the install was no joke.
My early 98 does not have cobra style swaybar mounts.
i had the DT profab track bar on my 96 and i didn’t like the finished product, it has some deep scratches (caused by other metal) that couldn’t be sanded and even if painted over you’d be able to see them, one was about 10 inches long and on one of the ends it had a ton of other hard smashes and hits, that’s how it came straight out of the box.
so i resold it.
for 500+ dollars i expected some more quality control, and even their clear coating on the tube was so thin it already felt like it was already coming off.
Love it Andrew thanks man glad you like it!
Night and day compared to stock! Thank you for showing these old 2nd gens some attention with quality products!
That uncut cotter pin struck a nerve 😂😂
I am curious as to if you know any company that makes a nice soft ride suspension system for 1st gen cummins 4wd trucks. I reached out to Carli since they make a progressive rate rear leaf spring for second but I believe they don't have any interest.
Great breakdown and thanks for the info. Im looking for TB right now and this is at the top of the list. Im rock crawling a lot with my setup though and one thing I was curious about is: because the track bar does not have the bend around the diff, does the TB not contact if youre axle is at full compression? Do you lose uptravel with this bar?
thanks,
-Christian
Thuren makes stuff that’s designed to fully cycle, and with their new frame side bracket there’s no contact at full compression or droop even with theirs or Carli’s coils that pull over 10” of wheel travel. It’s quality stuff!
@@JustDiesels oh awesome! Cool will follow the link, thanks man!
Hey man i’ve been searching for and upgraded steering dampener for our trucks, I have a 2001 cummins and I couldn’t find crap for dual steering stabilizers or a powerful single one. Everything i see doesn’t mount correctly on the second gens. Let me know what you’ve run into or found out on this topic or if you have any recommendations.
My recommendation would be to swap to the Synergy HD steering, which allows you to mount a Fox 2.0, Carli low mount, or King 2.0 stabilizer. It’s a win win with better linkage and stabilizer options! www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/steering-linkage/products/synergy-manufacturing-2000-2002-dodge-ram-2500-3500-heavy-duty-steering-kit
@@JustDiesels Do you think a single steering stabilizer will be powerful enough with 35” tires if i ran this kit?
Unrelated question but what brand gauges / guage pod do you have on your gen 2? Which gauges would you recommend having ? Ty
I never understand why those heim joints are not greasable!?
If you drive in a harsh weather conditions the heim joint is gone in no time
Thanks for the content! I put a Thuren track bar on my 06 3rd gen along with there 2" front springs, Arms, end links, rear shackles and overland shocks. Set up has been really nice. I need to replace the factory sway bar at some point. My biggest beef is noise. I have a bunch of squeeks that I cant seem to track down. I grease the fittings, for some I have the shop do on occasion because they require a lift to access. Love to hear your opinion on tracking down vehicle noises.. was thinking I might swap out the oem body mounts see if that helps.
My go to method is having a friend drive slowly while I walk next to the truck over a speed bump or some sort of uneven dirt road that causes the noises. You can usually track them down pretty quickly like that!
How are the heim joint holding up through time?
Joints are solid! Lower is a high end FK rod end, and the upper is a Delrin bushing. High quality stuff!
@@JustDiesels thanks for your answer!
You always make quality content. Would you install and review a HHO kit for us? I see them listed as a 40% increase in fuel economy. I also see "snake oil" in the comments. Is that big brother keeping us in their pocket or does the product not work? Just food for thought. Thanks for your videos keep em coming. You've helped me with my 03 2500 steering. Next is tranny work.
Honestly not something I’d ever use. I’d definitely file that under the snake oil category sadly. If it really was a 40% jump In economy you’d better believe it’d be on every truck!
I think that HHO kit does work. I met with the owner of that company. He said that they have to be careful about claiming they can increase fuel mileage because he doesn’t want to commit suicide any time soon. Instead they talk about how much the hydrogen cleans out the carbon. But yeah it’s legit. The issue is making enough hydrogen to totally replace the fuel.
Any reason this is better than swapping to a 4th gen T-bar setup?
You're talking about steering linkage, but this is the track bar. That said, DO NOT EVER install 4th gen steering on a 2nd gen. While you may see guys on facebook and the forums say it's okay, the joint taper and steering geometry are all wrong. Go with the Synergy HD Steering linkage setup as that's the best kit for these trucks, and has the correct geometry and joint tapers.
@@JustDiesels Knuckle taper for the 2000-2002 2500 and 3500 is the same as the t style upgrade for the 3rd and 4th gens
@@tomdraz3929I have 4gen steering on my 2000 Ram and it bolts right up and helped out a lot
@@ubaldo24v81 Nice. It's a great upgrade. Plan to do it myself when my linkage wears out
Great video thank you. As im looking at the website, in the description it doesn't mention 1500, only 2500 and 3500. So would this bar fit 1500 4x4?( dont hate its not diesel :) . I've been working on my 2nd replaced and updated all of my suspension+steering got it very tight and i do think this could be the last part of the puzzle. One thing i dont agree is the price point, it shouldn't be more then 300$ imo.
It does actually! Although it was tested and designed for 2500/3500.
@@JustDieselsthats great thank you !
What made you decide not to use DTP and go with thuren
It’s just a better overall bracket design, better track bar joints, and a nice company to deal with!
@@JustDiesels nice I live in Eugene Oregon, since they are out of bend Oregon that makes it an easy go to
Why should I spend $50 more for this than a SSI? In what ways is it better quality?
Do you have the stock front end on here or did you upgrade to the 3rd gen steering?
Currently the stock 99 HD steering, but I’ll be moving to Synergy 2nd gen steering soon.
@@JustDiesels Any way you could detail why the shift from OEM HD T style to Synergy? Have you done it yet?
I have everything you have mentioned here and it has not made any difference. I'm frustrated beyond belief. I am going to try a new diatrack or EMF ball joint. Everything is brand new on this low mile 99, red head, 3rd gen track bar you name it. This is a mint low mile 2500 Cummins that is a great truck except for the steering. If the ball joints don't fix it, it's down the road, I prefer my three first gens by far.89,90
Damn really? I was about the pull the trigger on this. 99 5spd long bed with Carli 2" soft ride coils, Billstein 5100 shocks and bfg 295's.
budget knockoff of thuren or synergy??? leave a message.
This truck being a 1999 truck, do you still have to smog it? If so, do you have any issue with it being straight piped?
Yes it still has to be smogged, but since it didn't come with a factory cat, it's still the same as it was from the factory.
Hard to pay attention to anything but those Walkers haha. Man she looks good.
Love those wheels!
Will this fit a 2001 2500 4x4?
Yes
I would love one of these on my 98 . This does work on 1/2 tons too , correct ? Mine feels like a big bucket of mush . Lol
Yes, from what I understand these work just fine on 1500s!
Awesome.
@Just Diesels you are correct in this, however...
Your particular 2nd gen has t-style steering, most came with y-style steering which also causes this problem. These trucks also have major rust problems on the front frame horns where the steering box is mounted (this is why the steering box braces CAN make a huge difference. There are also problems with the steering column bushing at the firewall that leads to a lot of play in the steering wheel as well. The rag-joint in the steering column and the joints on the steering column also wear out when the steering box starts to wear out. Please consider that your 2nd gen is in SIGNIFICANTLY better condition than the majority on the road.
Oh absolutely! I don’t know if you noticed, but I linked a video at the beginning that is all about tracking down play in your steering. There’s lots of contributing factors so any worn parts need to be replaced, but I can confidently say most 2nd gens could benefit from an upgraded track bar, and this is the nicest one available by a landslide.
First
Tract bar..
Typical 2nd Gen😔