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DT Profab Dodge Heavy Duty Track Bar Upgrade

No More Shake & Shimmy
March, 2010
By Jon Acuff
Photography by Jon Acuff
Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Kit
The geometry and strength of your track bar is very important for proper vehicle handling. Ideally it should be oriented parallel to the steering drag link and horizontal to the ground when the vehicle is not moving.

Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Comparison
The only similarity between... 
   
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Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Comparison
The only similarity between the original and upgraded DT-Profab track bar is the purpose. The DT track bar uses replaceable bushings and rod ends, and is adjustable.
Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit High Performance Bushing
A high-performance bushing... 
   
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Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit High Performance Bushing
A high-performance bushing is used at the axle side of the new track bar. It is much stiffer and more durable than the factory bushings but still able to absorb vibrations from the road. Furthermore, you can press it out and replace it if ever becomes worn. None of the bushings are replaceable on the factory bar.
Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit High Strength Rod End
On the frame side of the DT... 
   
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Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit High Strength Rod End
On the frame side of the DT track bar is a high strength 7/8-inch rod end instead of a bushing. The rod end allows for smooth track bar movement while eliminating any lateral play. If this ever wears out it can be replaced. DT sells a rebuild kit that costs only $60 and replaces both the bushing and rod end.
Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Bracket
The bracket included in the... 
   
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Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Bracket
The bracket included in the track bar kit is another important part. It pushes the mounting location forward so that the straight track bar body clears the front diff cover. This is why the DT bar can be straight and not bent like the factory unit. There are two bracket choices: one for trucks with 0 to 4 inches of lift, and one for trucks lifted more than 4 inches.
Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Dt Profab Steel Tabs
DT-Profab provides steel tabs... 
   
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Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Dt Profab Steel Tabs
DT-Profab provides steel tabs to help you center your axle after installing the new track bar. Secure one to each upper control arm and then measure from the tab to the frame. This might not seem like a big deal, but when you get to this part of the installation you will be very thankful.
Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Test Drive
The steering of our truck... 
   
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Dt Profab Heavy Duty Track Bar Kit Test Drive
The steering of our truck was noticeably tighter after upgrading our track bar with the DT unit. On top of that a mysterious shimmy that used to happen around 60 mph was no longer occurring. The shimmy felt like a tire balance issue and we were pleasantly surprised to find the real cause was our old track bar.
DT-Profab Performance Suspensions
484 EZ Sreet
Prescott
AZ  86301
928-776-4129

http://www.dtprofab.com/

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