Adjusting Track bar/Panhard bar

[Brian 444]

I have a 2002 with leaf spring front end and approximately 4" lift over stock height in the front. I have an adjustable track bar/panhard rod but can't seem to get the axle centered. I can't even find a good baseline to measure from. Visually the axle isn't quite centered so I know it needs some tweaking. I'd like to get it more exact than eyeballing will get me anyway .All I've been able to do so far is drive the truck for a few days then loosen the clamps and rotate the adjuster a half turn or so at a time. Needless to say I'm not making much progress.

What is the procedure here? Can this be done with the truck on the ground? Where do I measure from?

[layson]

When I did my truck. I left it out, got the leaf springs installed. That pretty much sets where the axle needs to go. Then once the truck is sitting under its own weight I installed the track rod.

[Betaracer]

What Layson said.

If you want to be exact, park on a completely level surface. Measure the center of the axle and make a mark on the axle tube. Use a vetical laser and set it so that it lines up with the center mark on the axle. Transfer a line to the ground so that it is easy to reposition if you need to move the laser to make the adjustments. Measure from the frame to the laser beam on one side, and then at the exact same point on the other side. Subtract the lower number from the higher number and divide by 2. That's how much you'll need to move the axle. Remove the tracbar (at least one end) and jump on the bumper a bunch of times to help settle the suspension. Might need to enlist some friends (oversize is better). Check the positioning again. If you need to move it more, use a ratchet strap to help it over.

[Brian 444]

At this point Is it best to remove one end of the bar, bounce the truck up and down a few times, and re-attach the bar hoping it will center itself? I would assume you cannot drive the truck at all without the track bar? Or would around the block be ok to center things up?

[layson]

Maybe remove one end. Roll the truck or move it forward or back and check to make sure the axle is where it needs to be. Then reinstall.

Or lift up the truck, let the suspension hang. Remove one end of track rod. Then set it down and reinstall.