Axle off center

[Shanester]

Now that it has warmed up to 27F outside I am going to take some measurements from the track bar mounting points with photos if possible.

[ZMANN]

we need a part # for your bracket but your right I couldn't find squat

[ZMANN]

what is your trac bar bracket #?
50348a094 ac??

[Shanester]

what is your trac bar bracket #?
50348a094 ac??

It is 5C34 3A094 AC

[Shanester]

I took a few more photos and this time closeups of the bushing end of the track bar. It looks like the steel part of the bushing is bent or offset making it like an eccentric bushing. The rubber part does not look all that great either. In looking at the ball joint end of the track bar it appears to be slightly bent also. The bracket that is welded to the axle housing holding the ball joint looks to be fairly stout it might be slightly bent also. In double checking some measurements I verified the axle offset is about 3/4". Bent bushing+bar+ball joint+ball joint bracket might = 3/4".

http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/mem...-bar-3838.html

[Shanester]

In doing a little research I found that the bracket is the right part #.

[Shanester]

I am considering taking this in stages. Stage one: replace track bar ball joint, bushing, bushing bolt (maybe it is bent too). If I do this will my truck need an alignment? Would it be okay to drive it for a week like that if it does not fix it to my satisfaction and am waiting on an adjustable track bar? (that would be stage two) I am thinking worst case is that the steering wheel would not be straight.

[i98beast]

Just remember 3/4 inch is your total. you only need to move the axle half that amount. As you move it to the right the left is also moving. It would not take much of a bend or worn parts to move the axle 3/8 inch.

[Shanester]

Originally Posted by i98beast

Just remember 3/4 inch is your total. you only need to move the axle half that amount. As you move it to the right the left is also moving. It would not take much of a bend or worn parts to move the axle 3/8 inch.

My drivers's side tire is sticking out 3/4" past the fender and the passenger side is tucked in 3/4". It looks to me that my axle needs to move over 3/4". Maybe I did not make that clear initially. I agree that 3/8" is not much and would most likely get that from replacing the ball joint, bush, and bolt. I still would like an opinion on whether or not I would need an alignment after replacing just the track bar ball joint, bushing, and bolt. If so, I may just go ahead and order the adjustable bar knowing that would fix it for sure and not have two alignments.

[Dave]

Sure it doesnt have a leveling kit in it?

Frame damage?