went to get an alignment today after doing a 3 inch lift...a year ago. i know, i know.

the shop said they couldn't do the alignment because there was 'movement in the track bar'. he then quoted me a new track bar and labor for about 250$ (ya right buddy)

later, i went under and yanked and pulled and it didn't budge. bushings looked solid to me. am i thinking something else when he said 'movement' or what?

do i need a new track bar?

any input would help.

 

It can be aligned with out doing anything to the track bar. Just find another guy and ask in advance if they will do it. Unless the ball joint on the frame side is bad, it doesn't have to be replaced. Just replace the bushing. Have someone saw the steering wheel back and forth while you watch it. If there is no movement, don't go back there.

 

It can be aligned with a loose trac bar but most shops wont do it. Have someone wiggle the wheel back and forth with you laying under it looking at the trac bar and verify its wore out. If it is then get a new one, put it on in 30 mins, and get it aligned. A full benefit of it aligned will be with the entire front end tight.

 

That's the best way to check the trackbar for play. Another reason to make sure the trackbar is in good shape before an alignment is because if you get it aligned, and the trackbar is on its way out your chances of getting death wobble will increase.

 

if i get a new one, should i do an adjustable track bar with my 3 inch lift or will the regular be ok?

 

I would just bite the bullet and go with the adjustable so you can get the front end as close to centered as possible.

 

If have a 4wp store close to you or another off road store go talk to them usually shops don't know to much detail on lifted vehicles because that's not their area of work they also try and rip you off