Adjustable Track Bar with Bilstein 5100? Help please!

[Decipher]

Searched.

2010 SR5

Moving my Bilsteins up to 2.5/1.5 and my alignment guy is telling me I need a new adjustable rear track bar...mind you he just threw it on the rack and hasn’t done full adjustments yet.

I get the logic but I’ve NEVER heard of this being required for this suspension adjustment by anyone. I get that it optimizes the alignment but it makes me question if this is necessary.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? Thanks in advance.


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[3wbdriver]

I've been running 2" in the back on my 5100's for 3 years with the factory track bar. I thought about getting an adjustable one, but I haven't had any problems in 60,000+ miles.

 

[Decipher]

Thank you! That’s incredibly helpful. They really tried to scare tactic me but I’m getting the sense that they’re not super comfortable with doing this alignment for some reason to begin with...


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[3wbdriver]

Now if you want to go 2.5" up front without changing upper control arms they are not going to be able to get you remotely close to what you would want for caster. I think I only have 1.75 degrees caster up front with the factory UCA's, but again, it hasn't been a problem for me. It's a little dartier at highway speeds in crosswinds, but still easily drivable. It just means I actually have to pay attention to my driving instead of my phone.

 

[JSparky]

What rear coils are you running?

 

[Decipher]

Now if you want to go 2.5" up front without changing upper control arms they are not going to be able to get you remotely close to what you would want for caster. I think I only have 1.75 degrees caster up front with the factory UCA's, but again, it hasn't been a problem for me. It's a little dartier at highway speeds in crosswinds, but still easily drivable. It just means I actually have to pay attention to my driving instead of my phone.

Thank you for all the info! I really appreciate it.

I’m running OEM coils all the way around.


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[JSparky]

If you’re running factory rear coils I can’t imgaine you’d need a new track bar. Even at 2” of lift it’s not necessary, depending on your school of thought. I’d love to hear his rational for why you’d need one with no lift.

 

[Decipher]

Thanks man. He went into the whole solid factory bar causing the rear diff to shift when lifted so the rear is going to track wrong and pull the front out.

He sounded super uncomfortable with just mounting up 285 tires so the rest of the thing is suspect. I appreciate the input and I’ll report back on my experience tomorrow. They’re doing the alignment first thing.

I’ve researched to death and I have yet to hear anyone catch this info on the track bar.


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[JSparky]

Thanks man. He went into the whole solid factory bar causing the rear diff to shift when lifted so the rear is going to track wrong and pull the front out.

He sounded super uncomfortable with just mounting up 285 tires so the rest of the thing is suspect. I appreciate the input and I’ll report back on my experience tomorrow. They’re doing the alignment first thing.

I’ve researched to death and I have yet to hear anyone catch this info on the track bar.


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That’s correct, but if you’re not lifting the rear it shouldn’t matter much. You said OEM coils so I’m assuming you meant factory coils? Do you have any rear lift at all, like spacers or anything?

Front lift will influence the rear slightly, but not enough to require an adjustable track bar. Some people are cautious with having the rear axle centered, others not so much. It’s an easy thing to add later if you find yourself unhappy with how it’s driving.

 

[Decipher]

Yeah, factory coils. I added the 1.5” spacer to the rear which is why they’re saying it’s going to be an issue. They’re saying it’s going to drive like crap, pull my alignment way out of whack, and basically be dangerous. All of this is news to me considering how many rigs have done the 2.5/1.5 lift without ever mentioning anything about this.


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[wfo9]

Perfectly centering the axle is nice, but totally not necessary. Plus it won't be centered when loaded... It is a moving target as the suspension cycles.

 

[Decipher]

Thanks for all the replies. They made me feel like I was trapped since they have the truck and I’m a bit at their mercy for the moment. Today might be interesting.


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[kenwilliams0803]

You will be fine without adding a rear adj. TB. Now if the front was solid axle it might be useful up there, but it's IFS so not needed.

I would them them to worry about the front only. Caster, toe, front steer ahead. Done.

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[Decipher]

My mechanic just called and apologized for the absolute ridiculousness of the alignment/tire shop. My mechanic had the Runner for some other items and said he literally laughed them off the phone when they told him their concerns. I haven’t picked up the truck yet but he said it’s all good, everything aligned perfectly, and he couldn’t stop apologizing for them.

Thank you all a ton for your help. Hope this thread helps future members who might run into similar nonsense.


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