Was this bar standard?
 

Stupid Question Time!

I like to look at pictures of other trucks just to compare and see what other guys are doing to theirs.

One thing that I keep noticing if there is a picture of it is this bar on the rear diff to the frame... What is it and was it standard or an optional add on?

Sorry for the dumb question... I am still learning certain aspects of vehicles.

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

That's the panhard bar. Standard equipment on all coil spring/trailing arm trucks. It locates and keeps the rear end in the center of the truck.

Remove that bar and the rear end will wiggle left to right.

Also, if you lower a truck (I think 5" and more) it needs to be replace with an adjustable one so that the rear can be re-centered under the truck.

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

Got ya. Thanks.

If the bushings are worn out, what kind of issues would that cause?

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

Kinda holds the axle in the center, mandatory :)

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

It will let the axle move some side to side. Might just act funny at times, like a tire with low pressure

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

Ok. I'll add it to my list of stuff to replace. I do have some weird handling issues but I think its up front... either the power steering box (leaky) or pitman arm/idler arm. Already replaced all tie rod ends.

Thanks guys.

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

How far can you move the steering wheel before "something happens." The gear box tends to get worn out on these trucks, especially the non power steering ones.

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

It mostly has to do with trying to keep the truck straight on the highway. I have to constantly correct the steering as it likes to wander a bit once you get up around 60+.
My thoughts were that maybe the linkage parts were worn and give way while driving, the gears in the box are worn, or the power steering leak causes inconsistent pressure in the system.

There is also a decent amount of bump steering, but I think the truck doesnt handle bumps well so I'd try to tackle that first. I might have picked too stiff of a shock when I replaced them a year ago. She is pretty bouncy.

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

If I were you I'd go to a good alignment shop and have them check all front end components for wear (check brakes while you're at it) then have them do an alignment. Not enough caster will make your truck wander but warn components will do the same....

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

Good suggestion, and it was something I have considered - the caster.

But after I did the tie rod ends, I took it in for an alignment. Looks like I actually did a pretty good job of getting the new ends on where the old ones were because they didnt have to adjust much of anything to get it back to spec. But I have been reading a lot of guys on here have a lot of issues getting their alignment done correctly at modern shops because they just arent set up for our aged trucks any more. Idk.

I had asked them to look it over, and they just blamed the steering box because "its old." If I get really stuck on figuring it out, then I have a mom and pop shop here that I've used for things I dont trust myself to do and will take it to them. He actually has worked on pre 2000 vehicles unlike some of the guys at the local chain shops.

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

Might "Dog Track" a little, or like the "tail wagging the dog" probably the easiest way of putting it, not to mention, if the bushings are gone, it might be clanking back and forth on acceleration/deceleration.
Ben
:metal:

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

Replace the panhard bar bushings, it will definetly cause a handling issue. And find a different mechanic.

Re: Was this bar standard?
 

agree can cause "bump steer" , couple that with a "toe out" alignment , and truck will go everywhere you dont want it to