Rear End not Centered

[engineer_gregh]

I've discovered that my 71 long bed rear end is not centered. Its about 1/2" more to the right. I've thought about ordering the adjustable track bar from LMC. Anyone have experience with using it to center the rear end? Is it normal that its not centered, could it be that the bushings are worn on the track bar causing the issue?

[Lee H]

1/2 inch is not very much and could be the bushings. Is your truck lowered? Most folks that need to center the differential use an adjustable one, the rest just ignore it.

[Tx Firefighter]

Early Classic Enterprises sells their adjustable track bar for a full 20 dollars less than LMC.

[hugger6933]

Yeah, if the ride height is altered it will change the position of the rear in the frame. Jim

[hugger6933]

Or it could have been bumped sometime in its life. Jim

[brad_man_72]

Check the bushings, mounts, and make the track bar the correct length.

[engineer_gregh]

Thanks for the responses. The truck is not lowered but I did put on a set of Boss 338's 20" wheels. The 1/2' skew to the right is causing the left rear tire to rub the fender well when turning right. Kevin the ECE track bar is only adjustable on one end, will that be a problem?

[Tx Firefighter]

Not at all. Just measure your current center to center length and adjust the new one to desired length (1/2" difference) and install it. You'll probably have to use a ratchet strap between the axle and frame to pull it over enough to line up the bolts. That will get you close. You might remeasure to make sure you got it right on the money.

[leddzepp]

If you get a bar that has both adjustable ends you simply twist it one way or the other to lengthen or shorten the bar while it is installed. Very easy to dial in this way.

[CC69Rat]

+ 1 ECE - Adjustable track bar, or even their Super track bar. I agree on both ends too, it makes it pretty straight forward and when you bag that sweet Super, you can still use it later on.

[engineer_gregh]

I've learned to never say never. I've not considered bags but you never know:-) I ordered the ECE adjustable track bar today. Thanks Chad.

[CC69Rat]

Just messing with you on the bags.. but seriously you'll like that track bar. Did you get the one that adjusts on both ends?

[Tx Firefighter]

Y'all are overplaying the adjustable at both ends deal. You only have to adjust the thing one time and even with just one end adjustable, it only takes a few minutes.

You just take a ratchet strap and pull from the trailing arm to the frame rail. Adjust the ratchet strap until your tape measure shows you that the rearend is centered. Then screw the track bar to the proper length so the hole lines up. Nail the bolt in place and tighten lock nut on the bar.

[leddzepp]

Its even easier with a double end. Install bar, adjust, done. Nothing else needed.

[CC69Rat]

No ratchet straps around my truck when I adjusted mine, just sayin. Two 3/4" open end wrenches and my Pop measuring fender lip clearance as I turned the bar.. tighten and done.

[Tx Firefighter]

I know its easier to have a double adjustable unit. But the guy has already ordered the ECE bar, which is nice quality and only single adjustable. I don't want him to get the impression he made a bad choice, because he did not. And, he saved 20 bucks over buying one from LMC.

[engineer_gregh]

Thanks guys. I'll let you know how it turns out once I get the bar. Have a great Memorial Day and Weekend!