C20 rear end trac bar question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jose's 69 · 09-26-2016, 11:51 AM

So I lowered the rear end of my c20 with 4 inch springs and 1.5 inch block. When I measured to check if the rear end was centered there was only about 1/4" of difference in the distance from frame to backing plate of drum. The trac bar is sitting level almost. Do I need to change the trac bar? Would there be an issue if I leave it like that.

jgr · 09-26-2016, 12:59 PM

Yes you need to move the tracking bar. A 1/4 inch is off to much it..."rear end" should be nearly centered. The geometry is wrong now with the bar being straight. In all likelihood it is probably now pushing the rear end over that 1/4 in. Release the right side center the rear end and lower the bar on the right side.
You can either fab your own bar or buy one in a kit.

Jose's 69 · 09-26-2016, 01:09 PM

Thanks for your help. So your saying to go with the trac bar that connects to the passenger side trailing arm? What if I center it (rear end) and use an adjustable track bar in the stock location?

jgr · 09-26-2016, 01:51 PM

Yes to your first Q.
2nd Question. I do not think that will work because the trac bar is straight; it needs to be on an angle. If it stays straight it will bind because it is going to try to pull the rear end over

Bigdav160 · 09-26-2016, 02:14 PM

Will your tires clear the fender wells? The track bar (or panhard bar) is just to locate the axle side-to-side. Suspension movement causes the bar to move in an arc which does move the axle sideways slightly. I don't see any reason it can't be horizontal.

It was certainly cheaper than watts linkage that's why the General used it.

cdowns · 09-26-2016, 02:40 PM

you are fine with it the way it is well within tolerances and it will work just finev the way it is

Jose's 69 · 09-26-2016, 03:20 PM

Thanks for your replies. I do have an adjustable trac bar I bought a while ago. Maybe I'll try putting that one on after its centered and then see how it drives. It's hard finding stuff for a c20. Also if I go with the one that goes on the trailing arm it looks like it'll hit the differential cover. It's a ho52 diff.

Jose's 69 · 09-26-2016, 03:22 PM

Yeah the tires clear. They're stock 16 inch steelies of a 90s suburban with 225/75r16 tires.

09-26-2016, 11:51 AM	#1
Jose's 69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 114	C20 rear end trac bar question So I lowered the rear end of my c20 with 4 inch springs and 1.5 inch block. When I measured to check if the rear end was centered there was only about 1/4" of difference in the distance from frame to backing plate of drum. The trac bar is sitting level almost. Do I need to change the trac bar? Would there be an issue if I leave it like that. Attached Images

09-26-2016, 12:59 PM	#2
jgr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: saginaw Mi. Posts: 70	Re: C20 rear end trac bar question Yes you need to move the tracking bar. A 1/4 inch is off to much it..."rear end" should be nearly centered. The geometry is wrong now with the bar being straight. In all likelihood it is probably now pushing the rear end over that 1/4 in. Release the right side center the rear end and lower the bar on the right side. You can either fab your own bar or buy one in a kit.

09-26-2016, 01:09 PM	#3
Jose's 69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 114	Re: C20 rear end trac bar question Thanks for your help. So your saying to go with the trac bar that connects to the passenger side trailing arm? What if I center it (rear end) and use an adjustable track bar in the stock location?

09-26-2016, 01:51 PM	#4
jgr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: saginaw Mi. Posts: 70	Re: C20 rear end trac bar question Yes to your first Q. 2nd Question. I do not think that will work because the trac bar is straight; it needs to be on an angle. If it stays straight it will bind because it is going to try to pull the rear end over

09-26-2016, 02:14 PM	#5
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: C20 rear end trac bar question Will your tires clear the fender wells? The track bar (or panhard bar) is just to locate the axle side-to-side. Suspension movement causes the bar to move in an arc which does move the axle sideways slightly. I don't see any reason it can't be horizontal. It was certainly cheaper than watts linkage that's why the General used it. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

09-26-2016, 02:40 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: C20 rear end trac bar question you are fine with it the way it is well within tolerances and it will work just finev the way it is __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-26-2016, 03:20 PM	#7
Jose's 69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 114	Re: C20 rear end trac bar question Thanks for your replies. I do have an adjustable trac bar I bought a while ago. Maybe I'll try putting that one on after its centered and then see how it drives. It's hard finding stuff for a c20. Also if I go with the one that goes on the trailing arm it looks like it'll hit the differential cover. It's a ho52 diff.

09-26-2016, 03:22 PM	#8
Jose's 69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 114	Re: C20 rear end trac bar question Yeah the tires clear. They're stock 16 inch steelies of a 90s suburban with 225/75r16 tires.



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