Total beginner when it comes to trucks and I am sure I could have found an aswer by searching but I not sure what the part is called to even search.

Anyways, I am looking to build up my truck a bit and I need front shocks as it didn't come with any(was a un finished project when I bought it). I noticed the red support that goes from the axle to the frame and wondering what that is called and for? I see some trucks having it and others not? I was planning to get one of those axle braces that weld on top and this would be in the way looking at images of them

 

its called a track bar. it helps eliminate bump steer and pulling to one side while braking.

tre trucks that dont have it probably have whats called high steer. you need to remove it for high steer to be installed.

I would leave it in until you decide you need high steer.

 

Perfect exactly what I was looking for. I do plan on getting a High Steer system come spring, first thing first I want to get regearing done for the 35's on it.

Now looking at the track bar, wouldn't that limit the amount of flex or travel I could have?

Thanks again many more questions to come!

 

yes its does limit flex. compromise between street/trail rig

 

Will be used 80% of the time for trails and off road. Only other time on the road would be running errans up north at the cabin and tossing a little fishing boat in the lake up there.

 

I thought it was called a torque rod...? To prevent differential housing twist/rotation.

 

x2, a track bar(panhard) provides side to side stability and axle location

 

I'd keep it as long as you have the j arm steering, you can take it off when you swap to high steer. j arm steering is not safe without the torque rod.

 

x3 on torque rod. It helps to prevent brake steer which happens when you jam on the brakes in a panic stop and the axle rolls forward under load. That pushes on the steering drag link and j-arm and forces the tires to jerk to one side. Also helps to protect the steering j-arm by taking most of the load off the steering while off-road. Best kept w stock steering and has to be removed for cross over steering.

 

X4 on the torque rod ,4Crawler explained it the best,leave it alone till you go with the hy-steer. And that is one of the best mods you can do

 

Im new here as well and trying to learn all about the 1985 before tearing into mine. So when removeing the torque rod and installing the high steer, what takes the place of the torque rod. By going with the high steer will I still have the problem with the brake steer without the rod ?
When I removed the lift springs that the previous owner installed on my runner and installed a shorter spring the rod that was on the truck prevented the front axle from resting flat on new springs. Do the higher lift springs come with a longer rod. After removeing it everything settled right back in place.

 

With crossover steering, torque rod goes bye bye. Not needed anymore. Why? Look at the way the steering drag link moves (side-side) vs. the way the axle moves under braking (front-back). In fact you need to remove the rod for cross over steering because the steering parts go right through the same space that the torque rod used to sit in. That is unless you install something with the steering arms, tie rod and drag link behind the axle or seriously modify the torque rod to go around the steering parts.

Stock steering moves back-forth so you need the torque rod to counter that movement. With stock steering and lift springs, you usually have a drop brkt. or adjustable torque rod to make it all work:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspension.shtml#PhaseI

 

Thanks 4crawler. This site rocks ! It seems any questions I have about my project can be found here.