Donahoe 3" Hanger kit - adjustable Pan-Rod (track) bar??? - Diesel Forum

CMOS · 03-02-2005, 08:56 AM

Hey Guys,

I spkoe to a very helpful gentleman at Donahoe Racing yesterday about a few of their lift kits. Regarding the 3" hanger kit, he "recommends" that I also get the adjustable Pan-Rod bar (track). He did not say it was mandatory, just that "it would be much easier to install the kit" with the new bar.

Can y'all give me some feedback on this? What's your experience with an adjustable Pan-Rob bar on a 3" hanger kit? Worth it? Not needed?

Thanks,
CMOS

Mr. Superduty · 03-02-2005, 08:59 AM

It is a good upgrade. It will allow you to center you axle, it is stronger than your factory pan rod bar, and offers a smother transition from ride height to full droop.

CMOS · 03-02-2005, 09:10 AM

One of the things I want to understand, just for my education is what will/could happen if I do not get the adjustable track bar?

Thanks,
CMOS

bread · 03-02-2005, 11:04 AM

From my experience, you will cuss more while trying to line the wholes back up. Even with a drop bracket for my dad's 4" lift, I could not get the thing to line back up. We set it on it's wheels, turned them back and forth trying to get it to line up. He ended up getting an adjustable trac bar and I was able to put it right in.

**DCSpecial** · 03-02-2005, 01:11 PM

[ QUOTE ]
One of the things I want to understand, just for my education is what will/could happen if I do not get the adjustable track bar?

Thanks,
CMOS

[/ QUOTE ]

As was mentioned without one, reinstalling the stock trac bar is difficult.
Also, without one, your front axle can be slightly pulled towards the driver's side and the driver's side of the truck may be pulled slightly downward.

With the adjustable bar you can keep your axle centered, install is easier, and the bar won't be pulling the driver's side down.

**Overkill** · 03-02-2005, 01:20 PM

CMOS,

To add to the above comments.... the adjustable pan rod will also reduce the load placed on the left front spring thereby extending it’s life and preventing the dreaded driver’s side lean.

kpendlet · 03-02-2005, 02:35 PM

Does it matter who's adjustable track bar is used? In other words, are there significant quality differences from one manufacturer to another? The price differences sure are significant. Thanks.

Going_Going_Gone · 03-02-2005, 07:18 PM

You may also get a "popping" noise from the floorpan in the vicinity of the left front body mount/spring shackle mount. I bought one when I did my 3" kit because I didn't want to have to deal with it at a later time. It does require a large wrench to tighten the jam nut though. Other than the hellacious torque specification on the bolts, it was a pretty easy job to do. I had a harder job getting the shackle mounting bolt out past my downpipe. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

tydaddy003 · 03-02-2005, 07:31 PM

Am i going to have that problem witht he mini spring pack? sorry to hi-jack!

bread · 03-02-2005, 08:33 PM

I didn't. Some say you don't have to disconnect the trac bar at all for the mini pack, but I found it easier to do it that way. I had to set the truck back on it wheels and get my dad to turn the wheels back an forth go get the leverage to line the wholes back up. It wasn't too bad.

**Overkill** · 03-03-2005, 11:51 AM

Arokcrwlr,

There is a significant difference in quality between brands but most will do the job. The DR bar is made of billet aluminum with large rod ends and is very stout. Fabtech offers stock bars which are cut and have a turn buckle added in the center. Skyjacker offers a bar with spherical rod ends which we have found transmit vibration and wear out rather quickly.

CMOS · 03-03-2005, 01:25 PM

Good info Overkill. Thanks.

CMOS