Topic: Ward's '86 Extracab SAS

[mward510]

I am the 2nd owner of this '86 Extracab, purchased with 24,000 miles.  Now at 306,000 I decided to take the plunge and SAS.  Already had the ARB in the rear and 4.77 Marlin's in the Tcase.  I purchased Marlin's SAS kit and rear springs.  Used an '84 front axle and High Pinion from Marlin.  35s and 5.29s. I have put 4,000 miles on the truck since June.  Fuel economy is about 16.5 mpg.  Pleased
But I did not like the residual bump steer, even with the High Steer system.  Finally, I added a track bar.  Steering is Great!  There is very little loss of articulation, and I doubt that I will even notice it.  If it is bad on the rocks, I will just remove the bar.

Thanks to Marlin for the good stuff.  How long can these things run?

[86turboyota]

looking good.   is it possible to get a close  up of your trac bar?  o and welcome to the board   

[mward510 [OP]]

I will get some photos of the track bar.  Essentially a bracket at the driver's side of the frame tied to the spring-plate on the passenger side.  Need to keep the same angle as the steering link form the pitman arm to the knuckle and try to get the same length, or at least close.

I am wheeling tomorrow.  I lead one of the trails for Winter Fun Fest here in Grass Valley next month.  I will try to get the photos up on Sunday.

[86turboyota]

sounds good.. whens winter fun fest?

[mward510 [OP]]

Wnter Fun Fest (WFF) is January 12, 13, 14.  This is a fund raiser for the California Association of 4-wheel Drive Clubs.  We are expecting just over 600 people to attend this year.  WFF has Friday night run, 9 runs on Saturday and more  on Sunday.  Full meals and evening entertainment at the Grass Valley Fairgrounds.

[mward510 [OP]]

Here are some photos of the track bar.  Heim joint ends, thread inserts for the tube and make to size.  The most questionable bracket is at the passenger side.  Perhaps someone has a better idea, but this was simple and seems very effective.

Driver's side bracket, gusseted on top.





Passenger side.  Bracket attached to spring plate.





Bowman Lake, a pretty day for a run.

[CTENG in KS]

Sorry to be mean...but that doesn't make me happy.

Your choice of tubing was a little small for the inserts and I would want to see those joints threaded farther than that.  Are they restricted by the tubing?  The passenger side mount really should be welded to the axle, not the bolt plate.

[6.72:1]

Sorry to be mean...but that doesn't make me happy.

Your choice of tubing was a little small for the inserts and I would want to see those joints threaded farther than that.  Are they restricted by the tubing?  The passenger side mount really should be welded to the axle, not the bolt plate.

Haha...that is funny Cteng....