Should I change track bar frame mount to a 76-77?

[JohnJohn]

I purchased a BC Bronco adjustable track bar with the Hemi end for my 1970 trail rig. They have not been able to ship it for a few months because they don't have the alignment shims from their supplier.
They do have the 76-77 Hemi and spacers but it would mean I would have to cut off the current mount at the frame and buy/install a Tom's Bronco Parts 76-77 frame mount.

The 76-77 track bar mount is a bit wider and uses a larger track bar 5/8" bolt vs 9/16". It would be an upgrade but would add a bit of cost and effort to my project.

I have a 220v MIG and don't mind doing the work but just wanted some opinions before I spend the extra $75 and add a couple hours to my track bar upgrade project.

 

[DirtDonk]

It would not be an "upgrade" per sé but would simply mean you'd have to modify and tweak all the other items in your system to match it. You can't just realign the trackbar without doing other stuff too.

And since the main difference between an early and a later model is the bolt size (and design of the original bushing) why do you need a whole new bracket? Can't you just enlarge the hole to 5/8" instead?
I've never had to do that, so don't know if it's that simple or not. But I had to ask because it sounds a lot simpler than replacing the entire bracket with one that would not match the rest of your system anyway.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

And could you not take possession of your BC bar and correct spherical rod-end ("Heim joint") and just source new spacers elsewhere?

Paul

 

[JohnJohn]

Thanks Paul for the feedback. The 76-77 track bar frame mount is 1/8" wider where the end of the track bar goes into the frame mount than the early style ones. I have a 77 next to my 70 in my garage. It would be easy to drill the larger hole for the larger later 5/8" bolt but I would have to widen the gap and that would weaken the frame mount unless I reinforced it.
The easy path would be to just wait and go with the pre 76 bar once they get the parts in.

 

[DirtDonk]

Is your '70 going to be lifted too? If so you might be able to modify a drop bracket, or just fab up your own, to accommodate the wider end.
Maybe that's possible, maybe it's just easier to wait for the correct one. All depends on your schedule I guess. And your patience!

Good luck.

Paul

 

[JohnJohn]

Current situation of my 70:

• 3.5" suspension lift
• 2" body lift
• Long arms
• lockers
• 38" TSL's on H1 double bead locks
• D44 with a track bar riser and RCV's
• Large bearing 9" with 31 spline axels fully guested and armor plated