Mods to THE BEAST: My 1998 GMC Sonoma Highrider

This page is mainly designed for folks on the ZR2 discussion list, to show what mods I have made to my truck. You can join the discussion list by sending the word "Subscribe" (without the quotes) to mailto:zr2@zr2hr.org.

I have been thinking of setting up a quick disconnect for my rear track bar for quite some time, and finally got around to doing it recently. It is truly an extremely simple operation. I chose to put the disconnect on the upper part of the track bar, as it is easiest to access, and is also the easiest end to strap up while disconnected so that it doesn't flop around while wheeling.

All you need is a socket wrench and box wrench to remove the existing bolt, and a 3" long 7/16" diameter tine pin with a pin clip (about $3 at a local hardware store). Actually, the 7/16" tine pin is a little to small of a diameter, but the next size up is too large, so . . . Eventually, I will get a larger tine pin and grind it down a bit to get a fit that is more snug. Below is a picture of the tine pin that I have.

Then it is simply a matter of sliding the tine pin in, and using the clip to secure it. It's that' easy! The pic below is the way I have it set up, including a bungee cord for keeping the track bar from flopping around whle it is disconnected.

WIth the trackbar disconnected, I gained nearly 50 points on the RTI ramp! (Kyle and I figured that I was aided by my longer than stock shackles as well, as he only gained 18 points on his stock height Z with the trackbar disconnected, and Frank (Speedy) only gained 21 points with his regular cab stock height Z with the trackbar disconnected.

If you're in the Tucson area, drop me a line and we can go wheelin' sometime.