Track width question...

[MCF90]

Hey all,

I just noticed that the front tires on my MJ didn't look quite right. I measured and sure enough, the drivers side tire sticks out about an inch and a half futher than the passenger side. Can I adjust my track bar to even them out or do I need to do something else?

 

Thanks!

Matt

[Geonovast]

Factory track bars are not adjustable. Do you have any lift? Lift affects track, and anything over 2" of lift should get an adjustable track bar.

[MCF90]

If it matters, its a 90 Comanche with a 99 HP D30 front axle.

 

Matt

[MCF90]

Yeah, its got about 3 inches of lift. It looks like its got an adjustable track bar. Has a jam nut on the threaded end.

 

Matt

[MCF90]

I know this isn't a huge deal, but little stuff like this really bugs me!

 

Matt

[Geonovast]

Yup, you should be able to adjust it out some to get your wheels back on track. :clapping:

[MCF90]

Schweet! Just curious, do I need a pickle fork or anything special to seperate the parts or will they just come apart?

 

Matt

[Geonovast]

After you remove the nut in the bracket, you may need a pickle fork to get the balljoint out of the bracket. If it's been recently installed, you might not need one.

 

Just don't bang on the trackbar too much, you don't want to bend it.

[MCF90]

Ok, cool. I won't need any special tools to get it all back together will I?

 

Matt

[Geonovast]

Nope, just put it in, crank the bolt down nice and tight, and get a new cotter key in there.

 

The hardest part of the whole procedure will probably be getting the old key out.

[mvusse]

With the track bar frame end disconnected and adjusted, you can have a helper turn the steering wheel to get the now adjusted track bar lined up with the mount.

 

You may also have to adjust the adjusting sleeve on the drag link to recenter your steering wheel after you're done.

[MCF90]

Cool. Guess I'll have to give this a go tomorrow!

 

Matt

[Geonovast]

Certainly wouldn't hurt to check the alignment after you're done as well. Who knows if it was ever done after the lift.

 

http://www.4x4xplor.com/alignment.html

[deziped]

Why couldn't you take it loose at the axle bracket end, loosen the adjusting nut at the other end, then screw the track bar which ever way you want to adjust it using a big pipe wrench/vise grips or large screwdriver through the bushing hole. That way you don't have to use a pickle fork on it or hammer on it or mess with a cotter key. Seems so much simpler and you can get the same side to side movement of body/axle necessary to align things. If one end will shorten it why won;t the other? :(

[HOrnbrod]

Yeah, its got about 3 inches of lift. It looks like its got an adjustable track bar. Has a jam nut on the threaded end.

Matt

 

I'd sure like to see a pic of your adjustable track bar if possible. ?

[Eagle]

In the interests of pedantry, while the above advice is all pretty much spot on, I would like to point out that the length of the track bar and the amount of lift do not in any way affect the track width (reference the title of this thread) ... which is the distance between the front wheels. Your track width has not changed, but your axle has been pulled off-center.

[HOrnbrod]

In the interests of pedantry, while the above advice is all pretty much spot on, I would like to point out that the length of the track bar and the amount of lift do not in any way affect the track width (reference the title of this thread) ... which is the distance between the front wheels. Your track width has not changed, but your axle has been pulled off-center.

 

Pedantry - had to look that one up Eagle. :cheers:

 

Very true, axle has shifted off center because of lift, but I'd still like to see a pic of the adjustment on his trackbar.

[dasbulliwagen]

Seems like just about every Cherokee I see around here that has ANY kind of lift is dogtracking really bad.... looks stupid to me. They all need an adjustable track bar and professional alignment, which most of these guys just don't do because all they want is the lift right off and don't think it all through to make it right.

 

And most adjustable bars Ive seen only have the adjustment on one end, so the bar needs to be taken loose in order to adjust it, theyre not usually like a tie rod where you loosen the adjuster and then turn it. It would be nice if they were, but they probably wouldnt be as strong that way.

[MCF90]

Your track width has not changed, but your axle has been pulled off-center.

 

Thats what I meant. thanks! :cheers:

 

Matt

[MCF90]

Well, I tried to get the track bar adjusted today, but I need a pickle fork. Anyone know what size fork I would need for this?

 

Thanks!

Matt

[MCF90]

I saw Summit has a set with 3 different size forks for a good price. May just buy that so I have it around.

 

Matt

[Geonovast]

You could also try what deziped said. Might be easier for you in the long run.

 

Loosen the adjuster nut on the TRE end.

 

Pull out the bolt in the axle bracket for the trackbar.

 

This way, you can pop the bar out of the bracket, and just spin the whole bar on the TRE. You won't need a pickle fork, or to deal with that cotter key. It'll also be a good chance to inspect the bushing on that end.

[Automan2164]

:agree:

 

Rob L.

[MCF90]

I suppose I could try that!

 

Matt

[MCF90]

Now I have to put the nut and that funky pin back in on the frame side. :doh:

 

Matt