Track Bar Bracket

[kill_burst]

I am running a Rubicon Express 3.5 inch lift. I have been having issues with the stock track bar bracket working itself loose over time. Is it ok to weld portions of the track bar to the frame or has anyone had success with other options. Thanks in advance.

[DirtyComanche]

You could, but I wouldn't.  If it's coming loose either the bolts weren't tight enough, are compromised, or the metal of the bracket or frame is moving around too much.  I'd take it off and make sure nothing is cracked, put new 10.9 metric bolts in, and torque it up proper.

 

If it still came loose I'd go to a heavier duty aftermarket version.

[Eagle]

Doesn't someone offer a reinforcement plate for the "frame rail" where the track bar bracket mounts? I would look for that, and use Loctite on the bolts.

[kill_burst]

Will do. wasn't to excited about the idea of welding it.

[desertmike]

Had a similar problem.  Ended up using  CASTLE nuts.

[Eagle]

15 minutes ago, desertmike said:

Had a similar problem.  Ended up using  CASTLE nuts.

 

Great idea. I was thinking about Nylocks -- castle nuts never occurred to me.

[kill_burst]

I like it. Thanks! 

[HOrnbrod]

On 3/27/2018 at 8:02 PM, desertmike said:

Had a similar problem.  Ended up using  CASTLE nuts.

 

So after you torque the castle nut down you drill a hole through the bolt and lock the nut with a cotter pin? Otherwise it's like any another nut.

[Jeep Driver]

If you're relying on the castle nut............you've lost your clamping force of the bolt. 

 

I've never had a problem like this. 

[DirtyComanche]

9 minutes ago, Jeep Driver said:

If you're relying on the castle nut............you've lost your clamping force of the bolt. 

 

Yar.

[desertmike]

Sorry, I misspoke.

Its not a castle nut but a nut that is not quit round.  If you look at the treads they are kind of oval.  When you tighten them they clamp onto the bolt treads.  They use them to keep axle shafts from coming loose ( backing plates come to mind).  I can't think of the name right now.

[DirtyComanche]

3 minutes ago, desertmike said:

Sorry, I misspoke.

Its not a castle nut but a nut that is not quit round.  If you look at the treads they are kind of oval.  When you tighten them they clamp onto the bolt treads.  They use them to keep axle shafts from coming loose ( backing plates come to mind).  I can't think of the name right now.

 

Stover.

 

They're kinda the better self locking nut.

[desertmike]

Its called a tension lock nut. Example at Home Depot.

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crown-Bolt-M12-1-75-Zinc-Plated-Tension-Lock-Nut-57328/202209783

[HOrnbrod]

Distorted thread locknut. I use these a lot, especially on suspension stuff.

 

 

[DirtyComanche]

And they're called stovers by most people...

[HOrnbrod]

Probably true Dirty. In the USN on submarines, probably the RCN too, they are used everywhere to secure equipment to bulkheads because of the vibes, and they work well. I grew to hate them, but with respect. They were always called distorted thread nuts, thus I've always called them that. Who, WTF was Stover?

[Jeep Driver]

If anyone is interested-

 

 

[DesertRat1991]

Well crap, fellas... I learned something today.  Distorted thread nuts -- never heard of such a thing.

 

I bought all new hardware when I did my lift. I thought the nuts they sent me were out of spec so I didn't use them!  Didn't look right at all. lol  

 

 

[desertmike]

Thanks "jeep driver" that was interesting.