Track bar hardware

[Gjeep]

The factory tabbed track bar nut setup has been discontinued and no longer available anywhere ... Dealers say it is and then sends you a plain old nut. I didn't have a current need for one, but wanted to find a suitable new replacement. I'm not a fan of re-using suspension grade hardware whether mine or wrecking yard sourced. I came across Barnes 4WD -- who sells a Track Bar Kit that works with the TJ/XJ/ZJ. Very nicely made. The only upgrade/ change I'd make is using a flange bolt (10.9). Their bolt is the proper 10.9 grade, but I prefer not to deal with a separate washer.

 

[eaglescout526]

Holy crap that's awesome!! I was pretty pissed when Chrysler sent me just a nut for that track bar bolt on the axle.

[AZJeff]

I don’t understand the issue.  I can get a wrench on the “nut side” of the track bar bolt to hold it while you torque to spec.

 

The “flag nut” is a production convenience.  It’s not mandatory.

[Dzimm]

14 hours ago, AZJeff said:

I don’t understand the issue.  I can get a wrench on the “nut side” of the track bar bolt to hold it while you torque to spec.

 

The “flag nut” is a production convenience.  It’s not mandatory.

This^^^ I was also able to get a wrench on mine, there is just enough of a gap to get it in there.

[Gjeep]

Yep, thanks. I understand how it can be done. I just like things OEM or as close to OEM whenever possible. Just was informing other crazies like me on the forum. 

[AZJeff]

21 hours ago, Gjeep said:

Yep, thanks. I understand how it can be done. I just like things OEM or as close to OEM whenever possible. Just was informing other crazies like me on the forum. 

Unless you are planning on having your Jeep judged to "concours" standards, replicating everything the way AMC/Chrysler did it isn't always the best solution.   There are some things that can be done to our MJ's that are just plain better than the original factory approach.

 

A notable example is the wiring for the headlights, where the OEM approach not only resulted in really poor lighting, but eventually can result in your MJ becoming a rolling road flare.

[PIKE]

Clayton Off Road makes a nice kit if you want to upgrade to a larger bolt size.

 

https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/jeep-death-wobble-fix-kit

[Gjeep]

I had originally purchased Clayton, but it wasn't done as well as the Barnes kit.

[PIKE]

The Clayton kit that I show uses larger grade 8   9/16" hardware.

[Gjeep]

Correct.