lower trackbar bolt hole

[watchamakalit]

My lower trackbar bolt has wallowed the hole in the axle mount. Seems the common fixes are drill it to a larger hole and install a larger bolt. Or weld on a hardened washer to serve as a new hole.

 

What would be the better option?  I have a core4x4 trackbar and I checked with them, drilling the bushing is ok with them.

[zomeizter]

If both methods do the job well, go for the easy one man!

[phatton]

claytonoffroad.com offers a track bar repair kit  with a larger bushing, bolt and nut  for about $50.  Ebay has listings for track bar repair kits that have a bolt and replacement nut for around $20.  If you drill out your existing nut, you will also need a way to enlarge the bushing hole and a way hold the new nut in place while tightening the new bolt.  I believe the torque spec it around 135 ft/lbs.  If I had this problem, I would go with Clayton Offroads kit.

[MiNi Beast]

Drill a new hole 1/2" to the right and well run it. 

[watchamakalit]

Drilling the hole larger won't bother me. I can capture a nut to fit behind.

 

Guess I was just looking for input on which is best or easiest. 

[Eagle]

1 hour ago, MiNi Beast said:

Drill a new hole 1/2" to the right and well run it. 

 

That shifts the axle 1/2-inch to one side. Not a good solution unless you have an adjustable track bar.

[Eagle]

1 hour ago, watchamakalit said:

Drilling the hole larger won't bother me. I can capture a nut to fit behind.

 

Guess I was just looking for input on which is best or easiest. 

 

IMHO the best and easiest fix is to wel on a hardened washer of the correct size. Ideally, the washer should be a double-thick washer.

[Pete M]

I would also add the washer.  couple good tacks and you're good to go.  

[MiNi Beast]

6 hours ago, Eagle said:

 

That shifts the axle 1/2-inch to one side. Not a good solution unless you have an adjustable track bar.

Which you have with a core 4x4 trac bar setup. Make your adjustments and run it. Jb weld a washer to make eagle feel better. 

[watchamakalit]

Intersting change of events. I just discovered replacement brackets. Didnt know anyone made these. So suggestions on best bracket?  Weld on vs bolt on?  Sounds like this would be a more correct repair than the other options.

[MiNi Beast]

When in doubt, bust the welder out. Aint got no welder, then bolt that shot together and run it. 

[Pete M]

1 hour ago, watchamakalit said:

Intersting change of events. I just discovered replacement brackets. Didnt know anyone made these. So suggestions on best bracket?  Weld on vs bolt on?  Sounds like this would be a more correct repair than the other options.

 

are the replacement brackets stock? 

[ghetdjc320]

The underlying problem is the stock bolt diameter vs the thread size. It allows for the slightest amount of play between the track bar bushing and the bolt which eventually wallows out the hole over time. Fix the hole then run one of these:  https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/Heavy-Duty-Flag-Nut-with-ARP-high-strength-SS-Bolt-HD-FLAG-NUT-SS-BOLT.htm

[watchamakalit]

42 minutes ago, Pete M said:

 

are the replacement brackets stock? 

I just double checked that. Looks like they all raise the trackbar mount. Looking like the black magic brakes bolt is a good option. What woukd be different from that to a good fitting grade 8 from the hardware store?

[Pete M]

if they both work, then it's all down to cost or flipping a coin.  

[ghetdjc320]

The BMB one is designed with a larger shank diameter than a standard bolt to minimize the slop that causes the wobbles between the bolt and the bushing. Basically the bolt shank diameter is a tighter fit to the bushing than you can get with a standard or even factory bolt. It’s a nice little setup, plus is strong and durable. Blaine designed that bolt setup along with the Johnny Joint washers which eliminates the cam bolt in the stock control arm brackets when running adjustable control arms. 

[watchamakalit]

After some thinking and looking I'm not sure the BMB bolt will work for my situation.  It won't take care of the slop in the axle bracket made by the old bolt.  I am looking strongly at this kit which come with a new larger bolt and sleeve.  Any thoughts? 

 

https://kevinsoffroad.com/products/kor-9906-hw-track-bar-upgraded-hardware-kit

[ghetdjc320]

What causes the oblong holes in the first place is the tiny bit of slip between the bolt and the bushing sleeve. The BMB kit fixes the underlying problem, not the damage that has been done after the fact.

[watchamakalit]

37 minutes ago, ghetdjc320 said:

What causes the oblong holes in the first place is the tiny bit of slip between the bolt and the bushing sleeve. The BMB kit fixes the underlying problem, not the damage that has been done after the fact.

Therein lies the issue. I need to repair the damage as well as fix the problem.

[jeeptec1]

I had a Synergy track bar on a XJ. They had you drill out the stock lower holes. The bar came with a reinforced plate to go on the axles. A larger bolt and nut.


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[Pete M]

wait, why can't we just weld on a washer?  it just seems like we're overthinking this. 

[Jesse J]

59 minutes ago, Pete M said:

wait, why can't we just weld on a washer?  it just seems like we're overthinking this. 

I think because there is something else going on that's causing the issue. I'm with you though

[Pete M]

the factory steel that's there isn't up to snuff.   hardened steel should cure it.  

[watchamakalit]

I never ruled out the washer idea. Just wanna makee sure I am fixing the issue as permanently as possible. I don't want to just bandaid it.

 

If the original slop is from the trackbar being loose on the bolt the washer won't fix that.

[MiNi Beast]

4 minutes ago, watchamakalit said:

I never ruled out the washer idea. Just wanna makee sure I am fixing the issue as permanently as possible. I don't want to just bandaid it.

 

If the original slop is from the trackbar being loose on the bolt the washer won't fix that.

Then fix it right, weld on a new bracket.