Front end play, track bar

[87MJJeep]

What I thought was a sloppy ride due to old and out of balance tires is really some suspension issues.  With new tires, I have driven at interstate speeds for the first time in a while.  It has some wandering going on and rough bumps cause some rattles.  I had someone turn my steering wheel while I watched underneath, and the only play that seemed excessive is where the track bar mounts to the bracket on the frame and also the swaybar links.  I have ordered new swaybar link bushings.  I am curious is it feasible/safe to try to tighten the track bar at the bracket?  My MJ "only" has 84K miles on it.  

 

Assuming I replace it, how difficult is it removing the other end that bolts to the axle housing?  Does the little "tab" that sticks out the backside hold the nut in place?  

 

Are there any recommendations on what brand/type to replace the stock part with?  The first hit I saw for "Cherokee Track Bar" was an adjustable "anti wobble" track bar, but it's for 4-6" lifts.  (Supreme Suspensions https://supremesuspensions.com/products/1984-2001-jeep-cherokee-adjustable-track-bar-kit-2wd-4wd?variant=21398543302736 )

 

Thank you.  

[87MJJeep]

I think I have a 2" lift from the prior owner (photos are in my other thread).  My front tires appear to be aligned with the body fine, and the trackbar looks original.  I assume with a lift as short as 2", an aftermarket trackbar is not needed to center the axle.  Is that correct?  So any OEM direct replacement trackbar is all I need?  

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

[75sv1]

I've used some parts from :

Death Wobble, Grand Cherokee, Roof Racks, Rocker Panel, Dodge Ram– KevinsOffroad.com

There is a lot of products to help with steering. I do have a 2" lift on my XJ. I went a bit extreme though. OTK steering from Stinky Fab.

A few things I'd do first:

             Replace the aluminum steer9ing box spacer with a metal one. Plenty of venders, Iron Rock, Iron Man Offroad, Stinky Fab , just about everybody and their brothers offers one.

             I'd look into the "Cure'. Its a Delrin  'washer' that prevents the Y steering from flopping.

[75sv1]

I've used some parts from :

Death Wobble, Grand Cherokee, Roof Racks, Rocker Panel, Dodge Ram– KevinsOffroad.com

There is a lot of products to help with steering. I do have a 2" lift on my XJ. I went a bit extreme though. OTK steering from Stinky Fab.

A few things I'd do first:

             Replace the aluminum steer9ing box spacer with a metal one. Plenty of venders, Iron Rock, Iron Man Offroad, Stinky Fab , just about everybody and their brothers offers one.

             I'd look into the "Cure'. Its a Delrin  'washer' that prevents the Y steering from flopping.

 

The Cure! for Jeep (CJ, YJ, TJ & XJ) (ruffstuffspecialties.com)

 

I might think about a double shear trackbar. Rubicon Express possible. They do make a trackbar brace to go with their trackbar brackets. Stinky Fab and Ironman do too. Just nice to have that option.

[87MJJeep]

Thank you for the advice, 75sv1.  I will just use the MJ for on-road use, so I would prefer to avoid a lot of aftermarket stuff if possible.  I will check on the metal steering box spacer and Delrin washer when I change out more parts.     

[75sv1]

I'd still get a steering box brace. I do have the Kevin's Offroad one on one of my XJs. There are plenty of $90 one that will do the job. 

[87MJJeep]

3 hours ago, 75sv1 said:

I'd still get a steering box brace. I do have the Kevin's Offroad one on one of my XJs. There are plenty of $90 one that will do the job. 

Thank you.  I'll look for a ~$90 unit!

[AZJeff]

I was never a big fan of the chassis end of the track bar being a sort of tie rod end device.  For that reason, I ditch the OEM style track bar and it associated bracket for something that uses a traditional bushing/bolt on the chassis end, even if the vehicle isn’t lifted above factory ride height.

[87MJJeep]

14 hours ago, saveevryjp1998 said:

The bolt in the bottom pic you have circled, often will be found wollowed out in the front of the bracket. Be sure to address it if so otherwise the problem will come back. If you have access to a welder, puddle it in and drill it back out proper. Weld in a washer and get a longer bolt works too or even both or all the above with a larger bolt. Some aftermarket upgrades come with a larger bolt off the bat to address it.

 

Thank you for the advice.  I hope the hole is OK and the body bracket end slop has been taking all the beating.  I will see this weekend!  

 

 

11 hours ago, AZJeff said:

I was never a big fan of the chassis end of the track bar being a sort of tie rod end device.  For that reason, I ditch the OEM style track bar and it associated bracket for something that uses a traditional bushing/bolt on the chassis end, even if the vehicle isn’t lifted above factory ride height.

 

I have wondered why it's like that.  It dawned on me the trackbar on a Jeep is like a panhard bar on the rear axle of a lot of cars.  I already have a MOOG trackbar on order.  I'll stick to that style for now.  

 

[AZJeff]

12 hours ago, 87MJJeep said:

  It dawned on me the trackbar on a Jeep is like a panhard bar on the rear axle of a lot of cars.  I already have a MOOG trackbar on order.  I'll stick to that style for now.  

 

That is exactly what the track bar is….a pan hard rod by another name!

[75sv1]

I added this to one of my XJs, the 2" lift :

Dirty30 Budget Upgrade Kit! (ksuspensionfab.com)

Still, I'd look at the trackbar first.

[87MJJeep]

I got the new track bar installed Saturday morning.  Fortunately, the axle mount hole was perfect.  I was torn between torque specs for that bolt.  I saw 40 ft-lbs in many reference, but also 74 ft-lbs.  I went with the higher spec.  

 

Then, I consistently saw 60 ft-lbs for the ball stud nut.  The nut that came off was finger tight.  Go figure, for a nut that should be at 60 ft-lbs.  

 

I also replaced the swaybar bushings and endlink bushings.  Mercy, what a difference those new parts made.  

[87MJJeep]

On 5/22/2022 at 8:10 AM, 75sv1 said:

I added this to one of my XJs, the 2" lift :

Dirty30 Budget Upgrade Kit! (ksuspensionfab.com)

Still, I'd look at the trackbar first.

How necessary is that Dirty30 brace for a pavement prince?  

[75sv1]

13 hours ago, 87MJJeep said:

How necessary is that Dirty30 brace for a pavement prince?  

I wouldn't say it is necessary. More for added insurance. I'd get an aftermarket trackbar first. Then possibly a trackbar brace. 

So, in order, I'd get the steering gearbox spacer, steering box brace, the cure. Then I think you are going with the ZJ steering upgrade. Check your present trackbar for any slop. Repair as needed. If not adequate, then I'd go with an aftermarket  one.  

[ghetdjc320]

Where are you placing the “cure” at? Can’t see the purpose on a Y link steering system. That was more for the YJ style system with the inverted T since the tie rod would roll when the drag link applied turning force to it. 

[87MJJeep]

5 hours ago, 75sv1 said:

I wouldn't say it is necessary. More for added insurance. I'd get an aftermarket trackbar first. Then possibly a trackbar brace. 

So, in order, I'd get the steering gearbox spacer, steering box brace, the cure. Then I think you are going with the ZJ steering upgrade. Check your present trackbar for any slop. Repair as needed. If not adequate, then I'd go with an aftermarket  one.  

Thank you!