RF axle droop sucks

[Jerry Bransford]

So the TJ's up on the rack today getting its tires balanced and rotated when I noticed nice axle/tire droop everywhere but at the RF tire. Ok, I soon figure out that that the lone remaining factory front trackbar is causing the problem.

Is it strictly the different geometry of an aftermarket trackbar like the RE or Currie that allows the right side of the front axle to droop better than it does with the factory trackbar? It shouldn't be a length issue since my front axle is perfectly centered and a longer trackbar would just shove the axle towards the passenger-side.

How does the aftermarket trackbar take care of it? What am I missing here?

[TJRON]

I think the TRE does not have enough clearance at the frame bracket. This can cause stress on the bracket and cause it to rip right off. Been there........
A track bar with a heim is needed.

Don't you just love it Jerry. Just Empty Every Pocket.

[Paradiddle]

Jerry - you're still running the factory track bar? Did you relocate it - or is your axle just off center

Jeff

[Robert J. Yates]

While they help, you will not entirely eliminate the disparity with an aftermarket trackbar either.

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally posted by Paradiddle
Jerry - you're still running the factory track bar? Did you relocate it - or is your axle just off center

Jeff

I relocated it over a bit by drilling a new mounting hole on the passenger-side bracket. That was in Tera's suspension lift instructions and it actually worked and held up well.

Robert, thanks, that's good to know. I hope it'll help some because the RF tire just isn't drooping much at all.

Ron, thanks, that confirms my thought on one reason why I knew the trackbar needs to be replaced. And yep... it's just one thing to buy after another!

Thanks all!

[Jeepincj7]

Jerry. The Tierod end on the upper frame bracket won't allow it to droop. You need to get either a hiem in there, or buy the ORGS conversion tracbar. Its basically an adjustable tracbar with a new bracket. They use bushings(easily replaceable), and a greasable bolt with zerk fitting or a rebuildable johnny joint. It allows free movement of the tracbar to allow full droop.
http://www.offroadgs.com/trackbars.htm

[rock*crawler]

i have this problem on my XJ. rusty's track bar with stock attachment points.

[TJRON]

Originally posted by rock*crawler
i have this problem on my XJ. rusty's track bar with stock attachment points.

Some aggressive grinding can eleviate some of that problem. :d

[mrblaine]

Originally posted by rock*crawler
i have this problem on my XJ. rusty's track bar with stock attachment points.

So, did you figure out the difference between Rusty's stuff and people who really take things into account when they build stuff?

Look at the end on the ORGS track bar. See how it has that little bend it it right near the axle side bushing? Now you know why.

[DanB98TJ]

Originally posted by mrblaine
So, did you figure out the difference between Rusty's stuff and people who really take things into account when they build stuff?

Aw, come on - Rusty's is some high quality stuff.:sarcasm: Almost as good as his customer service.

[Bermudacat]

Hey Jerry, my rear driver used to do that to an extreme; I noticed while watching the tires get rotated. Since I installed the RE rear trackbar, the problem is still there, but it is very slight. Me thinks there are two forces at work:

One, the track bar doesn't have adequate flex bushings and it binds

Two, the angle of the bar becomes steep enough that the raduis arm(s) travel are being bound by the track bar, which is why the RE front bar with a drop bracket becomes a good thing at some point.

[Boston Mangler]

I run a YJ so i am not sure of the exact steering setup of a TJ but i tossed my trac bars about a month after i got the rig!

Do TJ's NEED a trac bar with the coils?

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally posted by Boston Mangler
Do TJ's NEED a trac bar with the coils?

Yep, for sure. If you try to steer without the trackbar, the axle will move side-to-side instead of the wheels pivoting left and right. The coils are just way more flexible than leaf springs are that can hold the axle in place side-to-side without a trackbar.

And yep I agree with you Bermudacat. I believe it's primarily that the r

[Boston Mangler]

Gotcha!

[TJRON]

Here is the bracket that Rock Krawler sells with their track bar. The bracket is welded on now. I think the lowering of the bracket and the placement of the heim helps the situation out.
Criticism of the set up would be welcome.

[mrblaine]

It's hard to tell, but the drop looks to be nearly identical to where the pivot would be with the stock rod end with the tapered pin. That actually drops the pivot down below the cast bracket somewhat and it looks to be the same place as the pivot on the rod end you have now.

The big advantage to the new bracket is the orientation of the pivot bolt, and the fact that it moves the end of the trackbar forward a bit to better clear the pumpkin when you stuff that side.

[Iceman]

Originally posted by rock*crawler
i have this problem on my XJ. rusty's track bar with stock attachment points.

the way that's taken care of with the RE TB is that it runs straight for a little while and then bends up (at the axle end of the TB)
Because of tilting my axle though it was still hitting the axleside of the bracket, so I grinded some off and placed the TB in the newly drilled hole from the OEM TB after the lift (so it already sits out further to the driver side 3/4" or so).
And flex is overrated -> if you check it out at a certain point the LCA's will be hitting the bracket and that way 'limit further droop'

[TJRON]

Blaine,
The actual bar drops an inch and is forward two inches the best I can measure.

[Bermudacat]

Originally posted by Iceman
if you check it out at a certain point the LCA's will be hitting the bracket and that way 'limit further droop'

True, however it would seem most aftermarket arms have less vertical cross section, which allows more droop before the arms bottom on the spring perches as compared to the stockers. My front Rancho lowers run horizontal a good 7" before beginning their quest to the frame bracket; at this point in the game they're not my limiting factor.

[Iceman]

Originally posted by Bermudacat
True, however it would seem most aftermarket arms have less vertical cross section, which allows more droop before the arms bottom on the spring perches as compared to the stockers. My front Rancho lowers run horizontal a good 7" before beginning their quest to the frame bracket; at this point in the game they're not my limiting factor.

I totally agree
With the RE arms on mine that aint much of an issue anymore