Issue with axle side track bar mount

[DeepSouthTJ]

So I'm trying to replace the Rubicon Express(?) front track bar with one from JKS. Only issue is that it looks like the Rubicon Express track bar uses an oversized bolt on the axle mount, while the JKS reuses the stock bolt.

Is it ok to use a stock sized bolt if the hole was drilled out to fit the Rubicon Express track bar? If not, can I simply drill out the metal sleeve so the oversized bolt fits?

 

[kincaid.0678]

The oversized hole could be an issue if you use the smaller bolt. Tends to be a major cause of death wobble when the front track bar axle side mounting bracket gets wallowed out. If it were me I’d enlarge the sleeve or even weld some flat steel to the front with a new hole.

 

[DeepSouthTJ]

I've thought about welding some new steel to the bracket, but it would be a huge pain to address the backside of the bracket.

I've also thought about having a machinist make a spacer. So I'll probably either do that or drill it out.

 

[Rickyd]

You can get a new trackbar bracket welded onto the axle. I'm not too familiar with jks but don't they use a johnny joint like the rockjock bar? I think rockjock has a version with a larger bolt? You might look into one of their joints or just use a rockjock trackbar

 

[DeepSouthTJ]

You can get a new trackbar bracket welded onto the axle. I'm not too familiar with jks but don't they use a johnny joint like the rockjock bar? I think rockjock has a version with a larger bolt? You might look into one of their joints or just use a rockjock trackbar

The JJ is on the frame side mount, it is just a regular sleeved bushing on the axle side. The frame side is also slightly oversized, but it'll be easy to just have a machinist turn a sleeve for the frame side mount.

 

[Rickyd]

The JJ is on the frame side mount, it is just a regular sleeved bushing on the axle side. The frame side is also slightly oversized, but it'll be easy to just have a machinist turn a sleeve for the frame side mount.

Rockjock uses a jj on the axle side as well

 

[OldBuzzard]

Or replace the OEM-size JKS bushing with a Moog K7252 bushing (but you should verify that number for OD, ID — I couldn't find actual spec anywhere).
I got the idea from here: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jks-track-bar-bushing-recommendation.57692/
Apparently the JKS OGS125, OGS126, and OGS128 all use a 1.5" ID ring on the axle end.

 

[LONGJP2]

I already have a BMB hardened 10mm bolt.
Is there a Moog replacement bushing with the smaller size ID hole?
I understand the bolt diameter does not need to match the bushing to clamp effectively.
The other thread references K3147, but that bushing is 1.67 OD vs 1.5.

 

[Yeti08]

I had the same problem. I ordered the HD JKS bar, which has a larger bolt for the axle side. problem is with my OME 2.5 lift, I cant get the track bar to get short enough to line up the holes.

 

[Rickyd]

I had the same problem. I ordered the HD JKS bar, which has a larger bolt for the axle side. problem is with my OME 2.5 lift, I cant get the track bar to get short enough to line up the holes.

Take the adjusting sleeve off and grind the threaded ends shorter if there is enough thread length that the ends touch. If the threads aren't long enough then think about running a die further down

 

[OldBuzzard]

I had the same problem. I ordered the HD JKS bar, which has a larger bolt for the axle side. problem is with my OME 2.5 lift, I cant get the track bar to get short enough to line up the holes.

With the axle centered, or just sitting where it wants? It's more a matter of aligning the axle than aligning the holes.

 

[Yeti08]

With the axle centered, or just sitting where it wants? It's more a matter of aligning the axle than aligning the holes.

sitting on flat ground, shook out the springs, pretty much as the forum has suggested centering the axle, I (hastily) purchased a MC track bar originally. Also I measured from frame to outside wheel lugs and it was centered.

I thought about modifying the trackbar as suggested above, but I am also contemplating just going to a 3 or 4 inch spring lift.

 

[jjvw]

sitting on flat ground, shook out the springs, pretty much as the forum has suggested centering the axle, ...

That has always been a poor suggestion. There is nothing about shaking the Jeep that will inherently center the axle.

The correct method is to measure and align the centers of the frame and axle.

 

[Yeti08]

That has always been a poor suggestion. There is nothing about shaking the Jeep that will inherently center the axle.

The correct method is to measure and align the centers of the frame and axle.

after doing that I always measure

 

[jjvw]

after doing that I always measure

That's a bit like needing to know the starting length for adjustable control arms.

 

[LONGJP2]

I already have a BMB hardened 10mm bolt.
Is there a Moog replacement bushing with the smaller size ID hole?
I understand the bolt diameter does not need to match the bushing to clamp effectively.
The other thread references K3147, but that bushing is 1.67 OD vs 1.5.

Moog K3147 does work in the JKS bar (OGS126) .
1.5" bushing with the smaller oem hole.
Or you can get the kit from JKS with the bushing and the flex joint.