Does anyone have any advice on what joints are safe to use in a trackbar that is in a double shear configuration? It seems any trackbar with the adjust-ability on the frame end link can be used in a double shear configuration without effecting the way the body of the trackbar interferes with the rest of the components, but if the adjustable link is on the axle end, then this is not the case, as youll have to twist the entire body of the trackbar to get it to line up in normal double shear frame mount. So to that end, what are good candidates for joints to use on the frame end? How well does a johnny joint perform with its bolt in a horizontal position for a trackbar? To me it seems like mounting the joint in such a way would not allow it to behave the way it was intended in terms of articulation and shock absorption, but I'm really no expert. I ultimately wanted to use the rockjock trackbar with johnny joint end, but it seems this product may not work in double shear due to both issues I mention above 1. adjust-ability being on the axle end, 2. johnny joint with bolt in horizontal orientation (as seen in most double shear trackbar mounts), rather than vertical
Double shear trackbars
- Thread starter Sensei
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Double steer/high steer doesn’t belong on a TJ. Start over with a Haltenberger style setup
Why not? what's the problems with it? There seems to be several companies going that direction.
Because it changes the steering geometry and arc of travel and therefore causes poor steering. A lot of work and $$$ just to make things worse. Easier just to get a HD steering like the RockJock and do a TR flip.
Find a different company.
In addition to what @JMT stated, a highsteer will cause tie-rod roll before the knuckles can react, that creates a dead spot in the steering.
gasiorv
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I missed something, how did we go from question on track bar to steering configurations?
I think he is talking about a double shear bracket like this one on the frame side: https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep-tj-front-frame-track-bar-bracket
As far as steering configuration, the Y-steering on a stock width axle on a relatively stock TJ is your best option, but once you go wider and start making changes the cross-over/hi-steer may be your best option, you just have to ensure you ensure proper geometry.
I think he is talking about a double shear bracket like this one on the frame side: https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep-tj-front-frame-track-bar-bracket
As far as steering configuration, the Y-steering on a stock width axle on a relatively stock TJ is your best option, but once you go wider and start making changes the cross-over/hi-steer may be your best option, you just have to ensure you ensure proper geometry.
gasiorv
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As far as the track bar, most readily available adjustable track bars are made with the assumption that you would be using the OEM brackets and thus they design around that (which is why the johnny joint is turned sideways). I don't see any issues with going with a double shear joint, you would just have to change the bracket to accommodate and then find an available track bar to fit the bracket or fabricate your own.
Judging by the reputation of and my experience with the rear rockjock trackbar, just fine.
So, to get this straight, your plan is to cut the Johnny joint off the frame end of a rockjock front trackbar and weld it back rotated 90 degrees so that you can use it in a double shear configuration with a horizontal mounting bolt and custom/aftermarket frame bracket?
I don’t comprehend your first concern of adjustability. Could you explain it more clearly?
As for your second concern, again, see the rear rockjock trackbar. Its Johnny joints are mounted in double shear on both ends with horizontal through-bolts.
Nah im not going to cut up the rockjock trackbar to make it work, im just saying for it to work in a double sheer configuration, you would probably have to cut it up as you suggest since the adjustability isnt on the frame side but rather on the axle side. If I were to adjust the axle side joint in order to spin the frame joint to a horizontal configuration, the entire body of the trackbar would rotate the same amount, thus not mounting up properly and causing interference. On top of that, I dont know how well a johnny joint would actually perform in this configuration.
Ultimately I'm looking for information on what joint may best be used in a double sheer trackbar frame mount configuration, and whether any companies currently make such a trackbar that will fit my needs.
Yeah im pretty sure this is the exact bracket on my jeep. And Im trying to find a good trackbar for it. Just a little backstory, I picked this jeep up a weekend or two ago as a partially built jeep. It used to be sitting on 37s. The PO took the axles from this jeep and moved it into a different build, as he had plans of getting different axles for this at the same time. Things happened, he got busy, etc and decided to sell the project as is. So basically I have a stretched and ready built TJ, that just needs some axles under it. At same time im trying to replace some already existing components (such as this trackbar) to get everything fully how I want it. It seems like this trackbar mount is moved forward 1/2 inch to the normal factory trackbar mount, just something to keep in mind.
Okay, I understand your second point. Yes, of course, you can’t just rotate the entire body of the trackbar 90 degrees and have it fit. It is bent in a specific way to play nice with the axle housing and steering components.
Once again, consider the rear trackbar. Johnny joints. Double shear. Horizontal mounting bolt. Works fine. The issue, as you point out, is finding a trackbar that either is made with a horizontal-oriented joint or one that is drilled and tapped on the frame end that will accept a threaded rod end.
Are you going to put a bolt-on double shear trackbar drop bracket on the frame side, or are you going to cut the factory bracket off and replace it with something like the Barnes 4WD bracket? You have to consider possible clearance issues.
This is how its currently "setup". These axles dont even really belong to this jeep as it sits. The PO literally just threw them under so the vehicle would roll onto a trailer. One thing I really like is how parallel the trackbar and drag link are even at full droop on my lift. I think the trackbar mount is relatively close to factory, just pushed forward 1/2 an inch maybe
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The more I think about it, the more it seems like a johnny joint WOULD NOT work with the bolt in the horizontal position (specifically for a trackbar). It would just make the entire joint rotate when the axle travels, instead of articulating off the mounting axis. Someone tell me if i'm wrong though because Im definitely not an expert 
Johnny Joints do just fine in the horizonal position when used for control arm joints. A track bar is nothing more than a control arm.
gasiorv
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Johnny joint, heim, poly, etc... would all work.
You can make your own or Google search until you find one that is pre fabricated for the double shear, I think core makes one.
You can make your own or Google search until you find one that is pre fabricated for the double shear, I think core makes one.
Idk for some reason in my head it seems like as the axle travels up and down, the axle would also travel side to side as the joint itself wouldnt be articulating properly with the travel if the joint is mounted horizontally. In control arms, this would equate to wheelbase shrinking and increasing as the axle travels down or up, which definitely does happen.