Another broken rear axle track bar mount

deeptread

deeptread

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Joined
Feb 5, 2023
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22
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CT and NH
Hi team, The PO lifted to 4" but didn't replace the stock track bars. I bought all new adjustable arms, bars, and rods. I was in the process of replacing a few pieces at a time and didn't get to the track bar. The mount snapped in two places while doing some daily errands. I purchased the Tuff Stuff Weld on Rear Adjustable Axle Track Bar / Upper Control Arm Bracket. Anything else I should do (preventative maint.) under there while the patient is on the operating table?

See pics

https://imgur.com/Hks1HMn
https://imgur.com/DPVwiTE
 
deeptread said:
Hi team, The PO lifted to 4" but didn't replace the stock track bars. I bought all new adjustable arms, bars, and rods. I was in the process of replacing a few pieces at a time and didn't get to the track bar. The mount snapped in two places while doing some daily errands. I purchased the Tuff Stuff Weld on Rear Adjustable Axle Track Bar / Upper Control Arm Bracket. Anything else I should do (preventative maint.) under there while the patient is on the operating table?

See pics

https://imgur.com/Hks1HMn
https://imgur.com/DPVwiTE
Click to expand...

I put a diagonal gusset from the bracket down to the axle tube. I would also pull the springs and cycle the suspension to look for interference or binding on the track bar.
 
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how did you set your arm length?

I have a theory that a portion of broken mounts are the result of setting them equal length and forcing the axle to get the bolts in, putting the links in a constant bind.
 
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deeptread said:
Good ideas. Thank you.
Click to expand...

Currie used to supply this with their TBB...

Currie Track Bar Bracket Brace.jpg
 
freedom_in_4low said:
how did you set your arm length?

I have a theory that a portion of broken mounts are the result of setting them equal length and forcing the axle to get the bolts in, putting the links in a constant bind.
Click to expand...

The PO did not replace the stock control arms or the trackbar after his 4" lift, I was working front to back replacing all of the arms/bars and this broke before I got to replacing the arms with adjustable. I have all adjustable pieces in the garage ready to install once I get the new mount in.

I went with the ruff stuff adjustable mount:

https://imgur.com/WNZ5k6b
 
macleanflood said:
Other than cleaning up all that rust...treating the inside of your frame rails?

-Mac
Click to expand...

Yes indeed. I was able to wire out a lot of the inside frame rust, power wash, drilled weep holes. I have not yet painted the inside. There's a custom jeep builder down the street that will cut open the frame, clean, weld, coat, and then weld it shut again. I'm debating whether to pay him to do it right or do what I can without cutting and welding.
 
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I got my original track bar bracket welded by a shop in Danbury. What do you think? I have a brand new bracket just in case this doesn't hold up. So far, no problem after 2 weeks of moderate use.

tj trackbar bracket.jpeg
 
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We talk a lot about poly bushings ripping off control arm mounts but not much is said about track bars which have to misalign when the arc of the control arms pull the axle forward.

High end aftermarket bars usually have a flex joint at the axle end but I've seen less expensive ones with poly. Seems like twisting the bracket would be more likely to peel it off than just pushing and pulling on it.
 
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freedom_in_4low said:
how did you set your arm length?

I have a theory that a portion of broken mounts are the result of setting them equal length and forcing the axle to get the bolts in, putting the links in a constant bind.
Click to expand...

That is very plausible. It is easier to bind a straight axle than folks think.
 
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freedom_in_4low said:
how did you set your arm length?

I have a theory that a portion of broken mounts are the result of setting them equal length and forcing the axle to get the bolts in, putting the links in a constant bind.
Click to expand...

Every force contributes to failure. From larger tires leverage,the impacts offroad,changes from lifting,etc.
The biggest one for broken drivers upper link bracket is the trackbar relocation brackets and the extra leverage they apply. Brace the oem bracket and its problem solved.

I've seen those crack like that several times. Welding on a brace solved it every time.you can cut the whole thing off and use a thicker upper mount. But it costs more,takes more work and is unnecessary unless the old one is swiss cheese from rust
 
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Rickyd said:
Every force contributes to failure. From larger tires leverage,the impacts offroad,changes from lifting,etc.
The biggest one for broken drivers upper link bracket is the trackbar relocation brackets and the extra leverage they apply. Brace the oem bracket and its problem solved.

I've seen those crack like that several times. Welding on a brace solved it every time.you can cut the whole thing off and use a thicker upper mount. But it costs more,takes more work and is unnecessary unless the old one is swiss cheese from rust
Click to expand...

I found a mobile professional welder to come by, cut off the poorly welded mount, weld the new mount and a brace.
 
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Reactions: Andy-WhiteTJ, macleanflood, Rickyd and 1 other person
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