Are two track-bar mounting holes an issue? If not, is an adjustable track-bar worth it?

James9100

James9100

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
May 3, 2021
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Saskatchewan, Canada
Question 1
Rather than getting an adjustable track-bar when the PO had the SL installed they just stuck to the cheaper route and drilled a new mounting hole in the bracket. Does having the 2 holes compromise the integrity of the bracket to the point where it could be an issue on a non-hard-wheeling rig?
Or is it worth thinking about getting one hole welded up? (I’m not a welder myself)

Question 2
(If no to above; 2 holes are a non-issue)
Would it be worth getting an adjustable track-bar or not really since the I already have a re-drilled hole doing it’s function?
 
For lifts over three inches it is better to use an adjustable track bar. The factory bar at taller lift heights has a tendency to bind before you can get full travel out of it.
 
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According to the OP profile he has a 4” suspension lift.
With a 4” lift you most definitely need to have adjustable trac bars
The two holes will not be a problem IF the hole was drilled properly, but the stock location should be used with the adjustable trac bar.
Recommend JKS, Currie or Saavy trac bars.
 
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I actually have 3 holes in my bracket from the PO! Does anybody know which one is the original? I want to install an adjustable too.

IMG_1251.jpeg
 
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James9100 said:
Question 1
Rather than getting an adjustable track-bar when the PO had the SL installed they just stuck to the cheaper route and drilled a new mounting hole in the bracket. Does having the 2 holes compromise the integrity of the bracket to the point where it could be an issue on a non-hard-wheeling rig?
Or is it worth thinking about getting one hole welded up? (I’m not a welder myself)
Click to expand...

It always bothered me on the ones I had that were like that, and I figured the Jeep engineers designed the bracket and placed the bolt the way they did for a reason, but by the ANSI standard (and I'm speaking to your situation as this varies by bolt size and other criteria) As long as you have at least 1/4" of material between holes and between the new hole and the edge of the bracket, it should be fine, if properly torqued. For all the real life examples out there driving around, if it was a big problem we'd see a lot more tear-outs.
 
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CharlesHS said:
According to the OP profile he has a 4” suspension lift.
With a 4” lift you most definitely need to have adjustable trac bars
The two holes will not be a problem IF the hole was drilled properly, but the stock location should be used with the adjustable trac bar.
Recommend JKS, Currie or Saavy trac bars.
Click to expand...
What’s the benefit of the adjustable TB if the re-drilled hole does the job of keeping the axle centered? Just to avoid binding like Blackjack mentioned? I’ll never be doing anything that will require anything near the full travel so that’s not an issue.
Also I do think I’ve got a Moog TB on it, which I think has different bends than factory if that matters.
I have no problem getting an adjustable, I just wouldn’t bother if there’s no real reason.

Drilled properly as in just NOT looking like this? (Not my pic, found on another thread)
1709852738354.jpeg


This is mine, not really much help without taking off the TB to look but looks good from what you can see
1709852881464.jpeg


Good to know I don’t have to worry about the holes.
I am gonna like into that bolt from BMB that Boogie mentioned though.
 
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With a 4” lift I would opt for one of the three adjustable trac bars listed above instead of the stock design.
While you differences driving on the road will not be so pronounced as when you are off roading; the suspension will be happier and I suspect you will notice a difference when making turns due to less binding.
 
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At 4" of lift, you're running the track bar at the max droop it was intended for when you're just at ride height. Don't think I'd run a stock bar like that.
 
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freedom_in_4low said:
At 4" of lift, you're running the track bar at the max droop it was intended for when you're just at ride height. Don't think I'd run a stock bar like that.
Click to expand...

You assume too much and what others use their Jeeps for. :unsure: I've installed lots of lifts on other people's Jeeps that just wanted clearance and on road drivability.
Willys).jpg
 
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