Adjustable rear track bar?

[Westtown Willy]

When I got my TJ it had a 3 inch lift which as far as I know consisted of taller springs and shocks, I believe all of the other suspension components were stock. I did notice that the tires protruded out further on one side than the other by about an inch. I can’t remember which side however because since then (over the winter) it was in the shop having a leaking pinion seal replaced under warranty when they recommended that my front track bar be replaced with an adjustable one due to my lift. When I got it back I noticed that the tires appeared to be centered (front & rear), it looked much better.

Another thing I noticed however was a tendency for the Jeep to pull slightly to the left on the highway, that was new following the installation of the new front track bar. Could this be happening because the front axle is properly centered & the rear isn’t (although they appear to both be centered I’m guessing the rear is not given its stock track bar & I'm not sure exactly where to take real measurements from to confirm). Or, do I even need to bother measuring anything at this point, in other words do I need an adjustable rear track bar given my situation? If so what parts do I need? Front is an adjustable BDS if that’s relevant.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The rear axle will be pushed out toward the passenger side due to the track bar being connected between the axle and its passenger-side frame mount. The front track bar's effect is opposite to that because it is mounted between the axle and the driver's side of the frame.

Doubtful the rear axle being off-center is causing your Jeep to move left when on the highway. Centering the front axle would require that the steering wheel be re-centered (a trivial/easy task) and it would also require the toe-in be adjusted too, also a trivial/easy task. If they didn't recenter the steering wheel properly that could make you feel it's pulling to the left when really the steering wheel is just not centered properly.

Both the steering wheel and toe-in can be easily set at home with nothing more than a tape measure, wrench, and pliers for the toe-in, and just a wrench to recenter the steering wheel. If you're up to that I can give you instructions how to set them.

 

[Westtown Willy]

Both the steering wheel and toe-in can be easily set at home with nothing more than a tape measure, wrench, and pliers for the toe-in, and just a wrench to recenter the steering wheel. If you're up to that I can give you instructions how to set them.

Thanks Jerry, they did center the steering wheel correctly when they put the track bar in over the winter so I don’t think that’s it. Incidentally about a month or so ago following my installation of the Currectlync steering the wheel is now a little off center. I have however adjusted the toe-in & I used your post on the subject to accomplish that, still can’t believe I actually paid for that to be done on my TJ a few times before that… still have to get back under there & adjust the wheel.

I have considered the possibility that I’m imagining the pulling because sometimes I let go of the wheel & it drives straight as an arrow, though whenever it does pull it’s always to the left… If the rear track bar isn’t a possible cause then I’m going to leave it alone because that would be the only reason I’d swap it for an adjustable as I haven’t noticed any other ill-effects of the stock bar.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Tire pressures equal? Caster angle ok?

 

[Westtown Willy]

26lbs in all tires, caster angle I don't know but I thought that was not adjustable on the TJ?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

...caster angle I don't know but I thought that was not adjustable on the TJ?

It's not on later TJs but installing a suspension lift does reduce the caster angle. Install a tall enough suspension lift and you'll have inadequate caster angle that will need to be adjusted by either installing a cam bolt kit or adjustable length control arms in the front.

 

[Xposure]

It's not on later TJs but installing a suspension lift does reduce the caster angle. Install a tall enough suspension lift and you'll have inadequate caster angle that will need to be adjusted by either installing a cam bolt kit or adjustable length control arms in the front.

The earlier TJ’s (such as a 99) have caster adjustment? Can that been adjusted in the same way that toe in can be (per your write up) where you jack it up and measure between the rotors....except measuring vertical instead of horizontal? How do you actually adjust the camber?

 

[AndyG]

My gas charged stabilizer caused mine to pull..just enough to annoy me.


I have an adjustable rear track bar , it was part of my long arm work , and it really drives nice , especially on good roads .

Jerry knows so much technically , he may have invented the TJ . He's the guy to listen to.

 

[glwood]

When I got my TJ it had a 3 inch lift which as far as I know consisted of taller springs and shocks, I believe all of the other suspension components were stock. I did notice that the tires protruded out further on one side than the other by about an inch. I can’t remember which side however because since then (over the winter) it was in the shop having a leaking pinion seal replaced under warranty when they recommended that my front track bar be replaced with an adjustable one due to my lift. When I got it back I noticed that the tires appeared to be centered (front & rear), it looked much better.

Another thing I noticed however was a tendency for the Jeep to pull slightly to the left on the highway, that was new following the installation of the new front track bar. Could this be happening because the front axle is properly centered & the rear isn’t (although they appear to both be centered I’m guessing the rear is not given its stock track bar & I'm not sure exactly where to take real measurements from to confirm). Or, do I even need to bother measuring anything at this point, in other words do I need an adjustable rear track bar given my situation? If so what parts do I need? Front is an adjustable BDS if that’s relevant.

So your tires used to protrude to one side, but now are centered when you got it back from the shop? Did they install the front adjustable track bar?