Drag Link & Track Bar Issues

[HuskerJeep]

I’ve been noticing a couple of issues with my steering. The first is poor return to center, but I have a whole separate thread going on that with all the typical fixes discussed but no definitive resolution yet. The second issue is some drifting at speed, and I tend to have to over-correct coming out of a turn.

The second issue got me thinking about excessive side to side play in my tie rod ends. I’ve already replaced all of the steering linkage, with the exception of the drag link (videos 1& 2 below). I have also had issues getting my track bar to stay tight as well (possibly a slightly egged hole? video 3 below).

Can you guys take a look at the videos and let me know your thoughts? Also, should my axle be shifting side to side as much as it is?

 

[btn]

It looks like track bar castle nut may be loose. The stud is moving and shouldn’t. Was it torqued to spec?

 

[HuskerJeep]

It looks like track bar castle nut may be loose. The stud is moving and shouldn’t.

Yeah, that’s what I was thinking as well. I’ve torqued that down twice and it still does this, which is why I’m wondering if that hole is wallowed out. Would that cause what is happening, or is the clamping force supposed to be sufficient in this case?

 

[AndyG]

Without knowing the history of the vehicle I'm going to throw some things out there

No you should not see that castle joint move anything like that... You could have the wrong end on the track bar if it's a removable end.

You need to get the track bar solid .

You need to check your Hub unit bearings.

You need to get your Caster checked if you have poor return to center.

Things don't have to be Rock Solid there has to be movement but you don't want slob and you don't want anything moving in the connection other than normal rotational movement ...

I hope it comes across that I'm helping you and not preaching.

Andy

 

[HuskerJeep]

Without knowing the history of the vehicle I'm going to throw some things out there

No you should not see that castle joint move anything like that... You could have the wrong end on the track bar if it's a removable end.

You need to get the track bar solid .

You need to check your Hub unit bearings.

You need to get your Caster checked if you have poor return to center.

Things don't have to be Rock Solid there has to be movement but you don't want slob and you don't want anything moving in the connection other than normal rotational movement ...

I hope it comes across that I'm helping you and not preaching.

Andy

Thanks Andy, I know you’re helping and I appreciate it.

A few comments on your points - It’s not a removable end track bar, just an OEM replacement Moog. My unit bearings are brand new Timkens with less than 200 miles on them. Caster has been checked and is well within spec (6.6* and 6.8* for 1.5” of spring lift).

What do you think about the drag link?

 

[AndyG]

Thanks Andy, I know you’re helping and I appreciate it.

A few comments on your points - It’s not a removable end track bar, just an OEM replacement Moog. My unit bearings are brand new Timkens with less than 200 miles on them. Caster has been checked and is well within spec (6.6* and 6.8* for 1.5” of spring lift).

What do you think about the drag link?

Let me try to look at the video again.

Also if the track bar is in good shape you might be able to wrap the tapered in with some shim stock and get it to tighten down and quit rocking...but if you're picky about your steering when I'm seeing is going to be enough to mess with you.

I don't know if the hole in the mount or the track bar itself is out of whack or a little of both but you're going to want to dial that in.



I'll check out the video and follow up in a minute.

 

[AndyG]

Nothing about the caster seems bad . But here's a question... Does the wheel have a solid feel or kind of light feel?

 

[AndyG]

From what I see you need a drag link... You might as well go ahead and get a ZJ tie rod and es 3096 L tie rod for it and the pitman arm end of the drag link.

if the steering feels light you could put in a point 5 degree offset ball joint on each side and dial-in more caster and that will give you a heavier feel and better return to center.

 

[HuskerJeep]

Nothing about the caster seems bad . But here's a question... Does the wheel have a solid feel or kind of light feel?

The wheel feels pretty normal, except when coming out of a turn, I have to pull it back from 11:00 or 1:00 a bit. If I had to pick solid vs. light, I’d pick solid.

 

[HuskerJeep]

From what I see you need a drag link... You might as well go ahead and get a ZJ tie rod and es 3096 L tie rod for it and the pitman arm end of the drag link.

if the steering feels light you could put in a point 5 degree offset ball joint on each side and dial-in more caster and that will give you a heavier feel and better return to center.

That’s what I was thinking on the drag link as well. I’ve already done the ZJ upgrade for all the rest of the parts, so it’s really just down to the drag link and fixing the track bar.

 

[btn]

What’s your toe-in?

 

[AndyG]

The wheel feels pretty normal, except when coming out of a turn, I have to pull it back from 11:00 or 1:00 a bit. If I had to pick solid vs. light, I’d pick solid.

That's pretty weird.

Do the drag ling and tie rod end if you can swing it, lol l

That’s what I was thinking on the drag link as well. I’ve already done the ZJ upgrade for all the rest of the parts, so it’s really just down to the drag link and fixing the track bar.

look into putting a bigger bushing on the axle end of the track bar and a larger Bolt... You can put a Moog k7252 3/4 ton Dodge bushing in some track bars... tough.

 

[HuskerJeep]

What’s your toe-in?

Here’s the thread for my return to center discussion:https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/return-to-center-advice.27485/

I have the alignment posted in there, but the toe-in is 0.08* per side, 0.16* total.

 

[AndyG]

Here’s the thread for my return to center discussion:https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/return-to-center-advice.27485/

I have the alignment posted in there, but the toe-in is 0.08* per side, 0.16* total.

Have you had it on an alignment machine lately

 

[HuskerJeep]

Have you had it on an alignment machine lately

In November, but I haven’t done anything to it since then so it shouldn’t have changed.

 

[btn]

I’d suggest fixing the frame side track bar looseness first since it’s clearly loose. After it’s tight, see if the steering feels any better.

 

[HuskerJeep]

I’d suggest fixing the frame side track bar looseness since it’s clearly loose. After it’s tight, see if the steering feels any better.

Yeah, will do. Thanks for the help.

 

[btn]

If you plan to lift it any higher, I’d recommend the Currie track bar because it gets rid of the taper altogether with a super strong 5/8” straight bolt.

 

[HuskerJeep]

If you plan to lift it any higher, I’d recommend the Currie track bar because it gets rid of the taper altogether with a super strong 5/8” straight bolt.

As of now, I don’t plan to go higher. I was leaning towards a JKS adjustable.