Front & Rear Track Bar Install Questions

[Chippy]

Hey guys,

Still learning the ins and outs of working on my 2005. My rig is bone stock, stock height at 46k miles. I recently replaced the original front and rear control arms with new MOOG since the bushings seemed cracked and dry. I replaced the front and rear sway bar bushings as well as end links/bushings, and I’m about to do the ZJ conversion for steering.

However, I’m still feeling a bit of floaty feeling on the highway, as well as when I hit bumps the jeep crab walks. It feels like the rear is disconnected from the front.

Is the next step track bars?

Would moog replacements be sufficient?

Also, do I replace with the jeep on the ground?
If I have to raise it, Is it better to lift by the frame or by the axle, and how to I ensure my axle stays centered with the frame?

Finally, which is generally easier to replace? Front or rear?

I have more questions… but I’ll start with those. Thanks!

 

[macleanflood]

Yes is the short answer.

If you're after old rubber bits that disintegrate then I'd add crank pulley and motor and transmission mounts to that list.

-Mac

 

[Chippy]

Yes is the short answer.

If you're after old rubber bits that disintegrate then I'd add crank pulley and motor and transmission mounts to that list.

-Mac

I never thought of the crank pulley. I’ll look into it.

Was trying to iron out everything with the suspension and steering first. But I’ll get to it

 

[Zorba]

Finally, which is generally easier to replace? Front or rear?

Front. Definitely front. The rear is a minor PITA.

I'm NOT representing this as "THE way", just my own blundering through the job. A bunch of misc. on this page, scroll down for the front trackbar, then scroll past some other crap to find the rear:

https://www.doubleveil.net/jeep/fifty-nine.htm

 

[Chippy]

I think I’ll start with the front first then. Did you do the job with the jeep on the ground, or did you need to raise it up?

 

[Zorba]

I think I’ll start with the front first then. Did you do the job with the jeep on the ground, or did you need to raise it up?

On the ground for the front. See the page for the back...

 

[Chippy]

On the ground for the front. See the page for the back...

Thanks for sharing. Looks like the rear is a pain from your posts.

Some people say the hole is wallowed out and that’s what causes play in the track bar. Hopefully this isn’t the case for me.

 

[Zorba]

Thanks for sharing. Looks like the rear is a pain from your posts.

Some people say the hole is wallowed out and that’s what causes play in the track bar. Hopefully this isn’t the case for me.

It was a moderate pain. Just have to take it slow and easy. I would try raising the rear axle back to ride height before installing the upper bolt - MAYBE that would have made it easier... *SHRUG*