Is it better to install a new track bar when installing a new lift, or wait until after the lift is on and an alignment is done?

[matchews44]

I am installing a new 2.5 inch Quadratec Lift Kit on my 2005 Jeep Wrangler 4WD. I also have an adjustable track bar to install as well to help with the steering. It seems like it would be way easier to install the new track bar while installing the lift kit. I also know I need to get an alignment done after I install the lift kit. So I had to ask the question in the title...

Is it better to install a new track bar when installing a new lift, or wait until after the lift is on and an alignment is done?

 

[JMT]

Install the new trackbar with the lift. Do the alignment after you have completed the lift.

 

[matchews44]

Install the new trackbar with the lift. Do the alignment after you have completed the lift.

Thank you! Do I attempt to adjust the trackbar before or after the alignment? I struggle with understanding how all of those components impact each other.

 

[hear]

The track bar is mainly just adjusting how the body aligns over the axle. Maybe it affects bump steer too? IDK. But a lift raises the body higher above the axle, so the OEM track bar will necessarily pull the body to the passenger side. Lenghening the track bar will push the body back toward the drivers side.

 

[matchews44]

The track bar is mainly just adjusting how the body aligns over the axle. Maybe it affects bump steer too? IDK. But a lift raises the body higher above the axle, so the OEM track bar will necessarily pull the body to the passenger side. Lenghening the track bar will push the body back toward the drivers side.

Thank you! That answered my questions. I appreciate the time.

I watched your "My husband is crazy" video. Well done. I died at the end when your wife said, "Nobody said dad never had any.... *pause*.... guts."

 

[hear]

Thank you! That answered my questions. I appreciate the time.

I watched your "My husband is crazy" video. Well done. I died at the end when your wife said, "Nobody said dad never had any.... *pause*.... guts."

Wrong guy? That’s not my video.

 

[dearchristopher]

A tidbit of super helpful advice; if you need to line the track bar up after lift, turn your steering wheel to pull the axle over while the jeep is on stands. I busted a ratchet strap before learning that trick

 

[astjp2]

You can use a plumb bob and tape measure to get it if you’re patient

 

[RockyTopTJ]

Technically, it is best to center the axle first with the panhard bars, that way there is no changing of the fore/aft distance the control arms make due to the arc created when being pushed or pulled to the sides.

Also, it'll be much to your benefit to unbolt one end of an upper control arm front and rear when trying to center the axles. The small amount of triangulation they have inherently keeps the axle from being easy to move left and right.

 

[JMT]

Thank you! Do I attempt to adjust the trackbar before or after the alignment? I struggle with understanding how all of those components impact each other.

Adjust the trackbar before the alignment.

 

[JMT]

Wrong guy? That’s not my video.

That’s my wife. LOL

 

[akajibio]

I am installing a new 2.5 inch Quadratec Lift Kit on my 2005 Jeep Wrangler 4WD. I also have an adjustable track bar to install as well to help with the steering. It seems like it would be way easier to install the new track bar while installing the lift kit. I also know I need to get an alignment done after I install the lift kit. So I had to ask the question in the title...

Is it better to install a new track bar when installing a new lift, or wait until after the lift is on and an alignment is done?

Remember the purpose of the track bar is to center your jeep over the axles. Its nice to have a track bar on lifted jeeps but take some measurements first before changing anything. Measure body to wheel distance on each axle and compare the difference. This is also how to adjust your track bar. Make sure your jeep is sitting on its tires not jacks when measuring.