Should I be worried?
- Thread starter SolarCool TJ
- Start date
Both sides. I mean technically you don't even need to, I just meant if the sight of it bothers you.
Yeah, this is one reason I started doing most of my work myself. I rarely ever trust a shop.
Jeepers
Member
I've heard/ read bits and pieces about TB bolt holes being "wallowed" out over time by the factory bolt, Resulting in using a bigger grade 8 or relocating the bolt hole
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Ill be swapping that RC TB with a currie, or metal cloak in the near future, when I unbolt it and get a good visual on the original hole, and if everything is ok, then ill have that relocated hole welded up proper. It just caught me completely off guard today when I noticed it.
Jeepers
Member
That's exactly what I said after getting jerked around by "mechanics". Do it yourself if you want it done right. No one knows your jeep better than you.
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I remember it clear as day when he told me, the original shop that rooked me, the owner was bragging up and down that he had the most modern up to date SNAP-ON alignment machine, and that all his techs are certified on using it. Little did I know back then that all you can do to a TJ is to adjust the Toe-in, wich I have done to my jeep myself after joining the forum. If only I had that little nugget of knowledge back then, It would have been enuf for me walk out the door, and know that I was about to get "taken" by the so-called expert 4x4 shop.
The beauty of the TJ is it's relative simplicity, making what sounds like a big job a basic hand tools affair. Don't be afraid to tackle the body lift, suspension, lift, etc. There are plenty of videos on the subject and help here if needed. The money saved in labor by DIY can be used to buy more cool stuff, too 
That extra hole is because of using factory trackbar with a lift. Almost all cheap budget 4" lifts that do not include a trackbar or trackbar bracket will say right on the installation guide to drill that extra hole. It is not an issue with a shop doing bad work the cheap budget lift install guide will have that as part of it.
Here is a link to the Zone Offroad 4" lift install guide. Page 6
http://4x4media.info/instructions/zon/J1400_J1401.pdf
Teraflex Page 10
https://teraflex.com/file/attachments/55a6dd34be136c009658fac1.pdf
I wouldn't worry too much about it but if you do simply cut a steel plate to match the shape and weld it on the outside
Also here is a replacement bracket from Rustys Offroad.
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-hd-front-track-bar-bracket-tj-xj-zj.html
Here is a link to the Zone Offroad 4" lift install guide. Page 6
http://4x4media.info/instructions/zon/J1400_J1401.pdf
Teraflex Page 10
https://teraflex.com/file/attachments/55a6dd34be136c009658fac1.pdf
I wouldn't worry too much about it but if you do simply cut a steel plate to match the shape and weld it on the outside
Also here is a replacement bracket from Rustys Offroad.
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-hd-front-track-bar-bracket-tj-xj-zj.html
JeepN...Thanx for the Rusty's link, that is exactly what I was looking for, a bracket with the hole already drilled out.
Seems obvious now, what you guys are saying is what likely occurred. Still a little weird, the PO, who was the original owner, and judging from where he lived, and carried himself, was fairly well off, kept a complete service history since day one, (except for the previous lift in question). who went thru all the trouble of having the jeep Line-X'ed $$$, added Warn front and rear bumper with spare carrier $$$, Aluminum rims and 33's $$$, high end Sony audio $$$, LED headlights $$$ etc...would cheap out on the TB. I suppose stranger things have happened, God knows I've done my share of stupid/questionable things in the past.
All of us have at some point or another. We tend to learn more that way at times LOL
That Rustys will require cutting to remove OEM bracket
That Rustys will require cutting to remove OEM bracket
The second hole was made it to allocate the OEM track bar, someone just follow the kit install instructions/ideas as that is what they sell to us to save the user some money for the aftermath. I will worry more about make sure the hole are drilled straight squared with the other one (front and back). If they are not you will like to re do a new holes.
Not see the complete picture but seem like you already has an adjustable track bar, no need to upgrade or change for an expensive model if bushings and bar in general are ok, I will be expending my time on make sure diff is correctly centered and all bolts torque to specs. Seen an adjustable track bar tells me that the usual issues start to be addressed, I went true the same and can tell you many stories from my heat up arguments with the 4wp techs.
I fully encourage you to perform all this works by yourself if you feel skilled and safe to do so. All of this mods require planning, reading and time but at the end is worth it. All around Jeeps are expensive and I do prefer to screw up a $300 track bar myself than discover another one did it and not tell me. Working yourself on your Jeep will also put you on the place to see what works out the box and what require some tweaks not included on the instructions papers and that is what make the difference when you drive the Jeep down the road.
Not see the complete picture but seem like you already has an adjustable track bar, no need to upgrade or change for an expensive model if bushings and bar in general are ok, I will be expending my time on make sure diff is correctly centered and all bolts torque to specs. Seen an adjustable track bar tells me that the usual issues start to be addressed, I went true the same and can tell you many stories from my heat up arguments with the 4wp techs.
I fully encourage you to perform all this works by yourself if you feel skilled and safe to do so. All of this mods require planning, reading and time but at the end is worth it. All around Jeeps are expensive and I do prefer to screw up a $300 track bar myself than discover another one did it and not tell me. Working yourself on your Jeep will also put you on the place to see what works out the box and what require some tweaks not included on the instructions papers and that is what make the difference when you drive the Jeep down the road.
Jorge...I agree with you. I'm already clearing out the garage to make some space so I can work comfortably, my better half won't be to thrilled about it, as most of the junk is hers. I might be sleeping on the couch tonite.
Jeepers
Member
$800? You could go out and get a nice set of mechanics tools for that and probably do a better job yourself!
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