Track bar and pitman questions

[TJBUD]

I purchased a 98 Wrangler TJ project Jeep in February with about 3” of lift and after rebuilding much of the drivetrain (4.7 Stroker, np231, ax15, ujoints) I’m moving on to suspension work. I replaced the BFG 33x12.50s, shocks with RS5000X and the steering stabilizer. It has significant side to side movement, not a death wobble but significant lateral instability. I read some great posts here that lead me to look at the track bar, which looks to be stock with a worn bushing. I plan to replace it with a heavier, adjustable bar. I expected with a stock bar for the axle to be shifted toward the driver side but it‘s actually a bit shifted toward the passenger. I’m curious if the axle mount is factory or aftermarket (pic 1)? Also this looks like a factory frame mount (pic 2)? Finally, checking the steering linkage for parallel to track bar, the pitman has about 2” of total drop, which doesn’t seem stock (Pic 3) when I compare to mopar pics?

So, if the axle mount is stock, I’ll restore the pitman to stock and install an adjustable track bar to center the axle. Then with that baseline, I’ll replace warn ball joints and tie rods ends. Thanks for any help. FYI, this my first time posting pics in the forum-feedback welcome.
TJBUD

Pic 1 Track bar axle mount

Pic 2 Track bar frame mount

Pic 3 Pitman arm

 

[hear]

That all looks factory to me, although I can't see all of the track bar mount.

 

[NskLJ]

Looks to me like there has been a bracket added to lower the track bar.

The track bar should mount in the upper bolt. The frame mount may have been rewelded.

 

[kincaid.0678]

Yea the axle side track bar mount is an add on bracket. Probably just unbolts from the factory mount unless they tack welded it in, but there’s only one way to find out lol

 

[hear]

oh yeah, at least I hedged my bets. Don't ever say you're sure if you ain't sure.

 

[TJBUD]

I got under another TJ with 3 inches lift today and I’m now convinced my track arm axle mount is an add-on bracket. This guy seemed to drill a new hole in the existing axle mount (pic 3). Also, the other TJ has the same frame mount as mine and a stock pitman (Pic 4). I checked my TJ today- the bracket is held on by two bolts-1 in the original mounting bolt hole (arrow in NSKLJ post) and one short bolt to it’s right in pic.

Pic 3 Other TJ without track arm axle bracket (drilled new mount hole—blue). still has mounting nut stay tab for one wrench tightening—red

Pic 4 Other TJ same frame mount and perhaps stock pitman.

Back to my TJ—
Anyway, the correct fix for mine seems to be an adjustable track arm using the original mounting location with bracket removed and a stock pitman arm for correct overall geometry. Maybe the pictures will help others looking at modified vs stock jeeps. Also after further inspection my control arm bushings seem shot. The wheel bearings, tie rod ends and ball joints seem ok using the tire top/bottom and left/right test. I’ll check/set the toe-in next week and after checking caster (6 deg target?) decide if I’ll replace the control arms or just their bushings. Thanks for the help-I’ll update the thread.
TJBUD

 

[TJBUD]

Guys, thanks for the help. I Decided to do a full front end rebuild, including:

1) remove track bar bracket, install adjustable track bar
2) replace drop pitman arm with Moog OEM replacement
3) New MOOG drag link(DS1430) tie rod end x2(ES3096L), ZJ upgrade solid tie rod (DS1312), adjustment sleeve x2(ES2079S)
4) Ball joints, axle ujoints, control arms, brake line extensions, 4” coil springs, etc.

Im doing a bigger write up in ”what did you do to your Jeep today” but I wanted to update this thread.
The restored factory geometry between track bar and drag link has dramatically improved the steering (no bump steer) and the whole project really produced a much more solid drive(no wandering)
TJBUD