Track bar problems

[Blondie70]

Just installed a RockCrawler front trackbar for my 2000 SE. Got the one for 2" to 3 1/2" lift (the one in this area) because I have a 2 1/2" elcheapo spacer lift. (Think it's Skyjacker because it has Skyjacker shocks on it.)
Needed to go with a bar like this with the helm joint becuz the frame hole for the original bar was wallowed out. Got the bar on and drilling the hole was not fun.

Anyway, the bar is about 1" from the top of the pumpkin.

Would increasing the spacer lift move it up an acceptable amount ? I don't need this jeep lifted for any other reason, so ain't gonna drop much coil to lift it more....want an inexpensive way.

I am sure the bar is going to hit the diff when I hit a pothole or something.

Can any of you guys put me on the right path ?

Thanks, Pete

 

[someguysjeep]

1" at it's resting height is fine.
what you really need to do is pull the springs and shocks and cycle the axle. and be sure it'll clear through the whole range of motion. that's really the only way to guarantee if it's good or not.

 

[AndyG]

The big bend in the rough country track bar makes it a decent option for these situations. The post above is good , and you will likely be fine where it is ...cycling the suspension is a great move .

 

[Goatman]

The track bar moves with the axle on the pass side. Clearance should remain approximately the same through the axle's range of motion. As said, cycle the suspension to confirm.

 

[derekmac]

Yes, cycle the suspension to make sure it won't hit. You don't want it hitting and snapping when you're driving!! If it does hit, you might need to increase the bumpstop a little bit.

 

[Chris]

Cycle the suspension and adjust the bump stops accordingly. That's the only way to know for sure what you're dealing with.

 

[Blondie70]

I have not cycled suspension yet. Going to, but thinking about putting new springs in at that time. Got a spacer lift. Measuring the spacers, looks like they are 2" front and rear. Front springs measure11" and rear 7".
If I take all this old stuff off, and go with a spring lift...what is max lift spring to get when I do not want to get into other mods, like drive shafts, control arms, etc.....???
Should I replace isolators for each spring also ?
Did want to mention that I was told that my stock springs should measure 12" and 8". I was looking on Rock Auto at the stock springs and see that the front (Moog and one other) shows 11" under load...........??? Wonder what gives ???
Thanks for all the good advice .
Pete

 

[Chris]

Yes, the smart thing to do would be to cycle the suspension once you get any new parts in (i.e. springs). The max lift you can have without really needing adjustable control arms, a CV driveshaft, SYE, etc, would be 2.5". Even at 2.5" you'll have to lower your transfer case skid plate (and you should still have adjustable control arms technically if you want to have everything dialed in 100%), however, 2.5" is fine without any of that stuff that is really a must with a 4" lift.

 

[Blondie70]

Chris...thanks...how much lift over stock would result if I installed 2.5" springs ?

 

[Goatman]

In theory you'll get 2 1/2" over stock (12" front, 8" rear). However it will depend on how much you have added to the Jeep. Extra armor, aftermarket bumpers, winches, etc. will affect ride height. But it would be safe to say you should get a solid 2" of spring lift over stock ride height unless you overload the Jeep with either gear or armor or people.

 

[Blondie70]

Hi Goatman
I really appreciate this info.
I measured my front springs and came up with 11".
I was looking on Rock Auto for stock springs and saw 2 different brands. Both say in the specs that compressed height is 11". This is one inch shy of everything I have been hearing.
Anyway, I am going to get some 2 1/2" springs and hope it rides better since I will be doing away with the spacers I now have in there that measure 2".
Thanks much for the advice.
Hope you are staying warm up there...ha ha. Am hearing on Ham radio it's pretty warm up thataways…...well...in Buffalo anyway.
Thanks, Pete

 

[Goatman]

A set of Rancho 5000x shocks will be a nice upgrade to go with the new springs. Ranchos tend to be long for their claimed lift size. Go by their actual lengths (full extend and full retract) to get the right size for you to maximize uptravel.

 

[Blondie70]

Will do. Probably order them soon. Did my suspension cycle today (front end only) No problems going down but the damn trackbar is hitting the Diff going up. Gonna need a 5" bumpstop and then it may be too short...but I am not going offroad too much or maybe not at all. If it does hit, guess the hockey puck on the lower plate will be the cure.
Gonna get the springs in with the new bumpstop and the old shocks to see how it works before ordering new shocks. This on the front only at this time.
Thanks for the help Goatman !
Pete

 

[Goatman]