Trackbar Axle Hole

[Jramos013]

hi guys, so my trackbar heim joints took a dump finally. I had a superlift trackbar with the heim joint on the chassis side and the bolt for the axle is bigger than oem, I dont remember the exact size, it was put in there years ago, but the hole was drill in the metal plate on the chassis for a bigger bolt. Im just going to replace the whole thing since its rusted out anyway. Would the bigger hole in the axle side be an issue? Whats the consensus for a good front track bar? i have 3" of lift. or since its drill i have to order the same trackbar?

Edit: the axle side is 1/2" now, and the chassis side was drill 5/8

thanks

 

[hosejockey61]

hi guys, so my trackbar heim joints took a dump finally. I had a superlift trackbar with the heim joint on the chassis side and the bolt for the axle is bigger than oem, I dont remember the exact size, it was put in there years ago, but the hole was drill in the metal plate on the chassis for a bigger bolt. Im just going to replace the whole thing since its rusted out anyway. Would the bigger hole in the axle side be an issue? Whats the consensus for a good front track bar? i have 3" of lift. or since its drill i have to order the same trackbar?

Edit: the axle side is 1/2" now, and the chassis side was drill 5/8

thanks

It is common for the frame side hole to be drilled out for an aftermarket trackbar. Some also drill out the axle side although it isn't necessary. That is one of the drawbacks with heim joints....they wear out quickly.

As far as good track bars, most will say Currie is the best. I have an older metalcloak track bar that clears everything fine, but it also uses a heim joint. I've had to replace that several times so far. Another option would be JKS.

 

[WallyWest]

Just went through the front track bar debate. Decided to take the plunge and go with Currie/RockJock. Budget options that seem reasonably good are JKS and Core 4X4. The Core at least can be had with a Johnny Joint. The Currie made a pretty big difference for me, but I was on a stock worn out trackbar.

As long as you torque the bolt down and check it now and then you should be fine. The hole can be somewhat larger without affecting anything. I was thinking of drilling mine out because my new trackbar didn't want to line up on the axle side. I attached the frame side first, had my wife dry steer to get the axle side where it looked good from the front, but the bar was slightly out of line with the bracket and even though the bolt went through the front it was a little off at the rear and I couldn't get it through. Had to remove the frame side, get the bolt through the axle side first, then attach at the frame. I figured slightly drilling out the axle bracket might fix that problem for the future, if I wanted to adjust length without removing the frame side.

 

[Lou]

It should not be a problem to torque a good 10mm bolt in a 1/2" hole but if it worries you, currie sells their track bar with a 1/2" axle side bushing.