Why didn’t you folks tell me I had two track bar holes?

[any4xx]

My new-ish to me ‘99 has always had the front tires seemingly located to the right about an inch. And it’s always pulled slightly to the right. This morning I decided it was time to do a quick string-alignment and make some measurements so that I could possibly get it tracking properly. I was quite surprised to see that there were TWO track bar mounting holes on the passenger side of the axle and mine was mounted to the inboard hole. I moved the track bar to the outboard hole then re-centered the steering wheel by shortening up the main link to the Pittman arm. Lo and behold my Jeep now LOOKS straight and TRACKS straight. This is exactly why I like taking all of my pre-owned vehicles back to stock then modifying them on my own rather than hoping that previous modifications were done properly.

I wish this was my only project and I could just concentrate on it instead of having to divide my time between it and a dozen others. But for now, I’m happy to have “solved” one more issue.

 

[lBasket]

Why didn't you look? Two holes isn't stock

 

[any4xx]

Why didn't you look? Two holes isn't stock

Not my first Jeep. But my first TJ. I was a bit surprised to find two. I can only guess that whomever lifted it in the past thought it would be a good idea to drill another hole inboard of the stock hole rather than to pop for an adjustable track bar.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Not my first Jeep. But my first TJ. I was a bit surprised to find two. I can only guess that whomever lifted it in the past thought it would be a good idea to drill another hole inboard of the stock hole rather than to pop for an adjustable track bar.

Your PO probably didn't come up with it on their own. A lot of budget lift kits instruct the installer to do this in lieu of buying an adjustable track bar.

 

[any4xx]

Your PO probably didn't come up with it on their own. A lot of budget lift kits instruct the installer to do this in lieu of buying an adjustable track bar.

Ugh… You’re probably correct. Luckily the axle mounting plate looks to be solid. I’ve got more parts to replace down the line. I’ll keep an eye on that mount and if anything looks like it’s weakening I’ll weld in some reinforcements.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Ugh… You’re probably correct. Luckily the axle mounting plate looks to be solid. I’ve got more parts to replace down the line. I’ll keep an eye on that mount and if anything looks like it’s weakening I’ll weld in some reinforcements.

if it makes you feel any better, I can't recall ever seeing reports of them experiencing tear-out. As long as it's properly torqued and there's meat under the washer you're probably fine.

 

[any4xx]

if it makes you feel any better, I can't recall ever seeing reports of them experiencing tear-out. As long as it's properly torqued and there's meat under the washer you're probably fine.

You’re probably correct. But any time I’ve got extra holes I just add that three-second inspection to my normal maintenance routine.

Thanks again. At least one more mystery surrounding this TJs history can be moved to the “Solved” list.

 

[Dan The Video Man]

Mine has an extra hole further in that was drilled by a previous owner. Luckily when I got it the track bar was installed in the correct one. I've since upgraded it to the HD JKS bar. Like yours, mine is also solid so I'm not worried about it.

 

[Zorba]

Whew! I wasn't sure if I should open this thread or not!

 

[Apparition]

Whew! I wasn't sure if I should open this thread or not!

 

[Zorba]

 

[Willys LJ]

I thought it was going to be related to the old joke about two Aggies buying a camel

 

[Moglocker]

My new-ish to me ‘99 has always had the front tires seemingly located to the right about an inch. And it’s always pulled slightly to the right. This morning I decided it was time to do a quick string-alignment and make some measurements so that I could possibly get it tracking properly. I was quite surprised to see that there were TWO track bar mounting holes on the passenger side of the axle and mine was mounted to the inboard hole. I moved the track bar to the outboard hole then re-centered the steering wheel by shortening up the main link to the Pittman arm. Lo and behold my Jeep now LOOKS straight and TRACKS straight. This is exactly why I like taking all of my pre-owned vehicles back to stock then modifying them on my own rather than hoping that previous modifications were done properly.

I wish this was my only project and I could just concentrate on it instead of having to divide my time between it and a dozen others. But for now, I’m happy to have “solved” one more issue.

I would weld it closed and get an adjustable bar

 

[any4xx]

I would weld it closed and get an adjustable bar

If I ever change height again I’ll do that. But for now, everything is back to stock. The stock bar in the correct stock mounting hole is doing just fine.

 

[AndyG]

Thank you for changing the title to this thread


I’ve been watching it and was just cringing….

 

[any4xx]

Thank you for changing the title to this thread


I’ve been watching it and was just cringing….

I didn’t change it. Thank the Admin. . I’m still pretty new here. I should probably play a bit nicer lest I be banned before I get a chance to get comfortable.

 

[MikeE024]

Thank you for changing the title to this thread


I’ve been watching it and was just cringing….

It still makes me cringe

 

[TheBoogieman]

Not my first Jeep. But my first TJ. I was a bit surprised to find two. I can only guess that whomever lifted it in the past thought it would be a good idea to drill another hole inboard of the stock hole rather than to pop for an adjustable track bar.

Mine's been like that for 7 years.

BMB HD flag nut and bolt keeps it secure after torquing it properly.