TJ front track bar mount advice needed

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Jeff_R said

JohnDF said Make sure your Jeep body is centered over the axle.  

I centered it using a vertical level from the tires and then measured perpendicular to the edge of the fenders. I then tried to attached the track bar but it was a no go.  

sounds like you need more lift with that trackbar!

BKGM Jeepers said S sounds like you need more lift with that trackbar!  

I have a RE 4.5" lift and the HD track bar is supposed to fit. 😕

I called RE tech support today. I was told that the HD track bar is designed to be used on a lift up to 7 inches and that to fit a 4.5 inch lift you need to cut about a half an inch off of the threaded end of the track bar. It would have been nice if they had mentioned that in the installation instructions!

JohnDF said Like I said, a drop pitman arm is a band aid for bad steering geometry. If your trac bar and drag link are parallel, DO NOT add a drop pitman arm. If they are not parallel then a drop pitman arm may cure the angles. Pitman arms used to be a very big deal on YJs and CJs, they were needed with any type of lift. Now the TJs have improved steering geometry and you can lift it 5.5" without the need for a drop pitman arm. I won't even mention all the drop pitman arms I've seen break on the trail. It was so bad I used to carry spare drop pitman arms even though I always ran a stock one. Luckily I always carried a couple of them when I went to the Hammers and one trip they both were needed. I'm not saying they are evil, I'm not saying that you don't need one, I'm just saying don't put one on just because all the cool kids are doing it

Before installing the RE HD track bar my draglink and track bar were parallel according to the measurement technique in the article I posted (measuring from the ground to the center of the joints). After installing the HD track bar the track bar is now one inch lower on the drivers side than the draglink. So technically they are no longer parallel. However, last weekend I test drove my TJ and I couldn't detect any bump steer nor any change in the steering. To test it I drove over some speed bumps with one tire to check for bump steer. Once I drive it more I will know for sure but for now I don't think I will need to install a drop pitman arm. Thanks everyone who chimed in with opinions and advice. I really appreciate it!