Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Track bar

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-01-2019, 09:32 AM
  #16  
Seasoned Member
 
TheBoogieman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: CharlottesHELL VA
Posts: 284
Received 50 Likes on 44 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Outlaw Star
Even at 2", your axle has shifted. Now you can still use a stock trackbar but there is a cheap (less than 30 bucks) bracket you can bolt on to shift the axle back center. It doesn't look like it, but it hangs no lower than your LCA brackets.
I bought a Jeep with one of those installed and removed it asap. I don't know anyone that would use one of those. It lowers the track bar mounting point and screws up the angles just like using a drop pitman arm on a lifted Jeep does. A 2" lift moves the axle around 1/2" so the axle shift is really a non-issue unless someone has OCD. Most people just buy an adjustable track bar or drill another hole with larger lifts. I've done both with no ill effects either way.

Last edited by TheBoogieman; 08-01-2019 at 09:39 AM.
Old 08-01-2019, 09:34 AM
  #17  
Seasoned Member
 
TheBoogieman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: CharlottesHELL VA
Posts: 284
Received 50 Likes on 44 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by EZEARL
Well ****! But THANKS. Just finished my order through Amazon about an hour ago. Of course they sell the bracket. Found one for $24.95 which is a bit cheaper. It's black rather than anodized like your pic though.
http://www.protunesuspension.com/fro...okee-xj-84-01/
That's not for a stock Jeep anyway.
Old 08-01-2019, 09:38 AM
  #18  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
EZEARL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WV
Posts: 5,676
Received 298 Likes on 253 Posts
Year: '96
Model: Cherokee
Default

Mine's lifted 2".
Old 08-01-2019, 09:42 AM
  #19  
Seasoned Member
 
TheBoogieman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: CharlottesHELL VA
Posts: 284
Received 50 Likes on 44 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by EZEARL
Mine's lifted 2".
Stock track bar with no other brackets works best. Pills work best if you have OCD and a 1/2-3/4" axle shift will ruin your day. After lifting 18 of my own Jeeps, I'm picky but not obsessive about minor stuff. Good luck. I'm off to replace my motor mounts in 90 degree temps today.

Last edited by TheBoogieman; 08-01-2019 at 09:50 AM.
Old 08-01-2019, 09:58 AM
  #20  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
EZEARL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WV
Posts: 5,676
Received 298 Likes on 253 Posts
Year: '96
Model: Cherokee
Default

Suppose to hit 90 here today. Taking a break today after working on an old barn yesterday. Just took a measurement and it's out 1/2" to the left. Anyways good luck with your mounts and just think cool thoughts while at it. lol
The following users liked this post:
TheBoogieman (08-01-2019)
Old 08-01-2019, 10:17 AM
  #21  
::CF Administrator::

 
Outlaw Star's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,042
Received 236 Likes on 188 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Default

Originally Posted by TheBoogieman
I bought a Jeep with one of those installed and removed it asap. I don't know anyone that would use one of those. It lowers the track bar mounting point and screws up the angles just like using a drop pitman arm on a lifted Jeep does. A 2" lift moves the axle around 1/2" so the axle shift is really a non-issue unless someone has OCD. Most people just buy an adjustable track bar or drill another hole with larger lifts. I've done both with no ill effects either way.
Someone doesn't know how to tighten bolts? Haven't had any issues on any Jeep I've put those on. There shouldn't be a problem if it's tightened up. As for offroading, if you're worried about it hanging up, then you really should be using an adjustable bar anyways. I have true 2" spacers up front and the axle shifted more than your claimed 1/2". It works just fine for me.
Keep in mind one fact, every Jeep is different, what worked or didn't on yours, may or may not work on another. These are all just some suggestions from all of us.

Last edited by Outlaw Star; 08-01-2019 at 10:24 AM.
Old 08-01-2019, 10:29 AM
  #22  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
EZEARL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WV
Posts: 5,676
Received 298 Likes on 253 Posts
Year: '96
Model: Cherokee
Default

I'm going to admit to my OCD hang up and order one. lol
Old 08-01-2019, 11:38 AM
  #23  
::CF Administrator::

 
Outlaw Star's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,042
Received 236 Likes on 188 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Default

Originally Posted by EZEARL
I'm going to admit to my OCD hang up and order one. lol
Old 08-01-2019, 02:13 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
country2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Homer Georgia
Posts: 703
Received 98 Likes on 89 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
Default

Originally Posted by EZEARL
Suppose to hit 90 here today. Taking a break today after working on an old barn yesterday. Just took a measurement and it's out 1/2" to the left. Anyways good luck with your mounts and just think cool thoughts while at it. lol
Been 90 plus pretty much all week here and I've been laying under my Jeep the whole time cussing at all the stuck rusted bolts..even using Kroil oil and a torch did not help! This may be the last front end I do..lol
Old 08-01-2019, 03:31 PM
  #25  
CF Veteran
 
5-Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,493
Received 391 Likes on 309 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

Some of us could only dream about 90° weather! I had to wait until 9pm to do an oil change last night.

Old 08-01-2019, 04:09 PM
  #26  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
EZEARL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WV
Posts: 5,676
Received 298 Likes on 253 Posts
Year: '96
Model: Cherokee
Default

Yea I pity you guys. I worked blacktop for 9yrs. Walk away from 400 degree hot rocks and even 100 degrees feels cool.



At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. lol
Old 08-01-2019, 05:28 PM
  #27  
CF Veteran
 
5-Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,493
Received 391 Likes on 309 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

I could never do any sort of construction out here unless it was a winter only job. I really dont see how they do it in the summer. Soon it will be over 110°....

I like your story and we will stick to it.
Old 08-10-2019, 09:06 AM
  #28  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
EZEARL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WV
Posts: 5,676
Received 298 Likes on 253 Posts
Year: '96
Model: Cherokee
Default

Update:
So I got the track bar and drop bracket installed. No offset to the axle now. Only one issue. There are no torque specs with the bracket. When I tried to reach the 74 ft/lb spec for the bushing end of the track bar (which I had no problem reaching with the OEM set up) I snapped the M10 12.9 class bolt that came with the bracket. Actually pulled the threads out of the nylon lock nut that came with it. The bracket came with a "product review request card". So I'll recommend that they supply torque specs. Not complaining at all here. It's a Rugged Ridge bracket.
Old 08-10-2019, 12:08 PM
  #29  
::CF Administrator::

 
Outlaw Star's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,042
Received 236 Likes on 188 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Default

Originally Posted by EZEARL
Update:
So I got the track bar and drop bracket installed. No offset to the axle now. Only one issue. There are no torque specs with the bracket. When I tried to reach the 74 ft/lb spec for the bushing end of the track bar (which I had no problem reaching with the OEM set up) I snapped the M10 12.9 class bolt that came with the bracket. Actually pulled the threads out of the nylon lock nut that came with it. The bracket came with a "product review request card". So I'll recommend that they supply torque specs. Not complaining at all here. It's a Rugged Ridge bracket.
That's what I had. I just used Standard Navy Torque.
Old 08-10-2019, 12:42 PM
  #30  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
EZEARL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WV
Posts: 5,676
Received 298 Likes on 253 Posts
Year: '96
Model: Cherokee
Default

I did crank the torque wrench down to 50 ft/lb when the light bulb when off in my brain but too late. Don't know what SNT is but Farmer Tight is working so far. I'll keep an eye on it though. And THANKS for the tip on the bracket. Never knew there was such a thing.


Quick Reply: Track bar



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:02 PM.