Front Track Bar replacement question - 2021 JL

[E_H_Taylor]

I have a 2021 Wrangler Unlimited JL with a 2" Mopar lift and 37" tires. I have seen a lot of discussion on replacing the front track bar with a more substantial product (Steer Smart). I am looking to firm up the steering. Is front track bar alone sufficient or should I do front and rear track bars? Is there any value to also upgrading the factory steering stabilizer; I have sen mixed comments on the value of that addition, but seems more common for 37" tires? There is no major issue, just looking for more firm steering on road/highway driving.

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[Headbarcode]

All of the factory arms and linkages in the steering and suspension systems are thin walled and prone to flexing under the stress of larger tires and lift. Obviously, beefing up the tie rod and drag link will remove a lot of flex, but even doing the same with track bars and control arms will have a domino affect on steering. If the body and frame are more strongly connected, less steering corrections are needed, which gives the steering a more perceived tighter feel.

 

[Rodeoflyer]

Agreed with what Mike said, though I'd already had replacement trackbars when I installed my lower control arms and WOW what a difference they made in tracking and steering, likely due to the increased caster. Much more of a perceived difference than the front trackbar. The rear trackbar did solve the annoying little rear end hop I had over rough pavement and off-road at speed. If you're going to do ONE thing, I'd go with adjustable lower control arms over a trackbar. However, it all has a synergetic effect, ever so slightly making things better for handling/tracking/steering so the more you replace, the better of course. Anything is better than stock!

 

[Headbarcode]

Agreed with what Mike said, though I'd already had replacement trackbars when I installed my lower control arms and WOW what a difference they made in tracking and steering, likely due to the increased caster. Much more of a perceived difference than the front trackbar. The rear trackbar did solve the annoying little rear end hop I had over rough pavement and off-road at speed. If you're going to do ONE thing, I'd go with adjustable lower control arms over a trackbar. However, it all has a synergetic effect, ever so slightly making things better for handling/tracking/steering so the more you replace, the better of course. Anything is better than stock!

I had already replaced all control arms, steering linkages, and track bars. Jeep was feeling tighter than an ugly hooker.

I wanted some more beef, along with raising the rear roll center, so I added both the rear track bar relocation/reinforcement and the frame side reinforcement. Holy schnikes! Didn't make it further than a couple houses down the block, before I could feel how much more solid and planted the rear felt.

Point of this babble, is to agree and give example to the synergistic affect that different components in a machine can have on eachother. Which is that I was pleasantly surprised by how better the steering felt, because the jeep was tracking straighter and I didn't have to make as many or as large of steering corrections.

 

[hoag4147]

I had already replaced all control arms, steering linkages, and track bars. Jeep was feeling tighter than an ugly hooker.

I wanted some more beef, along with raising the rear roll center, so I added both the rear track bar relocation/reinforcement and the frame side reinforcement. Holy schnikes! Didn't make it further than a couple houses down the block, before I could feel how much more solid and planted the rear felt.

Point of this babble, is to agree and give example to the synergistic affect that different components in a machine can have on eachother. Which is that I was pleasantly surprised by how better the steering felt, because the jeep was tracking straighter and I didn't have to make as many or as large of steering corrections.

The more I read about rear TB and bracket the more convinced I need to add. The body roll definitely makes you feel like steering correction is needed. I can easily drive straight without correction since I am use to it - put the wife behind the wheel and she is all over the road

 

[Rodeoflyer]

Well.. one things for sure.. keep throwing money at it and it will be perfect, LIKE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN from the factory lol. I'm convinced Jeep is in cahoots with the aftermarket to fix all the inadequacies these things have stock. It's like they provided us with a mock-up so we could make it perfect.

That said, you couldn't pry this thing from my cold dead hands now that I have it like I want it. I think of 50 excuses a day now to go drive it.

 

[Overland Productions]

I did 2.5" lift with 37's. Installed Steer Smarts Yeti track bars front and rear. Didn't notice a difference in the steering. I just needed them to center the axles correctly and eliminate that from something else I was chasing.

I do recommend a steering stabilizer. The factory part is well tuned for the factory steering and suspension. Once you start changing things it will need an upgrade. I am replacing mine but it's on backorder for another minute. If it doesnt drive dreamy after that I'm turning it back to stock.

 

[Mikester86]

If the Mopar lift was actually 2” instead of the 3” to 3.5” most people get, you would not need track bar relocation brackets to assist with roll center.

 

[mtnbiker73]

Track bars will not make any difference in the steering feel. Track bars center your axle, that's it.
To "tighten" up the steering you'll need a new drag link. If you want to go all in, snag the psc big bore kit. Can turn our JL with one finger and the steering is super tight.

 

[wolf]

Just get the complete package from steersmarts. I did and got a discount. Not that expensive. A world of difference on my 20 JLR. You will like it.

 

[Headbarcode]

The more I read about rear TB and bracket the more convinced I need to add. The body roll definitely makes you feel like steering correction is needed. I can easily drive straight without correction since I am use to it - put the wife behind the wheel and she is all over the road

Funny you mentioning the little Mrs taking the helm.

This past Sunday, we had a family function. We happened to drive there separately. She drives a Nissan juke. She hasn't driven the Jeep since back when it was all stock on 35's, and she wanted to swap rides on the way home. We both left at the same time and I let her lead, so I could keep an eye on her while also getting to admire all my hard work and money on the move.

There wasn't a breeze to be had, but she was all over the lane like we were coming from a frat party, not our nieces sweet 16. As we approached stop lights, I was repeatedly saying "brake Brake BRAKE" until the brake lights lit, then I was saying "harder Harder HARDER". The Jeep was rocking at a full stop at every light, like a military humvee. Lol!

Other than a slight rise of our heart rates, it was an uneventful ride.

I didn't critique her, after we landed home, because I wasn't used to the overall responsiveness of a sport based vehicle. My muscle memory is tuned into making micro corrections up at speed and anticipating and countering a bit of bump steer over the bigger hits. Her car would track dead straight through a spent mine field in a hurricane, but I was looking like I just finished a keg stand because my hand forgot how to stay still. Also, while she was braking late due to the longer brake pedal throw to engagement, I was losing track of how many times the steering wheel kept me from going through the windshield. Her wheels could be fully locked with a 1/4" of pedal movement.

For those still reading this, I can assure you that her windshield does not taste like snozzberries. ?

 

[hoag4147]

Funny you mentioning the little Mrs taking the helm.

This past Sunday, we had a family function. We happened to drive there separately. She drives a Nissan juke. She hasn't driven the Jeep since back when it was all stock on 35's, and she wanted to swap rides on the way home. We both left at the same time and I let her lead, so I could keep an eye on her while also getting to admire all my hard work and money on the move.

There wasn't a breeze to be had, but she was all over the lane like we were coming from a frat party, not our nieces sweet 16. As we approached stop lights, I was repeatedly saying "brake Brake BRAKE" until the brake lights lit, then I was saying "harder Harder HARDER". The Jeep was rocking at a full stop at every light, like a military humvee. Lol!

Other than a slight rise of our heart rates, it was an uneventful ride.

I didn't critique her, after we landed home, because I wasn't used to the overall responsiveness of a sport based vehicle. My muscle memory is tuned into making micro corrections up at speed and anticipating and countering a bit of bump steer over the bigger hits. Her car would track dead straight through a spent mine field in a hurricane, but I was looking like I just finished a keg stand because my hand forgot how to stay still. Also, while she was braking late due to the longer brake pedal throw to engagement, I was losing track of how many times the steering wheel kept me from going through the windshield. Her wheels could be fully locked with a 1/4" of pedal movement.

For those still reading this, I can assure you that her windshield does not taste like snozzberries. ?

That is a hilarious story lol. My experience was from the passenger seat when we went to pickup her car after getting new rubber at DT. I said you drive so I can just jump out when we get there. I was laughing all the way with a crappy road that throws you back and forth and she was constantly correcting steering. She ask me, how the he!! do you enjoy driving this thing ?

 

[Headbarcode]

That is a hilarious story lol. My experience was from the passenger seat when we went to pickup her car after getting new rubber at DT. I said you drive so I can just jump out when we get there. I was laughing all the way with a crappy road that throws you back and forth and she was constantly correcting steering. She ask me, how the he!! do you enjoy driving this thing ?

She was interested in a 2 door Rubicon, until her 1st time driving mine. Soon after, she caught sight of the upcoming bronco. After her 2nd drive, she was asking if Ford was ever gonna start selling them. She's the perfect candidate for something rugged looking, yet still refined for the road.

 

[hoag4147]

She was interested in a 2 door Rubicon, until her 1st time driving mine. Soon after, she caught sight of the upcoming bronco. After her 2nd drive, she was asking if Ford was ever gonna start selling them. She's the perfect candidate for something rugged looking, yet still refined for the road.

Well mine is spoiled . Drives a little Lexus SUV and doesn’t care about driving lifted rigs. Enjoys riding around in one but not driving. I think in the 5 yrs owning our TJ she drove it once and only driven my truck once because she had to

 

[Headbarcode]

Well mine is spoiled . Drives a little Lexus SUV and doesn’t care about driving lifted rigs. Enjoys riding around in one but not driving. I think in the 5 yrs owning our TJ she drove it once and only driven my truck once because she had to

Awesome vehicle pool!

We can't all be as lucky as wibornz, to have an awesome wife that's also into Jeeps and off-roading. I still can't at all complain, though!

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