Track bar for a Recon 392?

[R44pilot]

I'm a bit of a neophyte when it comes to modifying a Jeep suspension. I'm installing the Mopar performance LCA's but would I be wise to also install an adjustable track bar too. I'm just trying to firm up the steering a bit, although my Recon has the best steering of any Wrangler I've ever owned already, but I let a friend drive it last week (she's coming out of a BMW Z4, so there is that) and she loved the Jeep, but she didnt like the looseness or play on center of the wheel. Yes I know, for off-roading this is normal and wanted, but living in S Florida I'm not sure how hardcore use it's going to see, but it will be a creampuff for the next person!

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[AnnDee4444]

I'm a bit of a neophyte when it comes to modifying a Jeep suspension. I'm installing the Mopar performance LCA's but would I be wise to also install an adjustable track bar too. I'm just trying to firm up the steering a bit, although my Recon has the best steering of any Wrangler I've ever owned already, but I let afraid drive it last week (she's coming out of a BMW Z4, so there is that) and she loved the Jeep, but she didnt like the looseness or play on center of the wheel. Yes I know, for off-roading this is normal and wanted, but living in S Florida I'm not sure how hardcore use it's going to see, but it will a creampuff for the next person!

As far as I know nothing is unique about the 392 XR's track bar. Any aftermarket offering should fit.

 

[R44pilot]

I guess I'm looking for an explanation of what or how a track bar functions. I understand most automotive suspension systems so I’m wondering does this go by another name on a non Jeep vehicle?

 

[SouthCo]

Track bar keeps the axle centered under the Jeep. A vehicle with independent suspension will not have one.

I'd start with the Mopar LCA and see how it feels.

An article on track bars...
https://www.quadratec.com/c/reference/what-track-bar-and-why-do-i-need-it

 

[AnnDee4444]

I guess I looking for an explanation of what or how a track bar functions. I understand most automotive suspension systems so I’m wondering does this go by another name on a non Jeep vehicle?

"Panhard bar" is the term for all other vehicles. It centers the axle from left-to-right. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhard_rod

 

[R44pilot]

Track bar keeps the axle centered under the Jeep. A vehicle with independent suspension will not have one.

I'd start with the Mopar LCA and see how it feels.

An article on track bars...
https://www.quadratec.com/c/reference/what-track-bar-and-why-do-i-need-it

Thanks for the info and link, I’ll check it out.

 

[R44pilot]

Thanks for the info and link, I’ll check it out.

Got it! ?

 

[R44pilot]

"Panhard bar" is the term for all other vehicles. It centers the axle from left-to-right. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhard_rod

Had one of those on an old Alfa Romeo back in the day. Actually it was a Watts linkage but worked like a Panhard bar

 

[Renegade]

Doesn’t the 392/XR come with the 1/4” longer Mopar LCAs already? Might want to check the part numbers. You won’t gain anything significant from a new track bar unless yours is worn out, or you’re lifting it.

 

[hoag4147]

Doesn’t the 392/XR come with the 1/4” longer Mopar LCAs already? Might want to check the part numbers. You won’t gain anything significant from a new track bar unless yours is worn out, or you’re lifting it.

They do not have the longer LCAs. It was confirmed a while ago on here.

 

[AnnDee4444]

Had one of those on an old Alfa Romeo back in the day. Actually it was a Watts linkage but worked like a Panhard bar

A watts linkage is actually much better for centering the axle, but doesn't have the range or simplicity that a panhard bar can achieve..

Watts:




Panhard a.k.a. Track:

 

[MTGOAT]

Not sure of the Forum's policies on posting vendor links; If you are looking to firm up the front end look into SteerSmart. I can tell you that I installed their XD Track Bar, XD Drag Link with Attenuator and XD tie-rod allong with an adjustable steering stabilizer from Falcon Shocks. This firmed up the front end of the Rubicon and you could immediately tell a difference on and off road.

 

[richk225]

With an aftermarket adjustable you will have several options available
Bushing or Heim Joints
Bushing durometer can be stiffer. Jeep has updated their track bars a couple of timers along
Overall diameter can be thicker
You can reinforce the mounting points
You may want to consider an upgrade to a better steering stabilizer, for 2018 they had 4 updates alone.
And from what I hear the shocks are no longer from Fox, not sure who makes them and the steering stabilizer
I believe the main objective is to jeep your axle centered under your Jeep. You can actually take measurements from fixed points on each side to see it they are the same in the front and rear

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