All track bar reinforcement bracket options

[Fast-n-Furious]

I was doing research on the steering improvements and saw lots of members installed the Steer Smarts Yeti XD Sector Shaft Brace with Frame-Side Track Bar Reinforcement Bracket.

Recently Synergy released a new version of the brace with several improvements to address the issues found on their first version.



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[Mojo6mt]

I just recently had the Metalcloak HD steering system installed. I also did the Metalcloak sector shaft brace and front trackbar reinforcement bracket. I’m very pleased with the results. Might want to consider these as an option also.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

I just recently had the Metalcloak HD steering system installed. I also did the Metalcloak sector shaft brace and front trackbar reinforcement bracket. I’m very pleased with the results. Might want to consider these as an option also.

Good to know, thanks. Do you feel a noticeable improvement over stock steering both on and off road?

 

[limeade]

I run the Synergy brace with the old style bushing. I've modified it to add a set screw to keep the bronze bushing from turning. Mine is similar to one of the new styles Synergy is offering, in addition to their sealed bearing. I might upgrade to the sealed bearing, but honestly have had zero issues with the bronze bushing so far.

I really like the Synergy as it reinforces the frame rail at the PS box and the track bar mount. Yes, it takes a bit more time to install than the Metalcloak, but you get more for your money. I haven't looked at the Yeti system since I've been using the Synergy since 2019.

IMHO, if you're running 37's or larger then a sector shaft/track bar brace is important to use. It takes one less variable out of the equation of getting a shimmy or death wobble. I've had ZERO shimmy or death wobble on my rig.

 

[Mojo6mt]

Yeah I noticed much tighter feel. I was just starting to get the beginning of DW.
im at 43k miles on AEV beadlocks with 37’s. No more wobble.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

I run the Synergy brace with the old style bushing. I've modified it to add a set screw to keep the bronze bushing from turning. Mine is similar to one of the new styles Synergy is offering, in addition to their sealed bearing. I might upgrade to the sealed bearing, but honestly have had zero issues with the bronze bushing so far.

I really like the Synergy as it reinforces the frame rail at the PS box and the track bar mount. Yes, it takes a bit more time to install than the Metalcloak, but you get more for your money. I haven't looked at the Yeti system since I've been using the Synergy since 2019.

IMHO, if you're running 37's or larger then a sector shaft/track bar brace is important to use. It takes one less variable out of the equation of getting a shimmy or death wobble. I've had ZERO shimmy or death wobble on my rig.

Awesome that you were able to modify and make it stronger! The new style seems to be great, but there’s no need to upgrade if your current one serves the purpose well. I’m only running 35” from the stock XR package, steering feels good so far. That’s also why I haven’t upgraded the steering stabilizer like many others did, I don’t see the need yet. And I wanted to understand the steering mechanism and components of weak points first.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

Yeah I noticed much tighter feel. I was just starting to get the beginning of DW.
im at 43k miles on AEV beadlocks with 37’s. No more wobble.

That’s awesome! As I understand, you may still need some sort of hydro assist system if you go serious rock crawling. Otherwise, what you have should be good enough ?

 

[Mojo6mt]

?

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

So I did a bit more learning on the MetalCloak version, essentially we need two pieces to achieve the same goals. And the sector shaft brace requires to drill two holes and use rivet nuts for the two screws. This can be a deal breaker.

The MetalCloak 3/8" steel sector shaft is indeed beefy, their front track bar reinforcement bracket is 3/16" steel and it has bottom bolts too! Both the updated Synergy and Steer Smarts track bar brackets use 1/4" steel.

 

[c20040215]

I started with Rusty's track bar mount reinforcement bracket. Just to have a peace in mind due to some welding issue on some 2018 model. Later I switched to steer smart unit with sector shaft brace.

To be completely honest, couldn't really tell the difference.

But it definitely helps me sleep better knowing the bracket and sector shaft are braced and reinforced.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

I started with Rusty's track bar mount reinforcement bracket. Just to have a peace in mind due to some welding issue on some 2018 model. Later I switched to steer smart unit with sector shaft brace.

To be completely honest, couldn't really tell the difference.

But it definitely helps me sleep better knowing the bracket and sector shaft are braced and reinforced.

Agreed. Thanks for the feedback. Maybe similar to the Mopar LCAs swap, I didn’t feel an obvious improvement even though I got better caster angles. I drive wife’s Audi A4 and my JL interchangeably each week, I still don’t complain the JL steering, maybe just me can tolerate…

 

[DLW]

I'm using the new bearing synergy setup on my PSC hydro assist. Install was spot on. Installed it for the extra support primarily. My whole steering has changed so can't comment on an improvement over stock.

 

[Jeepin_OLB]

I also have the synergy setup with the newer sealed bearing. I've had really good luck with Synergy products going back to my JK. The added beef on the track bar mount is why I chose it over the sector brace MetalCloak sells. It's a little pricey, but good insurance. I'm running 39s on my 2018 with the aluminum box and the steering is tight (for a Jeep).

 

[Old Jeeper]

I was doing research on the steering improvements and saw lots of members installed the Steer Smarts Yeti XD Sector Shaft Brace with Frame-Side Track Bar Reinforcement Bracket.

Recently Synergy released a new version of the brace with several improvements to address the issues found on their first version.



Competition improves breed. Are you gonna choose this new one over Steer Smarts?

As a Jeeper who fabbed mods like this back in my TJ day, I really Applaud this company for their product.

After dwelling on Street Smarts Vs the Synergy offering I would say as a Welder, machinist and metal fab guy that Synergy takes the prize.

Not to say that Street Smarts does not offer up bad products, in fact is great but I believe Synergy crosses the finish line first in my book and it will be my choice.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

As a Jeeper who fabbed mods like this back in my TJ day, I really Applaud this company for their product.

After dwelling on Street Smarts Vs the Synergy offering I would say as a Welder, machinist and metal fab guy that Synergy takes the prize.

Not to say that Street Smarts does not offer up bad products, in fact is great but I believe Synergy crosses the finish line first in my book and it will be my choice.

Agreed! Thanks for the perspective! The one who created the original proof of concept/product to address the identified problem deserves the credit, and the one who improves the product based users feedback deserves continued support too!

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