Fabtech 3" Spacer Lift (K4100)

[branch906]

First time Jeep owner.

Black 2018 JLU Sahara

I'm having a Fabtech 3" spacer lift (K4100) installed to increase the stance and allow for larger wheels/tires.

Mechanic just called and said the front track bar is not lining up. Doing a search this seems common and you need to turn the steering wheel accordingly to allow for bolt holes to align. To me this seems like we a forcing it to align, I dont like forcing it... The kit did not come with an adjustable fron track bar. Should I purchase one? Anyone have experience with a similar lift kit? Will my axle be way out of line without adjustable track bar?

again new to this, looking for help.

This jeep will not be seeing trails, just a lot of sand and beach.

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[TTEChris]

It does no harm turning the steering wheel to align that bolt hole. If the wheels were not 100% straight coming off the lift the trackbar would not line up either (I'm assuming they are doing this on the ground.)
Your axle will be shifted slightly, but when I measured my wifes 100% bone stock Sport it was also off. Getting an adjustable track bar is a good idea, but even if you adjust it so the hole lines up perfectly my bet is you still have to turn the adjuster to center it properly once the bolts are in place. My axles are centered with adjustable trackbars, and everytime I disconnect it for other work i have to either have someone push on the bumper or turn the wheel to get it aligned again...

 

[branch906]

Thank you for the quick reply TTEChris. I'll have the Jeep back shortly and will verify alignment, but it is comforting to hear this is normal.

FYI: It is raised on a lift to perform this work. does that make a difference -vs- installation on the ground?

 

[TTEChris]

Thank you for the quick reply TTEChris. I'll have the Jeep back shortly and will verify alignment, but it is comforting to hear this is normal.

FYI: It is raised on a lift to perform this work. does that make a difference -vs- installation on the ground?

Yes if the work is done on a lift or with floor jacks the process should be the same.
One of the track bar bolts should be installed when the vehicle is on the ground as that is when the bar is most parallel and it's easiest to slide in(Also it's easier to manipulate the body by turning the wheel or pushing on the bumper when the vehicle is settled.)
Also, make sure they loosen all the control arm bolts while it's on the lift and torque them on the ground. Same goes with all four track bar bolts(Front/Rear.) If they are tightened in the air they will bind when put on the ground.

 

[Pressurized]

We commonly use a ratchet strap to pull the axle over so that the track bar lines up.

 

[branch906]

wheels look ever so slightly favoring the driver side, but it really depends on the angle your looking. Having larger wheels/tires installed Monday and will have an adjustable track bar installed as well. Thanks for the replies.

Jeep rides exactly as it did before the 3" spacer lift, i like that. Funny story: the wife fell out of the jeep tonight at my daughters swim meet, she didn't account for the extra 3".....true story.....

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