Front Ultimate Dana 44 Questions

[Luckysin13]

Good Morning Group,
I have searched pretty extensively looking for this answer but haven't yet uncovered it. If it is on here if you could send me the link to thread that would be greatly appreciated. I have been running a UD44 upfront for quite some time and have been battling bump steer. I was looking into Top Mount Drag Link options as but I noticed a few extra brackets on the axle. First Question, What are these extra brackets for (based on my research I believe one is for a "bottom mount" steering stablizer which I won't use but I noticed one near the track bar mounting location. Second Question - If that bracket is for the track bar (pictured below near the passenger spring perch) has any one used it or have pictures with installing it that way? I do have the aluminum steering box and just purchased the steel one and plan on installing it this weekend but trying to tighten the steering just a bit. Thank you in advance.

Current Front End Mods:
UD44
Rock Jock Anti Rock
4" Synergy Coil Springs
Steersmarts DL, TB, TR, SS

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[word302]

If your drag link and track bar are parallel, what you’re experiencing is not bump steer. How much lift do you have? I wouldn’t flip the drag link unless you have over 4”. If you raise the axle side of the drag link without also raising the axle side track bar mount, you will introduce bump steer.

 

[Luckysin13]

If your drag link and track bar are parallel, what you’re experiencing is not bump steer. How much lift do you have? I wouldn’t flip the drag link unless you have over 4”. If you raise the axle side of the drag link without also raising the axle side track bar mount, you will introduce bump steer.

I have a Frankenstein lift but it is a Sport that I have built up. Currently sitting on 4" Spings from Synergy and they recommend a flip kit after 3". What would I be experiencing? I do have Dynatrac Ball Joints as well.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I have a Frankenstein lift but it is a Sport that I have built up. Currently sitting on 4" Spings from Synergy and they recommend a flip kit after 3". What would I be experiencing? I do have Dynatrac Ball Joints as well.

My 3.5" MC has a lateral movement on hitting bumps on the right side. Geometry tells me that the more steeply angled trackbar causes this. I think it's more uncomfortable than a stiff ride.

 

[word302]

I have a Frankenstein lift but it is a Sport that I have built up. Currently sitting on 4" Spings from Synergy and they recommend a flip kit after 3". What would I be experiencing? I do have Dynatrac Ball Joints as well.

3” is not enough lift for a flip without giving up a ton of uptravel. 4” is borderline. The raised track bar mount might fix your issue, but then you’ll be looking at limiting your travel to keep the drag link from hitting the frame. The jolt you’re likely feeling is the entire axle shifting due to the angle of the track bar.

 

[Luckysin13]

Thank you for the response. Is there anything to help that or is just a “Jeep” thing. Still begs the question about the bracket on the ud44

 

[Jtphoto]

Bumpsteer - when you hit a bump like a whoop that is enough to compress the suspension if the trackbar and draglink aren’t totally parallel, the steering wheel will turn as the suspension compresses. The bigger the bump the more it turns. Allow the steering wheel to slip through your Hands a bit as it does this and you are fine. Hold too tight and you will be jumping all over the road. If this is your problem the steering wheel generally wants to turn right.

 

[word302]

Thank you for the response. Is there anything to help that or is just a “Jeep” thing. Still begs the question about the bracket on the ud44

The bracket is to raise the track bar, which can’t be added without flipping the drag link, which can’t be done without limiting uptravel. So yes, there is a solution but it can introduce other issues. It’s not really a Jeep thing, it’s a straight front axle thing. More lift makes it more pronounced which is why people flip the drag link and raise the track bar mount once they get above 4” of lift. Another option is to notch the frame for clearance on the drag link if you decide to flip it with less lift.

 

[DLW]

If I understood your question, and your are referring to this bracket, that is for a steering stabilizer.
The track bar location is about 2" lower and to the right of it.

 

[word302]

Also this question is more suited to the suspension/steering forum. You’ll likely get more traction if you move it over there.

 

[Luckysin13]

If I understood your question, and your are referring to this bracket, that is for a steering stabilizer.
The track bar location is about 2" lower and to the right of it.

Thank you!! That's what I was looking for, it is not posted anywhere and have been curious.

 

[DLW]

Thank you!! That's what I was looking for, it is not posted anywhere and have been curious.

Yeah, it is a similar bracket as on my UD60 as well.

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