how to adjust track bar

[drdriller]

I want to put an adjustable track bar on after my Mopar lift. How do you determine how much to adjust the bar?

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[caged]

anytime i've ever installed an adjustable track bar, i remove the old, bounce the front end of the jeep up and down (standing on the front bumper). that should get it centered.
you can measure from shock or frame to inside of tire, both sides to get the same measurement to be sure it's centered. then just adjust the track bar to fit.
once it's in, you can usually tell visually by looking at tire/flare on each side to see if they are even. it doesn't have to be bang on perfect, just get it as good as you can. do this with all the weight on the ground. if you jack up the frame, it moves the axle off center.

 

[River City Offroad]

The advice above is good, but we might be able to save you some headaches.

I would start with the track bar set to 34 5/16” from center of bolt hole to center of bolt hole. Put it in the Jeep and just poke the bolts through it. Measure from the same spot on the frame out to a carpenter's level or something similar that is perfectly straight when held against the top and bottom of the tire. Place your straight edge so that you are measuring right to the center of the wheel hub or center cap. Whatever the difference is from side to side will be altered by lengthening or shortening the track bar by HALF of the difference.

1" difference would be .5" adjustment in your track bar's overall measurement. This is extreme and it shouldn't be off that much. Just trying to give you illustration here.

You should be able to center the axle under the Jeep within 1/16" with a bar that isn't adjustable in the rig and you should be able to get it absolutely precise with one that is adjustable in the vehicle.

Be sure to torque the bolts to 130 - 140 FT LB! Use a torque wrench so you know they are correct.

One more tip - take the track bar out with the Jeep on the ground. The body will move slightly in relation to the axle, but nothing is under extreme load sitting on level ground. Use a friend to slightly move the steering wheel once you have the frame side bolt through and you'll be able to easily get the track bar in on the axle side.

Good luck and enjoy working on your Jeep!

Marcus

 

[sandor.g]

The advice above is good, but we might be able to save you some headaches.

I would start with the track bar set to 34 5/16” from center of bolt hole to center of bolt hole. Put it in the Jeep and just poke the bolts through it. Measure from the same spot on the frame out to a carpenter's level or something similar that is perfectly straight when held against the top and bottom of the tire. Place your straight edge so that you are measuring right to the center of the wheel hub or center cap. Whatever the difference is from side to side will be altered by lengthening or shortening the track bar by HALF of the difference.

1" difference would be .5" adjustment in your track bar's overall measurement. This is extreme and it shouldn't be off that much. Just trying to give you illustration here.

You should be able to center the axle under the Jeep within 1/16" with a bar that isn't adjustable in the rig and you should be able to get it absolutely precise with one that is adjustable in the vehicle.

Be sure to torque the bolts to 130 - 140 FT LB! Use a torque wrench so you know they are correct.

One more tip - take the track bar out with the Jeep on the ground. The body will move slightly in relation to the axle, but nothing is under extreme load sitting on level ground. Use a friend to slightly move the steering wheel once you have the frame side bolt through and you'll be able to easily get the track bar in on the axle side.

Good luck and enjoy working on your Jeep!

Marcus

I'm probably doing something wrong. I have a solid 1" difference between the two sides (the left side sticking out more).
If I am trying to put the bar in it being extended to 34 5/16" I have to turn the steering wheel quite a bit and then my steering is off. Or is this how it should work? Extend the trackbar and then adjust the steering wheel back to normal? Just asking because none of the installation descriptions have mentioned steering adjustments.

 

[MarkY3130]

I'm probably doing something wrong. I have a solid 1" difference between the two sides (the left side sticking out more).
If I am trying to put the bar in it being extended to 34 5/16" I have to turn the steering wheel quite a bit and then my steering is off. Or is this how it should work? Extend the trackbar and then adjust the steering wheel back to normal? Just asking because none of the installation descriptions have mentioned steering adjustments.

Do the trackbar 1st, adjusting until it’s all centered.

Adjust drag link to center up the steering wheel (super easy). Do this last.

 

[sandor.g]

Do the trackbar 1st, adjusting until it’s all centered.

Adjust drag link to center up the steering wheel (super easy). Do this last.

Now it all made sense.
Thanks for replying. None of the previous videos, descriptions have mentioned the adjustment of the steering wheel after centering. I have done some research and I had a faceplam moment
After some measurements and calculations I've set the trackbar to 34 6/16” and it was SPOT ON! (for others and reference: 2019 JLU Sport S with MOPAR kit, Rock Krawler front pads, 17" Rubicon rims and 33" TA/KO2 tires.)
Had to adjust maybe 30 degrees on the steering wheel and all good to go!

I was also planning on putting the MOPAR Performance steering stabilizer in, so this was the perfect time to do so; two birds-one stone!

 

[River City Offroad]

Sorry I didn't jump in yesterday to help you, I just saw the notification. You're on the right track! Feel free to reach out if you or anyone else needs help!

Marcus

 

[sandor.g]

Sorry I didn't jump in yesterday to help you, I just saw the notification. You're on the right track! Feel free to reach out if you or anyone else needs help!

Marcus

No worries! Should have used my brain first and then ask - after all I am an engineer that used to commission gas turbines :D
Being a first time jeeper brings the sceptic out of me and I don't trust my inner mechanic anymore

 

[River City Offroad]

Asking questions is good and helps everyone learn! No shame in asking!

 

[AC77]

Now it all made sense.
Thanks for replying. None of the previous videos, descriptions have mentioned the adjustment of the steering wheel after centering. I have done some research and I had a faceplam moment
After some measurements and calculations I've set the trackbar to 34 6/16” and it was SPOT ON! (for others and reference: 2019 JLU Sport S with MOPAR kit, Rock Krawler front pads, 17" Rubicon rims and 33" TA/KO2 tires.)
Had to adjust maybe 30 degrees on the steering wheel and all good to go!

I was also planning on putting the MOPAR Performance steering stabilizer in, so this was the perfect time to do so; two birds-one stone!

this is great, as i just finished the Mopar lift this weekend (22 Sahara diesel ) , and already had the front JKS track bar and installed the rear yesterday, the truck was lifted in the back on stands, so i had to jack up from the rear diff , to align the holes, i did turn out the adjusting bolt of the JLS about 3-4 turns and then jack it up to align, haven't driven it yet , thanks for this write up and everyone's replies as well !

 

[LazyJL]

I find it easier to first make sure the toe-in is correct and then loosen the draglink adjustment.
Next, I go for a drive around the neighborhood to see which way the steering is off, stopping and twisting the adjuster in the correct direction, driving it again, and readjusting until the steering is centered, Once done, tighten the adjuster bolt. It usually takes 10-15 minutes.
A folding mechanics pad is carried all the time which eases tasks like this.

Owning and modding several Jeeps over the last 25 years, steering adjustments become simple and almost instinctive. It gets more interesting when aligning the suspension, setting control arm lengths, shock travel, and bump-stop heights.

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