New track bar needed?

[drdriller]

I have a 19 JL (2 door) with 2" Mopar lift and 35" tires. I have an inch of play both clockwise and counterclockwise in my steering wheel before the tire starts to move. I suspect I need new trackbar. What one do you guys recommend? Do I need a new alignment after I install it myself?

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[JP18]

I have a 19 JL (2 door) with 2" Mopar lift and 35" tires. I have an inch of play both clockwise and counterclockwise in my steering wheel before the tire starts to move. I suspect I need new trackbar. What one do you guys recommend? Do I need a new alignment after I install it myself?

A new alignment is always suggested after a lift kit.

As for finding out where the loose may be, I suggest having a helper turn the steering wheel progressively more while you watch what's going on in the steering to try to figure out where the play may be. Obviously keep the Jeep in Park and the parking brake on. You can generally see a part moving, and another one that doesn't. In the location where that happens, it's usually the problem part.

Also, have you re-tightened everything back to spec after driving a few miles?

JP18

 

[ChrispyJL]

if you got more than 2" like most have got from the MOPAR lift then yes.
Also some Adjustable LCAs if you got more than 2"
Also a falcon or fox steering stabilizer

I would seriously go ahead and get the full steersmart YETI kit and some LCAs, have them installed, get it aligned and have a jeep that is better than what FCA released.

However, and someone correct me if I am wrong...a track bar centers your axle, it will not fix a dead spot in the steering, unless it is way out of center?

Was there a dead spot before the lift and 35s?

 

[drdriller]

I have a falcon steering stabilizer and I got 4 inch lift from Mopar 2 inch kit. I did NOT have a dead spot prior to lift.

 

[californiajeeping]

I have a falcon steering stabilizer and I got 4 inch lift from Mopar 2 inch kit. I did NOT have a dead spot prior to lift.

What was your toe setting before and after the lift? Also check out the thread about the new JL track bar with firmer bushings. Depending on your build date, you might have the older track bar.

 

[drdriller]

ok, to clear it up. I had stock rubicon jl 2019. I had Mopar 2 " mopar lift kit put on along with 35" tires on 17" rims. At the same time, the shop performed a new alignment just after install. I then had a lot of play in my steering wheel and I drift around a lot on the road---exactly like driving my 79 CJ7 with 4" lift. So, for shits and grins, I installed the Falcon steering stabilizer. I still have a lot of play. So, I'm thinking I need to replace my track bar.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Come up and see us. I have a metalcloak trackbar that I used on my Jeep for about 2k miles before switching everything over to steer smart. I’ll make you a heck of a deal on it. We can get it on the alignment rack and see what’s going after installing the TB too.

Brett

 

[rustyshakelford]

ok, to clear it up. I had stock rubicon jl 2019. I had Mopar 2 " mopar lift kit put on along with 35" tires on 17" rims. At the same time, the shop performed a new alignment just after install. I then had a lot of play in my steering wheel and I drift around a lot on the road---exactly like driving my 79 CJ7 with 4" lift. So, for shits and grins, I installed the Falcon steering stabilizer. I still have a lot of play. So, I'm thinking I need to replace my track bar.

After reading this what was your caster at when they checked it? When you go into a turn does it want to return to neutral?

The track bar really just centers the axle. What you’re describing doesn’t sound like something a TB will correct to me

Brett

 

[ToolMan514]

JLJournal did a video about 6 weeks ago with Jim from Dynatrac about checking which components might cause the play in the steering system. This might be a way for you to know what components to look at. For me, I bookmarked this video as a reference if or when my steering starts to go wonky!

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