Synergy Trackbar/Sector Shaft brace on stock JT Rubicon?

[pilot602]

So I’ve had my Gladiator Rubicon for a few months now - a little over 3600 miles - and I’ve made a few runs up the “hill” to the in-laws cabin. About 2hr drive on mountain highway (1300ft to 7000ft elevation). And the truck can be a handful especially when windy or being passed by large vehicles. Obviously I’ve run across the “steering issue” online. Ive always felt the steering is vague. So, I’ve put my phone under the truck and noticed the steering box moving about a 1/32” on and off the frame rail when actuating the steering.

Having said that, the steering isn’t horrendous but it’s also not great. The sloppy/wandering could and should be improved hence my interest in the Synergy trackbar/sector shaft brace.

I’m curious if anyone has installed it on a stock JTR (no other suspension mods but the brace). The instruction say their track bar OR a 2” bump stop spacer must be used. I’m not really interested in changing the track bar (yet anyway) and was curious to know if anyone has gone the spacer route?

I realize it will cut down on some articulation but I don’t rock crawl (mostly forest road type stuff) but I do plan on 35” tires when the 33s need replacement.

I wanted to know if anyone had done this with stock and noticed the same improvement I’ve seen in all the reviews. I ask because ll thereviews I’ve come across have been on lifted and or larger tire installs.

Thanks!

JK

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[Factoid]

I can’t answer your core question as I installed it and their adjustable track bar on my JTR with Mopar lift and 37s, but I don’t understand your point about reduced articulation? I don’t believe that is true.

I posted a comment in the Bad Steering Box thread you might want to review prior to making any decisions.

 

[kevman65]

First thing I would do is make sure your steering box bolts are torqued down to spec.

There are numerous responses through multiple threads about people finding these 4 bolts loose.


The way I see it, the 2" bump stop increase is to accommodate the brace hanging down further once installed. Don't want to tear it up by bottoming on stock compression of springs.

 

[pilot602]

I am new to Jeeps and “heavy” vehicle mods in general - I assumed a 2” bump stop spacer would limit the travel of the suspension by 2” - I have a feeling this may be incorrect which is part of why I asked. I have no problem looking dumb!

As for the bolts on the steering box, I just went and torqued them to 90lbs (which is what the synergy installation calls for) and the front two moved a tad (Less than a 1/5 turn) but the rear two were probably a half turn or more “loose.”

I’ll drive it a bit and see if it makes any difference.

JK

 

[kevman65]

I am new to Jeeps and “heavy” vehicle mods in general - I assumed a 2” bump stop spacer would limit the travel of the suspension by 2” - I have a feeling this may be incorrect which is part of why I asked. I have no problem looking dumb!

As for the bolts on the steering box, I just went and torqued them to 90lbs (which is what the synergy installation calls for) and the front two moved a tad (Less than a 1/5 turn) but the rear two were probably a half turn or more “loose.”

I’ll drive it a bit and see if it makes any difference.

JK

It does limit the travel, on the compression side. Articulation is much more than just compression. One side will be fully compressed, the other side fully extended, then you are at full articulation for that axle.
As I said, the 2" bump stop is to prevent damage to the Sector Shaft/Track Bar Brace.

 

[pilot602]

It does limit the travel, on the compression side. Articulation is much more than just compression. One side will be fully compressed, the other side fully extended, then you are at full articulation for that axle.
As I said, the 2" bump stop is to prevent damage to the Sector Shaft/Track Bar Brace.

I suppose I should have used travel instead of articulation - and yes I know they want the spacer to keep the sector shaft from contacting the track bar at full compression - I was just curiousof the 2” travel limit (on a non lifted suspension) was “worth” the sacrifice. I think I know the answer to that based on my intended use but just combing the hive mind.

Thanks!

JK

 

[kevman65]

I really believe that tightening the steering box bolts, and then if there is still slop following bfertig's video about adjusting the steering box, that most problems will be solved.

Between those two things, most of the slop would be eliminated.

I got lucky. Mine was bolted down tight and the steering box was not sloppy. I still get the standard Jeep "float" or bounce when traveling at speed on the road. But steering is pretty damned straight.

 

[pilot602]

I’m watching his video right now. I’ll try both and see what happens. ‍

JK

 

[DAVECS1]

I did the sector shaft brace and yeti Track bar front and rear and I can do 70 with two fingers! I have the Mopar 2.5 lift with 35s. Really close to my 2019Ram limited

 

[pilot602]

I tightened up the steering box bolts and tightened the steering box lash adjustment by about 2 clock positions - and I noticed a big improvement and the wife did as well. We will run with this for a bit and see what happens ...

JK

 

[Notthatjoesmith]

Just torqued down my steering box bolts. 4,000 miles on it. Had to go at least one half turn to get to torque spec! Hope this helps mine. I'm in line for the new steering box

 

[RodRecket]

I did the sector shaft brace and yeti Track bar front and rear and I can do 70 with two fingers! I have the Mopar 2.5 lift with 35s. Really close to my 2019Ram limited

dragging this thread back... Did you have to run the extra bump stop with your yeti track bar to avoid contact?

 

[DAVECS1]

dragging this thread back... Did you have to run the extra bump stop with your yeti track bar to avoid contact?

No I did not. I havr not had any issue what so ever

 

[RodRecket]

No I did not. I havr not had any issue what so ever

?Thanks for the response. Thats good news

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