Track Bar Didn't Work

[TrainMan]

I had the Rancho adjustable track bar installed on my truck and the front axle is still not center. In fact it looks worse. The mechanic said the new bar was just slightly longer(by a few millimeters) and the driver side is sticking out nearly 2.5 inches. The track bar says minimum 2" lift. Should I have chosen rated for minimum 0" and up? I have a 2" lift.

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[Renegade]

I had the Rancho adjustable track bar installed on my truck and the front axle is still not center. In fact it looks worse. The mechanic said the new bar was just slightly longer(by a few millimeters) and the driver side is sticking out nearly 2.5 inches. The track bar says minimum 2" lift. Should I have chosen rated for minimum 0" and up? I have a 2" lift.

That doesn’t sound right. What length is it set to now, from bolt center to bolt center? It should be around 34”.

 

[TrainMan]

I don't know ill have to get down and look. He said a 3" lift would pair better with that track bar. He said I would need something for stock and up. They also installed the Synergy track bar brace, but said the sector shaft brace wouldn't fit because the bolts were a 1/4" off.
Figures...

 

[Renegade]

A track bar which is too long would push the axle too far to the passenger side, not driver...

 

[TrainMan]

 

[TrainMan]

A track bar which is too long would push the axle too far to the passenger side, not driver...

Well that's something...I'll have to try a different place. The guys who did it are usually very good and well respected.

 

[TrainMan]

Can a track bar be adjusted while on the vehicle? Just wondering if it's something that I could get done without having to schedule an appointment and waiting around all day.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

A track bar which is too long would push the axle too far to the passenger side, not driver...

Dunno why someone didn't catch that right off the bat........ if it's too long, it shoves the axle to the right.
Too short, it PULLS the axle to the left (driver side in the states)

 

[TrainMan]

Looks to be tightened all the way in. Also the Sector brace not installed, though might be okay due to steering TSB and warranty stuff.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Looks to be tightened all the way in. Also the Sector brace not installed, though might be okay due to steering TSB and warranty stuff.

I'd agree - looks to be short to the minimum.

Damn, these trucks sure are beautiful on the bottom-side. Works of art.
I sometimes get out front of mine and kneel down just to look under it.

 

[Renegade]

Looks to be tightened all the way in. Also the Sector brace not installed, though might be okay due to steering TSB and warranty stuff.

Still sucks that you paid someone who didn’t do their job. I don’t think they have a clue...

 

[Factoid]

Still suck that you paid someone who didn’t do their job. I don’t think they have a clue...

So, let’s review. They can’t adjust the track bar because it is too long, yet the picture shows it is too short. They can’t install the sector brace because the bolts are off by 1/4”.

I hate to say it, but these guys are incompetent. On the sector shaft, if you have no experience installing precision components with bolts that are required to be installed in multiple axis’, then it will look like some bolts don’t line up. On the sector shaft, the directions call for all bolts to be installed before any are tightened. Let me decide that for your incompetent shop - once the brace is mounted and the steering box four bolts are loosely reinstalled, you will need to tighten select bolts as required to enable all other bolts to line up properly. Then loosen all slightly and then torque each to spec in the order listed in the instructions.

Geez, you need to find a competent shop!

 

[Factoid]

Oh, and you made a poor choice on the track bar. The one you bought must be removed to adjust and then reinstalled. TBs like the Synergy and Yeti utilize the factory style adjuster (just like the oem drag link) that allows you to loosen a lock nut and then turn the adjuster while the bar is installed to perfectly dial it in.

Here is a pic of the Synergy. Notice the pinch bolt and hex adjuster by the sector brace and no adjustment at the axle end.

 

[Phljeeper]

Do you have some wrenches? Just pop the frame side end off, loosen the jam nut, rotate the end a few times, tighten the jam nut and reinstall. This is a super easy install. If the hole doesn’t line up use a ratchet strap to pull the axle a little. If you are not mechanically inclined at all, post in your local section or find another Jeep guy with more mechanical experience in your neighborhood and get some help. This can be resolved in about 10 min in the right driveway.

 

[DAVECS1]

I agree with Factoid, your shop phoned it in. The track bar is fine it just needs adjusted and it is going to be a tedious process, as it will need to be disconnected for each adjustment. The sector shaft brace is a great piece of kit. It works extremely well, but it is not a slap it on and go. The whole point is it fits right to keep the box and steering tight, you have to follow the process to get it installed. My guess is they did not have the socket they needed to get the steering arm off. It is a big one that require 3/4" ratchets, not many mechanics boxes go that big unless they work on heavy duty stuff all the time

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