adjustable track bar - Really needed with only 2" lift

[mtudb24]

I've looked at search function and seem to be a variety of answers (as always right?). Will not go higher then the 2" mopar lift. I had a JKS TB on my JKUR with 3" lift and 35's. Even Quadratec says its not needed on a 2" kit, but if the dealer is going to install the lift, do I just bite the bullet and give them the trackbar to install at the same time? Is JKS still the one to get (my JKUR was a 2010) and I sold it back in 2014, so I haven't been back in a solid axle jeep for about 6 years ( 3 trucks later. 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk, 2016 Ram Rebel on 35's, and a 2017 Ram Big Horn with Bilstein's 5100's set at 2.1" and 35" Grabber X3 red letters). My 2021 Max tow should be here in matter of days. Already have the Quadratec retro rims, most likely 35" Grabber ATX's, Quadratec Winch bumper and RC 12000lb winch I'm pulling off my current Ram. Maybe I'll need a 1/2" spacer up front to combat the weight of the winch and bumper, etc. So maybe a trackbar is necessary?

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[TrainMan]

I would get a new track bar. In my experience the Mopar lift is more than 2 inches. My front axle was visibly offset over an inch. I also got a brace for where the track bar mounts to the frame. I had another shop install and adjust mine.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I would get a new track bar. In my experience the Mopar lift is more than 2 inches. My front axle was visibly offset over an inch. I also got a brace for where the track bar mounts to the frame. I had another shop install and adjust mine.

Agreed - since the lift is springs, and not spacers, that 2" would grow under a lighter truck.
I wonder - is that 2" an estimate for a heavy Rubicon? If so then anything lighter would see over 2" of lift.
I put Rubicon springs (*lighter side of the Rubicon spring range) under the front of mine, gained 7/8" and I could see my axle had shifted. I would expect MORE shift with each additional inch because of the arc the track bar would swing as it moves down on the right end.

 

[mtudb24]

I would get a new track bar. In my experience the Mopar lift is more than 2 inches. My front axle was visibly offset over an inch. I also got a brace for where the track bar mounts to the frame. I had another shop install and adjust mine.

Agreed - since the lift is springs, and not spacers, that 2" would grow under a lighter truck.
I wonder - is that 2" an estimate for a heavy Rubicon? If so then anything lighter would see over 2" of lift.
I put Rubicon springs (*lighter side of the Rubicon spring range) under the front of mine, gained 7/8" and I could see my axle had shifted. I would expect MORE shift with each additional inch because of the arc the track bar would swing as it moves down on the right end.

So which is the track bar of choice now? I see the JKS is backorderd for 4 weeks at Quadratec

 

[TrainMan]

I'm willing to bet any aftermarket will be better than stock. I don't have experience with the JKS. I hear Synergy is a great choice. I have the Rancho and I'm pleased with it. Weighs about 12 pounds compared to the stock which I believe is about 8 pounds.

 

[Uparms]

I've looked at search function and seem to be a variety of answers (as always right?). Will not go higher then the 2" mopar lift. I had a JKS TB on my JKUR with 3" lift and 35's. Even Quadratec says its not needed on a 2" kit, but if the dealer is going to install the lift, do I just bite the bullet and give them the trackbar to install at the same time? Is JKS still the one to get (my JKUR was a 2010) and I sold it back in 2014, so I haven't been back in a solid axle jeep for about 6 years ( 3 trucks later. 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk, 2016 Ram Rebel on 35's, and a 2017 Ram Big Horn with Bilstein's 5100's set at 2.1" and 35" Grabber X3 red letters). My 2021 Max tow should be here in matter of days. Already have the Quadratec retro rims, most likely 35" Grabber ATX's, Quadratec Winch bumper and RC 12000lb winch I'm pulling off my current Ram. Maybe I'll need a 1/2" spacer up front to combat the weight of the winch and bumper, etc. So maybe a trackbar is necessary?

I did not see ( after measurement ) any significant offset from the Mopar 2 inch lift. I would save your money. If you see it afterwords, just add it yourself and get an alignment, One of the simplest mods you can do to the suspensions. I prefer to avoid brackets and extensions and go with a true new trackbar, front and rear. Many like JKS and I used them on an 05. I do think you are reminding me to check the tires again with a ruler but visually I haven't noticed anything recently, after two tire rotations and the new steering gear

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I wouldn't bother, mines only a 1/4 inch off and I have a 2.5" Ready SST lift kit and Rubicon Springs in the front on my Max tow. You can't even tell mines off center and feels no different while driving it. When they install the kit at the Dealership they don't bother to put a new track bar on it so why would you think it would be required. The whole purpose or reason people install that lift kit is because of fear of being turned down for warranty work. If you needed it they would of provided it in the kit. If you get over 3" of lift that's when I would suggest looking at getting a new track bar or if you have plans of bouncing of rocks, then I'd beef it up, if not the stock ones is plenty enough for light wheeling and daily driving under 3" of lift. I've stated it before and I stand by my belief that people just want to have a reason to replace the stock components with after market ones just to say I got this or that. A lot of these same people end up posting about how crappy their rides are now or wondering why do they have Death Wobble now.

 

[Mjolnir]

Although the person above does not "feel" any difference while driving, others will, and there is added stress on all components when things are not aligned properly which will force some parts to wear out faster.

Track bars are not expensive, so it should not be an issue.

 

[Loosescrews]

Check with Poly Performance. I ordered a Synergy yesterday and their customer service was amazing. Ask for Dusty. He gave me a discount and my track bar shipped last night. Quadratec is a joke.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Although the person above does not "feel" any difference while driving, others will, and there is added stress on all components when things are not aligned properly which will force some parts to wear out faster.

Track bars are not expensive, so it should not be an issue.

This is an inaccurate statement, tell me when a or how a track bar being off a little would cause components to wear out and the drive of the vehicle to be compromised. I'm not talking about when you get over 3 inches of lift, I'm talking below that?

 

[Riccochet]

Any lift is going to shift the axles.

Just think about this. If your axle isn't centered then your control arms are no longer parallel with the frame and binding at the bushings. Sway bar links are no longer perpendicular with the axle.

Geometry is everything if you care about the longevity of components and quality of ride.

 

[Andrew05LJR]

We are talking a $250-$300 part on a $40k+ vehicle. This is a no brainer.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Ya'll trip me out with your logic. To the op if you want to buy a adjustable track bar get one that adjust on the jeep not off. Rough Country and Teraflex make basically the same track bar and both work well. I ran a rough country one on my JKU but not until I got over 3-1/2 inches of lift installed. Had a 2.5" spacer lift installed for 80,000 miles and ran the stock track bar until the ball joints went out at 115,000 miles. I then decided to add the adjustable track bar and I let my buddy have the stock track bar since he needed a new one because of trail damage. That track bar still is on his jeep now and has 40,000 more miles on it.

Yeti steer smart makes a good track bar as well if putting one on matters to you that much. For the record I still had stock control arms and only had geo brackets Installed on my jeep. Never had a issue with anything or how it drove, straight as a arrow on the highway. Ran 35's from 8,000 miles until I sold it at 132,000 miles.

 

[Mjolnir]

This is an inaccurate statement, tell me when a or how a track bar being off a little would cause components to wear out and the drive of the vehicle to be compromised. I'm not talking about when you get over 3 inches of lift, I'm talking below that?

Tell me how it won't when most lifts give more than advertised?

A shift in the axle will change the angle of any and every component. Now obviously all parts of the suspension have the ability, and are made to, misalign. Having these components and bushings at incorrect angles will add stress to them via DD (however minute, I know this is not where the issue is). But once these joints need to actually misalign for bumps, offroading, etc, you begin to force these items to hit their max travel and then some. 2 extra degrees can rip open a seal or bust a bushing.

I am looking at the long game here. It is similar to how most recommend driveshafts for JK's with 3"+ lifts. Yet there are many people out there who wheel their rigs and never had issues with the stock shafts.

At the end of the day he can do as he pleases. Is it completely necessary with the lift height he asked about? No.

Is it recommended by most people? Yes. I would rather keep my jeeps components in alignment and at the correct angles than skimp out on a $300.00 part on a $40k rig.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Tell me how it won't when most lifts give more than advertised?

A shift in the axle will change the angle of any and every component. Now obviously all parts of the suspension have the ability, and are made to, misalign. Having these components and bushings at incorrect angles will add stress to them via DD (however minute, I know this is not where the issue is). But once these joints need to actually misalign for bumps, offroading, etc, you begin to force these items to hit their max travel and then some. 2 extra degrees can rip open a seal or bust a bushing.

I am looking at the long game here. It is similar to how most recommend driveshafts for JK's with 3"+ lifts. Yet there are many people out there who wheel their rigs and never had issues with the stock shafts.

At the end of the day he can do as he pleases. Is it completely necessary with the lift height he asked about? No.

Is it recommended by most people? Yes. I would rather keep my jeeps components in alignment and at the correct angles than skimp out on a $300.00 part on a $40k rig.

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