Rear track bar Johnny joint or not?

[Gasman]

I have a gladiator with 3” lift I think (previous owner installed) still has factory track bar in rear. I am looking at adjustable track bars to center my axle (it not off much) but just wondered how much better it flexed with a Johnny joint on one end vs bushings on both ends. Thanks

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[fourfa]

The track bar isn't what limits flex, it's the control arms. Anything will work fine.

Though I'd look at a relocation bracket first - many are set up to correct for a factory track bar with a lift. And the other effect of relocation - bringing the track bar back to level with a lift - is super noticeable. There's less side-to-side wiggle from the rear when hitting bumps at speed. It made a huge improvement in handling on my lift. Highly recommended.

Where you definitely need an aftermarket (bent) track bar is to make room for a 37" spare tire in the stock location. No way to make it fit otherwise.

 

[professorkx]

Agree, You don’t need Johnny joints on a rear track bar, so don’t pay extra for track bar with these joints. I swapped to the Clayton rear track bar and removed the spare tire skid plate to fit a 37 under the rear of my 2024

The AEV 2.5 lift I installed came with a rear track bar bracket, but I didn’t use it since I used the Clayton track bar. Pretty easy to center the axle with a tape measure from the outside edge of the tire to the frame. Same for the front, but I used a Rough Country adjustable track bar up front.

 

[Uparms]

Agree, You don’t need Johnny joints on a rear track bar, so don’t pay extra for track bar with these joints. I swapped to the Clayton rear track bar and removed the spare tire skid plate to fit a 37 under the rear of my 2024

The AEV 2.5 lift I installed came with a rear track bar bracket, but I didn’t use it since I used the Clayton track bar. Pretty easy to center the axle with a tape measure from the outside edge of the tire to the frame. Same for the front, but I used a Rough Country adjustable track bar up front.

Any chance you can send me a link to the Clayton TB. I just installed AEV 2.5 RT, Medium springs. I would prefer to run a real track bar in the rear also.

Any chance you deleted AEV their front TB relocation bracket also, big tough bracket, but I am really questioning that muffler clamp thy incorporated to wrap the axle with.........send me that link/ P/N if you would. Thanks in advance.

 

[professorkx]

I bought the Clayton Track Bar off Amazon. If you can’t find it with a search let me know and I will attach an Amazon link.

My AEV kit didn’t come with the front TB bracket, but I wouldn’t have used it anyway since I used the RC front adjustable track bar. The joints on the stock front track bar are pretty weak, so not a fan of keeping that stock unit.

I’ve installed a lot of lifts and have even built my own 3 link front/4 link rear systems, frame stretches, etc, so I understand complicated systems. However, for my 2024 Gladiator, I knew this wasn’t going to be an extreme off-road rig, which is why I just went with the AEV system.

quite frankly, IMHO, line selection can get you through most trails without an extreme rig…as well as taking your time and being OK with winching…can get a Jeep through most trails…

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