Track Bar project

lostsoul · Track Bar project

Well I have researched the hell out of them and I know with all the springs I have gone through that I need one. My issue is I cannot find a definative answer on which style is better. Some have the forward mount on a Shackle, while others use a Slide type joint. The shackle type some have the shackle going up to a solid mount while others have it going down to a solid mount. Anyone on here actually using one or know of anyone that is so I can have a closer look?

Uchi

i mentioned this when we were out but no one said anything. can you just run a sligtly bigger bump stop? are yo breaking leafs because theyre flexing too much or because your pulling the wheels too far forward with the silly amount of gear you have?

Billy Goat

Are you telling us that your Zuk isn't any good? Maybe you should of stuck with a Jeep.

lostsoul

Uchi, there is no way to stop spring wrap with a bump stop in this thing, I need up travel and flex, so I must do a track bar. The twist is a combination of gear and how I was driving up that washout. There is not much a spring can do when you basically have all that weight sitting on one wheel.

Now Mr Goat, lets clear this up, had that been a Jeep, even a mighty Cherokee, it would have looked at that washout and blown a main seal just so it would not have to attempt it LOL!

Mike Dill

I'm sry I just don't see how a track bar is going to fix your problem.

Uchi

would doing a coil conversion in the back help your situation?

lostsoul

Sure it would, then you go 3 or four link and call it a day, but that is a lot of work. If I went that way, I would go dual triangulated 4 link, then there is no need to install a panhard.

Mike Dill

for a simple fix, why dont you get rid of your blocks and put in a spring with a little arch?

lostsoul

I am seriously thinking about removing the problem, JEEP parts LOL! and going to some Chevy rear leafs. The half ton Chevs are 56" so a little longer then I have and could likely be worked in there.

Mike Dill

That sound like a good idea. Since you have to replace the spring anyway and are not ready to go the distance for the coils.

89lxstanger

mike: a track bar will eliminate the axle from lifting and putting a W into the leaf from torque

what chevy half tons are 56in? 87 and older?

lostsoul

Sorry Mike I ment 52" The issue with Chevy springs is it is all hit and miss. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to what size they used.

Mike Dill

but a track bar stops side to side movement and is used to center the axel under the vehicle. When you crush a spring like that its because the axel walked forward. A track bar does not stop movement of the axel front to rear. Am I missing something???

lostsoul

You are thinking inside the box, the track bar we are refering to is actually a Traction bar, like a Ladder bar of old. I will explain. Instead of running two, you run one as close to centered as possible and you have the rear mount solid, while the front has a slip section or Shackle that allows a little movement.

Mike Dill

It sounds like you've got a plan already but just for shits a giggles why not consider putting your long arms in now in prep for your future expansion. That way it solves your present prob and you don't have to to the work twice when you do go for the coils.

lostsoul

$$$$$ is the main reason.

89lxstanger

mike your thinking a panhard bar not a trac bar:D

rob you could go 3 link with a panhard in the rear and in prep for that(wich will out flex a 4 link of any manner) you could built your track bar in the preset of your top bar in a 3 link!

lostsoul

Mike, he is refering to the bar that Jeep people call track bars, on vehicles like the XJ, it is the same as the Panhard, but for some reason they call them Track Bars. Honestly if I am going to go so far as to 3 link it, I might as well take it off the road and coil it at the same time. I am just looking at Leaf options as it will be much faster to get back up and going. If I could find a set of XJ leafs tonight, I would install them tomorrow and see how they work.

Mike Dill

Rob.. do you have one u bolt that is round and one that is square going around your axel on the tire side?

lostsoul

Not any more I will not, I have the proper ones for it now. Long stpry there but it will be fixed.

89lxstanger

lostsoul

LMFAO you are always so polite to others. I think that I would need a longer upper link for a 3 link then would be required for a Track bar. I think that if I can find some XJ leafs with good bushings, I will try them. If not the YJ's I have here are going to get modified and installed. I have some ideas for them.

Billy Goat

Are you still loking for a set of XJ leafs? I have a parts Jeep in my garage with the leafs still in it.

lostsoul

Hell yes I am sir. The sooner I can get a set, the sooner I can start making this thing work even better. Where is your garage and when can I cut them out?

Billy Goat

If you want to take a look at them tomorrow give me a call after 1pm at 905 684 2703.

lostsoul

Sounds good sir, I will give you a ring. I appreciate the info.