Track bar length-Aftermarket vs OEM

[NPloysa]

Can anyone tell me the track bar length anyone with a 6" front lift is running. I am building air ride, 2" to level out the nose, plus 4" lift front and back. I am going to make one out of DOM tubing and heim joints, and will be able to adjust it in small amounts, but was curious how to measure a new bar. Since the bar sits at a 25* angle or so to the axle, I'm confused!

 

[SRadke]

In a perfect situation you would space the attachment point to the truck down that 6" rather than lengthening to compensate for it. A perfect track bar is parallel to the axle and the farther from that you get the more your axle swings to the side as your suspension compresses.



-Scott

 

[NPloysa]

In a perfect situation you would space the attachment point to the truck down that 6" rather than lengthening to compensate for it. A perfect track bar is parallel to the axle and the farther from that you get the more your axle swings to the side as your suspension compresses.



-Scott

That's what I was thinking too but did not mention it, but you are right. The best panhard/track bar is the longest/most parallel to the axle possible. Maybe I will do that instead!



Nick

 

[SRadke]

Also keep in mind if you do not drop your pitman arm down so your steering bar (what do you call that thing? ) and your track bar are parallel you'll end up with a really bad case of bump steer.



-Scott

 

[jkalchik]

Wait a sec... ... . Scott, in a perfect world, the trackbar and the draglink are parallel, and equal length. And ideally, horizontal. The relationship to the axle is secondary at best.



You get bumpsteer when the draglink and trackbar go different ways.

 

[SRadke]

Wait a sec... ... . Scott, in a perfect world, the trackbar and the draglink are parallel, and equal length. And ideally, horizontal. The relationship to the axle is secondary at best.

Exactly right, you just found a better way to say it than I did Draglink, that's the word I was missing... .



-Scott

 

[jrobinson2]

Have you seen this track bar

http://thurenfabrication.com/trackbar.html

I uses a drop mount at the frame, may work well in your case.

Jared

 

[NPloysa]

Thats cool but I am sure I could make one cheaper, even with the cost to bend it. I mean it's nice, but almost $300 by the time it's shipped to my door? For that price it should have heim rod ends and include the labor to weld it on the truck!



Everyone that has an aftermarket track bar, could I use that for tubing, cut off the ends, weld on heims, and make a custom drop bracket?

 

[jkalchik]

Exactly right, you just found a better way to say it than I did Draglink, that's the word I was missing... .



-Scott

Comes from playing games with the front end on my Jeep XJ. It's gone from bone stock to a 3" lift to a 6" lift with 2 different trackbars. It's got quite a bit of bumpsteer now, the trackbar is 6" shorter than the draglink, but close to parallel. When the suspension cycles, the axle moves farther left/right than the end of the draglink.



Conceptually, the D60 front with 4 control arms and a trackbar (aka Panhard bar) is the same setup.

 

[jkalchik]

For a trackbar, I'd suggest using something other than Heim joints. Look for Currie or Johnny Joints for your pivot points. These are larger spherical type joints that rotate inside a HMWPE cage, frequently greasable. Some of the JJs are also adjustable so that you can tighten them up as they wear in.

 

[NPloysa]

Thanks jkalchik, I will consider it.



Also, guys that know the DT track bar. How does this fit around the front diff without being in the way?



The stock, and most aftermarket track bars are bent to go around the diff. Does the drop bracket on the DT bar relocate the top connection further out toward the front of the truck so as to not interfere with the differential?



Thanks, Nick

 

[jrobinson2]

For a trackbar, I'd suggest using something other than Heim joints. Look for Currie or Johnny Joints for your pivot points. These are larger spherical type joints that rotate inside a HMWPE cage, frequently greasable. Some of the JJs are also adjustable so that you can tighten them up as they wear in.

The theron fab bar I linked to has a Johny joint on the frame end.

Jared

 

[jkalchik]

The theron fab bar I linked to has a Johny joint on the frame end.

Jared

And it's got the good adjustable end on it, too.

 

[jjohn]

Thanks jkalchik, I will consider it.



Also, guys that know the DT track bar. How does this fit around the front diff without being in the way?



The stock, and most aftermarket track bars are bent to go around the diff. Does the drop bracket on the DT bar relocate the top connection further out toward the front of the truck so as to not interfere with the differential?



Thanks, Nick

Nick,

Just installed the DT Track Bar Wednesday. The bracket does extends the connection point forward on the driver’s side. The only issue is if you have an aftermarket aluminum diff cover up front. I love it... drives much much better, and way over due. I wanted the adjustable track bar in case I do a lift someday.

JJ

 

[NPloysa]

Nick,

Just installed the DT Track Bar Wednesday. The bracket does extends the connection point forward on the driver’s side. The only issue is if you have an aftermarket aluminum diff cover up front. I love it... drives much much better, and way over due. I wanted the adjustable track bar in case I do a lift someday.

JJ

Jjohn, coming to the meet and greet at Bennett's on Dec 4th? If you are then I will take a look at it in person.



I will probably end up making my own since I have brackets and scrap steel around.



Also, guys, in order to keep the drag link and track bar parallel, if I bought an aftermarket pitman arm with a 6" drop, I would need to make the track bar drop bracket 6 inches also.



Now when I play around with the air bag height, then the track bar will move and the drag link the same, correct?



I know, not as complicated as it sounds, just want to do it right the first time.

 

[jjohn]

Nick,

I have a conflict the weekend of the 4th but will do my best to make it to Bennett’s also. I work in Golden if that works out for you some time.

JJ

 

[tgbol]

Check out this steering linkage. It will also help with bump steer.

http://thurenfabrication.com/crossover.html

 

[NPloysa]

Check out this steering linkage. It will also help with bump steer.

http://thurenfabrication.com/crossover.html

That's cool! I could make one of those also, of course mine would have a steering stabilizer mounted to it! I'm glad they put detailed pics up for us fabricators!



Nick