F1Addict

The ball joint on my track bar seemed like it was on it's way out, it was leaking grease and looking generally sad. So, I ordered a new adjustable track bar from Rocky Road Outfitters. I had a choice of two different lengths, 0"-3" and 3"-6". Since I'm at exactly 3" I decided to go with the 3"-6" assuming I'll never go back to stock height but may, one day, go higher. The problem I'm having (I assume it's a problem) is that even with the track bar adjusted to its shortest length it's too long to center the axle. My axle is currently pushed 3/4" to the passenger side. My question... is this something I should be concerned with? The other thing it's done is to push my steering wheel 1/2 turn from center so now the spokes of the steering wheel are vertical when I'm driving straight.

It seems to track straight and doesn't pull to either side and I've measured the toe and it's 1/8th toe-in.

F1Addict

I drove around the block and remeasured. It's closer to 5/8" to the passenger side.

foreveryoung001

Not positive on the off center axle, but you can adjust your steering wheel with the adjustment sleeve on the draglink, by the pitman arm. With your tires straight, loosen it up, twist it till the wheel is centered, then tighten it back up. Should only take ya ten minutes, if that. (I had to use a pipe wrench to get the sleeve to move on mine, but it was a really easy adjustment)

F1Addict

Thank you. I just went out and did that, worked perfectly, wheel straight.

93gc40

Add more lift..... another 1" or so will fix the issue.

F1Addict

LOL. Okay, I'll do that today.

F1Addict

Soooo... does it matter if my front axle is off-center by 5/8ths of an inch?

Kingfisher

If you raise it another inch it should fix that.

EvstaG

Does it matter to you? The Jeep might pull a bit under hard braking, but other than that it is a non-issue. There are many people that run considerable lift heights with the stock track bar. For me, I am a bit picky with these types of things, and I wouldn't want one tire out further than the other. But that's just me.

F1Addict

I know! 93gc40 told me.

Well, considering the lack of enthusiasm for my question I'm going to assume the axle being off-center isn't critical like say, control arms made of PVC might be, so I'm not going to worry about it

F1Addict

I'm picky, too, but the 5/8ths of an inch isn't visually evident. The only way you can tell is to put a ruler on it and if I see anyone trying to measure my axle I'll just turn the hose on them. Problem solved. Thank you for answering, though.

P.S. it doesn't pull under hard braking.

salad

Word on the street is that the axles were slightly set to the right from the factory to help prevent wander on sloped pavement (most streets with a rain gutter/ditch to the right). Check the rest of your alignment and do a chalk test. If wear patterns on your tires look good and it steers fine I wouldn't worry.

F1Addict

The passenger side axle was set slightly forward (1/2") from the factory to counter the crown on most North American road systems but that was accomplished with shims behind the LCA. I did a driveway alignment and all is well. My toe is 1/8th inch (toe-in), my wheel base is 101.5" passenger and 101.0" driver, caster is set to 87º. Like I said, it feels perfect with moderate centering force and arrow straight tracking. I'll keep an eye on my tires for any signs of irregular wear.

salad

Ahhh. Very well then.

Just for fun, have you measured the actual amount of lift at 3"?

F1Addict

I did, that's how I came up with 3 inches. I measured everything before I started swapping parts and aligning and made this drawing



Looks like the average is 2.90 inches.