http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...1013091210.jpg


What is the exact name of that joint that is worn out?

 

that is the tie rod end on your trackbar.
if you have the funds, look into replacing that bar with a double shear unit and new mounting bracket.

 

how much is that going to run? couldnt i just switch out the tie rod end on the bar?

now with the jeep being lifted will i need a lift specific trackbar for a replacement? Im guessing thats why an adjustable one is on there.

 

I would "assume" you could replace the tre with new, but have never done it myself.
A JKS double shear track bar and required mount ran right around $220 from Kevin's offroad. It was worth it "to me" for the added flex a double shear allows.

You said the rig is lifted 4.5", so (if you do buy a track bar) you'll want an adjustable bar that accomadates(sp?) that lift (track bars usually are made in different lengths, one style for 1"-3" lift, another for 3"-6" etc.)

 

Here is a bargain unit:

http://www.carparts.com/ROUGH-COUNTR...2379_10618.car

 

my new to me 87 xj had a severe wandering issue when i bought it. here is what i addressed so far, and its still not completely fixed...but is light years better.

steering box bolts backed out so far the washers jingled - tightened
frame cracked - had someone weld crack, have C-ROK brace that needs to be installed
rear u bolts loose - tightened
steering joint at pitman arm wobbles - still need to fix

With the exception of the one that still needs to be addressed i did each one and drove it. each one improved my wandering problem significantly. even with the bad steering joint the jeep feels much better on the road.

 

That looks like the one thats on there now. I wonder if i can find just the rod end for it instead of replacing the whole thing.

 

is that just a regular tie rod end on the bar or does it have specific threads?

I am taking the jeep on a road trip this weekend and would like to get this taken care of before then.

Anyone know the thread pitch on the tie rod for the track bar?

 

i know that the steering components are the main cause here but dependent on the tires your running some of the wandering is unavoidable because of the agressiveness of the tread pattern. I had an old 76 chevy truck once with 35x14.50 thornturds those suckers would grab every crack in the road and pull....hard.

 

i have narrowed it down completely on that rod end that is not holding anything still like it should.

I think i might stop at autozone on the way home and see if they have anything that will fit.

 

From your avatar it seems like you have pretty big lift. You are going to need a adjustable trackbar. Furthermore you may have a messed up frame mount. Sometimes the hole in the frame mount enlarges more than is supposed to and creates movement even tho the ball joint end is still good. If you can spring for a double shear unit with a new frame mount it might be a good idea.

 

Yeah its a 4.5" lift.

Tonight i tried to remove the rod end from the mount and somehow sheared the rod off even with the mounting point. I tried heating up the mount its still in with map gas and hammering up...no luck. Heating it up and prying up from the top side.

I even tried a small vice on the top side of the bolt pushing the rod through but that didnt even budge.

WHAT THE HELL do i do now????

I dont have a pickle fork or any useful tools. When it sheared off i had a prybar under it, hitting the side of the joint to help loosen it up.

 

Are you talking about the getting the ball end from the frame mount? If so your gonna need to run to the store and get a pickle fork and 3 lb hammer. Its really the only way if its really stuck in there.

 

yea, i wish the ball end was still attached. at the top(actually the middle) right before the rod goes into the mount is missing. So really all i have to work with are the threads on the top side.

Maybe a pickle fork jammed in there with the nut on the top? That would pull it up from the bottom which might stretch out the hole for the next end..

 

im a little confused now

the thing u are pointing at is not stuck, its the other end? the axle mount?