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replacing track bar - stupid question

Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:06 PM
  #1  
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From: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Year: 1999
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Engine: 4.0 I6
Default replacing track bar - stupid question

so I'm planning on replacing my ancient track bar and have what is probably a stupid question. I'm a self-taught "mechanic" so forgive me if this is basic knowledge. Also, I tried searching other threads first with no luck so thanks in advance for your patience.

When replacing just the track bar, would I need to jack the vehicle and rest it on the frame so the axle droops or can I do it sitting on the ground. I have a 3" lift and a drop bracket on the axle side of the track bar that were there when I bought it. There is plenty of room to work under there with it at rest normally. I would think letting the axle droop would make it harder, but never done it before (obviously) so don't really know.
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:09 PM
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Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
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jack it up set axle on jack stands remove tire and replace
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:14 PM
  #3  
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From: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Year: 1999
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Originally Posted by freegdr
jack it up set axle on jack stands remove tire and replace
thanks for your quick reply! you definitely answered my question about whether I should let the axle droop or not. You mean the pass. side tire so I have more room at the bracket/axle side?
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:19 PM
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I replaced mine without jacking it up.
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:31 PM
  #5  
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Awesome, thanks - you guys rule! I'll probably jack mine up so I have more room for the breaker bar, but my questions have been answered! It lived in the Rust Belt for the first 150K so I'm sure I'll need some good leverage on those bolts!
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:31 PM
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From: Northern Ontario, Canada
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yeah, no need to jack it up if you have the room.
you will however need a second person to turn the steering wheel to center the axle when installing the new track bar. this is to aid in lining up the mounting holes.
otherwise it's a real PITA using ratchet straps.
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:39 PM
  #7  
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From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
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Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
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if you cant get the tre off frame side jacked up and tire removed gonna make life alot easier but on the ground can be done
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