XJ99

This is the best forum!

Quick Question. I'm having Death Wobble issues with a 2 inch lift. I've done a lot of reading on the subject and one of the biggest culprits is the Track Bar connections. My question, I'm seeing movement on the upper end of the Track Bar joint. Can I replace the joint alone, or do I have to replace the whole bar? I'm hoping to replace the joint but don't know where to look. Anyone have a part number handy or a website to check out. I've already replace my stabilizer, which really needed it and plan on getting a wheel alignment as soon as the track bar issue is resolved.

Any thoughts, advice, comments, or other; would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guy's.

freegdr

google it

UserID6095

Is it the stock trac bar or an after market piece?

bajaman1

well i had the same problem my self,i added 2 1/2 inches to myne,and got the same problem,new track bar in ensenada was 35 dollars,and it only helped to like a speed off 75 mph any faster then that it wobbles againso what i would recommend is to get an adjustable track bar,they run from like 150 dlls to like 250,its all in how deep are your pockets,cause thats what jeep is all about, J.E.E.P Just Empty Every Pocket,and alingment is very important too,and make sure that your shock dont get abused to much or youl pop one,good luck with your toy amigo.

XJ99

I googled the track bar but couldn't find anythng specific re: the upper track bar joint. I was thinking of the adjustable track bar, as was suggested; maybe Kevin's(something or other) website. Question is though, why an adjustable track bar? What advantage does it have over a stock, which I curently have. I believe upgrading is GOOD, but sometimes it doesn't work out quite so well. ie: Poly Bushings next to the XJ body (Lots of Vibration noise!!) Cost is always a factor. But I want to nip this in the bud!
Thanks.
By the way I'm running a 99 XJ, mostly stock, expect for the 2 inch lift in the front and 2.5 in the rear. 30x9.5R15 tires. Daily Driver.

tim787

if i were you i would replace whole track bar

Rikkadog

You will have to replace the whole track bar. There should be no loosness in the ball join on the upper end and it probably aggrevated the problem when you installed your lift. I wouldn't think that you would need to go with an adjustable if running only 2" lift but I could be wrong. You might want to get one though since you have to replace it anyway. You also might want to take it to be aligned and see what they say befoe buying.

Rikkadog

One suggestion. It's kind of wierd but when you take off the track bar, diconnect the upper first. If you take off the lower first the upper will NOT come off. Guess how I know this LOL!

XJ99

Thanks eh? After reading all the info passed, I was starting to lean toward a new Adjustable Track Bar. What a PITA though. You'd think since your track bar has a Tie Rod end-like joint, it would be replaceable, Go Figure, what a gong-show dealing with stuff like this sometimes.

If I get an adjustable track bar, do I have to replace the upper frame mount too? It looks pretty solid. Also, any suggestion on a place/web site where to get one for a good price?
I plan on getting a wheel alignment, but your right, I should chat with a local Jeep maintenance shop first. Good Call.

Rikkadog

You should only need to replace the frame mount if the tapered hole has worn and becme elongated.

eggdashure

Since your running a pretty mild lift you could probably get away with a cheap adjustable. I haven't oredered one yet, but carparts.com has an adjustable for like $70. Again it's a cheapo, but just an idea to help you narrow down the issue.

XJ99

Thanks.

But I ended up getting an RE1600 adjustable track bar after all. It wasn't cheap, $183 CDN, that sucks. But, it's solid. I was at the extreme end(shortest adjustment) of the track bar when I installed it. The Heim joint is wayyy more solid than the Tie Rod End the stock bar came with. Re-aligning everything was really easy too. I just took my time and measured three or four times before I tightend eveything down. I purposely went looking for some deeper than norm pot holes and bumps to test out the handling. No movement was felt. And, now the snow's on the ground, handling ice holes and other snow related obstacles are no problem. Also, no more worries of Death Wobble.

Thanks all for the help and suggestions.

Greatly appreciated! Stay warm this winter. Last night we broke another local record. -35.8 degrees C. Ouch! ( But my Jeep loves it. It's like Off-Roading in the city. Yeeha!)