Better than Box Store Track Bar Suggestions?
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CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
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From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
So the track bar from A_______ lasted about a year and a half, not bad, but wth. The joint on the frame side is now wobbling for the last week, it did get me through a year of bad ball joints etc, but now it's shot again. It just doesn't seem that a joint that takes all the torque of locating the front diff axle under the front end was ever meant for what looks like a single tie rod end, and a smallish one at that.
Any recommendations for a better quality bar without going to a different set up?
Any recommendations for a better quality bar without going to a different set up?
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: North Louisiana
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Are you wanting a better bar with the tie rod end?
Or
Are you wanting to buy one that uses something besides a tie rod end but still uses the stock frame mount?
Or
Are you wanting to buy one that uses something besides a tie rod end but still uses the stock frame mount?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
I guess the bar is ok enough, but I do want either a bigger stronger tie rod end, or, something that uses the stock frame mount.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: North Louisiana
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Ok, here is one that has a larger, mo' better tie rod end.
As far as I know, it's the only one available.
http://www.morris4x4center.com/rough...pysRoCiFHw_wcB
The two of these use the stock mount and replace the tie rod with a heim joint.
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/slf...CwuxoCsyXw_wcB
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/rex...8edhoC56Dw_wcB
As far as I know, it's the only one available.
http://www.morris4x4center.com/rough...pysRoCiFHw_wcB
The two of these use the stock mount and replace the tie rod with a heim joint.
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/slf...CwuxoCsyXw_wcB
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/rex...8edhoC56Dw_wcB
Thread Starter
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
[QUOTE=Constantine;3281956]Ok, here is one that has a larger, mo' better tie rod end.
As far as I know, it's the only one available.
Thanks, the first one looks like it is recommended for a lifted rig while mine does sit high, it is stock..so not sure that would work.
As far as I know, it's the only one available.
Thanks, the first one looks like it is recommended for a lifted rig while mine does sit high, it is stock..so not sure that would work.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 34,088
Likes: 257
From: Lantana, Fl
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Ok, here is one that has a larger, mo' better tie rod end.
As far as I know, it's the only one available.
http://www.morris4x4center.com/rough...pysRoCiFHw_wcB
As far as I know, it's the only one available.
http://www.morris4x4center.com/rough...pysRoCiFHw_wcB
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: North San Diego County
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Panhard bar is a better upgrade essentially taking away the swivel action of the frame end connection but there are only a couple companies that make them for stock height and they are expensive. I can't remember the companies either but Google knows. And you will have to change the frame mount but it's not too bad and one time deal. I know people can custom make them for you but it will be expensive also because of the bend in the bar needed to clear the diff housing at stock height.
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Thread Starter
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
Yeah so I wimped out and went back to AZ because of the lifetime warranty it was free.
I reason it will buy me a couple years to review the options. So, upon looking at it, I think the new one IS slightly heavier. Not in yet, letting the blaster soak in and mustering my courage. Having done this job twice on mine and twice on my sons XJ, I think it's scary that Im getting good at it. Will update.
I reason it will buy me a couple years to review the options. So, upon looking at it, I think the new one IS slightly heavier. Not in yet, letting the blaster soak in and mustering my courage. Having done this job twice on mine and twice on my sons XJ, I think it's scary that Im getting good at it. Will update.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
Nice. I'll keep that in mind. I did the job yesterday, it was 80F outside at 7am, started around 10 and went straight through to about 5pm. Lost 10 lbs in the process, sweated through 2 T shirts. I had never replaced it after all, just the bushing on the axle side, must have been thinking of my sons xj which I did twice. So, it was a chore and fought me every inch of the way, the axle side bolt I had to sawzall out, and the frame side the constellation nut was unrecognizable from rust, couldn't get anything on it despite using an inspection mirror and trying to clean it up. Ended up unbolting the 4 bolts that hold the frame side mount it, of which the two in the wheel well were loose, and taking it out that way. Even then that nut fought me, but what worked was using a chisel to back it off. Went back together clean, used a spare old front hub bolt and a new locking grade 8 nut on the frame side, and found my banjo bolt on the caliper loose and leaking (backed it out and heard a pop, fluid on ground, had an intermittent very slight pedal fade). Still have to check torques but it's done. Ugh what a job. Keeps me in shape though. I think I like complaining about it but really let's face it, this is an athletic event. Lucky I had my impact gun.
Last edited by 97grand4.0; Jul 30, 2016 at 07:20 AM.
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