New Track Bar, Tie Rod, and quick disconnects on order (OH MY!)

[Mudderoy]

Well the popping noise is getting louder and I'm certain that I'm either going to lose my ability to point my XJ at 80 mph worse case, or best case I'll just be stranded 20 miles from home!

So I contacted Ron with 4wheelingplus.com (xjtalk vendor) and he hooked me up with the

http://store.4wheelingplus.com/images/rc-1079-xj-adjustable-trackbar.jpg
Rough Country 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ Front Adjustable Track Bar :link: (http://store.4wheelingplus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1079)

http://store.4wheelingplus.com/images/rc-xj-tj-tie-rod-upgrade-1143.jpg
Rough Country 1984-2006 Jeep XJ/TJ Tie Rod :link: (http://store.4wheelingplus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1143)

http://store.4wheelingplus.com/images/rc-jeep-xj-sway-bar-disco-1128.jpg
Rough Country 1984-2001 Jeep XJ Front Sway Bar Quick Disconnects :link: (http://store.4wheelingplus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1128)

I really like these quick disconnects because you don't remove any part of them when you "DISCONNECT" the sway bar. You remove the pin, swing them up and put the pin back in a clip that holds everything out of the way and together! Nice.

http://www.roughcountry.com/images/jeep_1146-motion.gif

[Mudderoy]

Also I'm going to replace all the tie rod ends (I assume that's what they are all called). Can anyone recommend a specific brand, or maybe there are heavy duty one's that still have stock dimensions?

[rguignard]

tony did you see this ?

Your XJ must have a drop pitman arm for this to work properly. Drop pitman arms are not always included in some lift kits so you need to verify that you have one before installing this XJ adjustable track bar.

[Mudderoy]

tony did you see this ?

Your XJ must have a drop pitman arm for this to work properly. Drop pitman arms are not always included in some lift kits so you need to verify that you have one before installing this XJ adjustable track bar.

Yes I did. Thank you. 4.3LXJ is selling me his Teraflex drop pitman arm.

[alwaysxj]

wow money bags...

[Mudderoy]

wow money bags...

lol I wish. Three credit cards and three orders. Like I said I don't want to get stranded, or flip my baby (unless she likes that sort of thing). :shocker:

[4.3LXJ]

Also I'm going to replace all the tie rod ends (I assume that's what they are all called). Can anyone recommend a specific brand, or maybe there are heavy duty one's that still have stock dimensions?

Mudd, I would call RC about that. I could speculate, but I would need to know what thread the tie rod has in it. I am assuming stock, but I would want to be sure.

Sounds like the Jeep bug bit you multiple times

[Mudderoy]

Mudd, I would call RC about that. I could speculate, but I would need to know what thread the tie rod has in it. I am assuming stock, but I would want to be sure.

I'll ask them. Yeah everything is stock. What are the ends called on the drag link? They look like tie rod ends to me. Maybe drag link ends?

As I see it I need 4 of those things. 2 for the drag link and 2 for the tie rod.

[4.3LXJ]

I'll ask them. Yeah everything is stock. What are the ends called on the drag link? They look like tie rod ends to me. Maybe drag link ends?

As I see it I need 4 of those things. 2 for the drag link and 2 for the tie rod.

They are tie rod ends. You will use the stock ones on the drag link. The upper may be able to have a stronger one, but unless someone makes a specialized one for the bottom, you will be restricted to a stock one. That might sound easy to find, but easier said than done. To make a long story short, I found out the hard way that when you want a tie rod end made, a type of ball joint, that you have to have a minimum order of 50,000 to get one made. That is a lot of custom tie rods. For that reason, there are a lot of after market steering solutions out there, but almost all of them have used standard tie rod ends or heims and just bent tubing or made brackets or something like that.

[Mudderoy]

They are tie rod ends. You will use the stock ones on the drag link. The upper may be able to have a stronger one, but unless someone makes a specialized one for the bottom, you will be restricted to a stock one. That might sound easy to find, but easier said than done. To make a long story short, I found out the hard way that when you want a tie rod end made, a type of ball joint, that you have to have a minimum order of 50,000 to get one made. That is a lot of custom tie rods. For that reason, there are a lot of after market steering solutions out there, but almost all of them have used standard tie rod ends or heims and just bent tubing or made brackets or something like that.

Well I would like a beefy tie rod end, but frankly if something has to break I'd rather it be something cheap and easy to replace. You have to have a weak link in there somewhere.

I just hate to go down to the local autoparts and pick up 4 of these then find out later I should have bough Spicer, or "brand-x" or something.

[reddragon72]

Moog makes some heavier duty tie rod ends. You can fins them at advanced auto. I just snagged up their upper bushings and they where pretty heavy duty compared to the OEM.

[Mudderoy]

Moog makes some heavier duty tie rod ends. You can fins them at advanced auto. I just snagged up their upper bushings and they where pretty heavy duty compared to the OEM.

Ok finally figured it out. There are 3 tie rod ends and the other one is actually part of the drag link bar. I guess I'll get a new drag link bar later.

$93.70 and free shipping from Amazon for the MOOG parts tie rod ends.

[Mudderoy]

The popping is getting worse. The parts are due to arrive Tuesday. I won't have the drop pitman arm until later, maybe even the following week. My question is this. Can I install the RC trackbar anyway and then drive it a few days (maybe a week) until I can install the drop pitman arm?

[alwaysxj]

you could but i would hold in with both hands, just in case.

[4.3LXJ]

Tony

Yes you can install the new parts and wait for the pitman arm to arrive. The only noticeable effect will be a slight bump steer on the bigger bumps. Otherwise, no problem. However on the tie rod ends, I would suggest using the stock one on the stock pitman arm until mine arrives just so it will be easier changing it out. Otherwise you will have to get the new TIE out of the old pitman arm without damaging the dust cover.

[Mudderoy]

Tony

Yes you can install the new parts and wait for the pitman arm to arrive. The only noticeable effect will be a slight bump steer on the bigger bumps. Otherwise, no problem. However on the tie rod ends, I would suggest using the stock one on the stock pitman arm until mine arrives just so it will be easier changing it out. Otherwise you will have to get the new TIE out of the old pitman arm without damaging the dust cover.

Excellent! Thanks guys!

[Mudderoy]

Goodies black

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TClOFARWudI/AAAAAAAAARg/yYZShEODYBc/s800/2010-06-28%2018.17.15.jpg

Goodies RED
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TClN-itBSZI/AAAAAAAAARc/TMQAjnBVTrY/s800/2010-06-28%2018.26.17.jpg

Goodies installed
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TClnjF5E3WI/AAAAAAAAARk/hgF2mldNHD4/s800/2010-06-28%2022.21.16.jpg

Goodies = trackbar. :D

[4.3LXJ]

:wow: Tony. I think you have more gas cans than I do. :D

Matching hardware, really nice.

[Mudderoy]

I had forgot that part of the RC 4.5" kit had a drop for the factory track bar. I assume this was in there to allow the axle to stay centered under the body. It was down about 2 inches from the original mounting point. I removed that so now the adjustable track bar is tucked in and up along the line of the Dana 30 center tube. More clearance! :cheerleader:

[Mudderoy]

Ok I re-read something and I see that the stock pitman arm can cause a problem when flexing the suspension. On the road it doesn't appear to be an issue.

I notice my steering wheel is no longer centered. I'm trying to figure how a new trackbar would have changed that. I didn't move anything after removing the OEM track bar so the distance between connection points should have been the same.

[alwaysxj]

looks shiny, hope it take's care of the pop.

[4.3LXJ]

Muddy

With the lift you have now, flexing the suspension is not going to be a problem. But when you go that extra 2" you are planning on, it will.

The reason your steering wheel changed is that you added a trac bar that is designed for a taller lift which probably moved the axle over a little to the right changing the distance from the steering arm to the opposite side of the frame. You can adjust it out easily.

[Mudderoy]

Muddy

With the lift you have now, flexing the suspension is not going to be a problem. But when you go that extra 2" you are planning on, it will.

The reason your steering wheel changed is that you added a trac bar that is designed for a taller lift which probably moved the axle over a little to the right changing the distance from the steering arm to the opposite side of the frame. You can adjust it out easily.

Well it's an adjustable track bar. I adjusted it to fit between the two connection points. If the axle or body didn't move (which I saw no evidence of that happening last night) the distance should have been the same.

I checked this morning and the tires seem to hang over the bushwackers the same 1" on both sides, so I'm assuming the axle is centered (ish). Where would I adjust the steering wheel? Drag link? I'm sure I'll just wait until the tie rod and tie rod ends come in before doing anything more.

[4.3LXJ]

I checked this morning and the tires seem to hang over the bushwackers the same 1" on both sides, so I'm assuming the axle is centered (ish). Where would I adjust the steering wheel? Drag link? I'm sure I'll just wait until the tie rod and tie rod ends come in before doing anything more.

Muddy, it is common to have this happen. A 1/8" difference will get you a 1/8" turn on the wheel. Yes, it is the drag link that you adjust up near the pitman arm. I would wait until you replace it to do this or you may end up doing it twice. Toe in will not be affected.

[Mudderoy]

Muddy, it is common to have this happen. A 1/8" difference will get you a 1/8" turn on the wheel. Yes, it is the drag link that you adjust up near the pitman arm. I would wait until you replace it to do this or you may end up doing it twice. Toe in will not be affected.

Wow! So a little does a lot, gotcha! Thanks.

[Mudderoy]

I got home from work Thursday to find two boxes. One was the back ordered tie rod from 4wheelingplus.com and the other was the 3 tie rod ends. Although technically I guess one would be a pitman arm, drag link end.

I thought it was pretty funny that both the tie rod and tie rod ends showed up on the same day, especially since they were ordered from two different companies, and one was on back order!

I didn't install them, just too tired. I took a long nap, just got up about an hour ago (3 AM).

The pitman arm has not arrived yet, so I'll just be installing the tie rod and tie rod ends after work today (Friday). It will be nice to have that much larger tie rod in place.

Yes I will be painting it red prior to installation. :P

Now the next set of goodies comes in next week, beefy ironman4x4.fab adjustable upper control arms! All I will need is a new drag link and the front end will have been complete replaced!

[Mudderoy]

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/jeeptierodoem.jpg

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/jeeptierod.jpg

[alwaysxj]

looks good but looks like you really need to get that drop pitman arm from steve..

[4.3LXJ]

It's on its way:D

[Mudderoy]

looks good but looks like you really need to get that drop pitman arm from steve..

Well according to two companys, and one person I do. :patriot:

[Mudderoy]

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/jeepdisconnect.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Ok you BUMP STEER experts, rguinard and I were looking at this picture the other night...

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/jeeptierodoem.jpg

It was his understanding that the track bar and drag link should be at the same angle to avoid bump steer. He was saying if I put the drop pitman arm on it will be further out and bump steer will occur. I don't think either one of us is certain, well I know I'm not certain how this works.

What you see here is the 4.5" RC lift with the stock drag link and stock tie rod, and RC track bar. You can imagine where the drag link will drop to with a 2" dropped pitman arm.

[4.3LXJ]

Muddy

It is difficult to tell with that bent track bar. But in essence, it doesn't matter what shape it is in, it functions as if it was straight. On the axle end, the tie rod end and track bar bushing are at the same height. On the frame end, your TIE and track bar bushing are a couple of inches apart vertically. So you would benefit from a little drop.

[4.3LXJ]

Muddy

It is difficult to tell with that bent track bar. But in essence, it doesn't matter what shape it is in, it functions as if it was straight. On the axle end, the tie rod end and track bar bushing are at the same height. On the frame end, your TIE and track bar bushing are a couple of inches apart vertically. So you would benefit from a little drop.

[Mudderoy]

Muddy

It is difficult to tell with that bent track bar. But in essence, it doesn't matter what shape it is in, it functions as if it was straight. On the axle end, the tie rod end and track bar bushing are at the same height. On the frame end, your TIE and track bar bushing are a couple of inches apart vertically. So you would benefit from a little drop.

Ahhhhh ok, so if I draw a line between those two points it should be parallel with the drag link?

[4.3LXJ]

Ahhhhh ok, so if I draw a line between those two points it should be parallel with the drag link?

Parallel and same length if possible. It should make a parallelogram.

[Mudderoy]

2" drop pitman arm has arrived!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TDZZMEjZL4I/AAAAAAAAATo/Ynk_hu5G1fc/s720/2010-07-08%2017.59.36.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

And it is black :eek:

[Mudderoy]

More painted front end goodies

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TD5iEhvUAaI/AAAAAAAAAUo/-eIiHR-xPvU/s640/2010-07-14%2020.15.53.jpg

Teraflex 2" drop pitman arm, thank you 4.3LXJ!

And a Moog drag link!

[4.3LXJ]

Couldn't have been mine, it it's red! :D

[Mudderoy]

:check: Pitman Arm Installed
:check: Drag Link Installed
:check: Drag Link to Pitman Arm Ball Joint Installed
:x: Adjustable Upper Control Arms Installed

:check: Adjusted Toe In
:check: Centered Steering Wheel


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TD_UopSwKzI/AAAAAAAAAVA/cHyNx6Ks6uk/s800/2010-07-15%2022.38.59.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TD_U1UcFs2I/AAAAAAAAAVE/ZGnBSHGN3k0/s800/2010-07-15%2022.39.43.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Muddy

It is difficult to tell with that bent track bar. But in essence, it doesn't matter what shape it is in, it functions as if it was straight. On the axle end, the tie rod end and track bar bushing are at the same height. On the frame end, your TIE and track bar bushing are a couple of inches apart vertically. So you would benefit from a little drop.

Maybe I misunderstood. Is this what you were saying?

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/bumpsteer.jpg

Should the drag link and track bar be parallel or should they look like they are on top of each other?

BTW the difference between the stock pitman arm and the teraflex(sp?) was about an inch. I wonder if I have a 1" dropped pitman arm from the factory. The Up Country package is supposed to be a 1" lift over stock, or that's what I've heard.

[Mudderoy]

Wow I never received and answer....

Anyway I finally got the beast an alignment Saturday.

Took it to NTB, and they told me NO PROBLEM WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4MWGZHiUduE/TpLKEw3H-XI/AAAAAAAABYs/rAhKcfAczc4/s912/2011-10-08%25252010.30.47.jpg

I didn't notice until later the tech picked a ZJ on the computer! :ass: :timeout:

The TOE was out pretty far, but they didn't adjust the caster, and of course there is no camber adjustment.

[bluedragon436]

Glad to hear you were able to get the alignment taken care of.. I can't wait to get my control arms replaced with some that will recenter my axle.. as well as a few other items taken care of and get mine re-aligned.. I wouldn't think that picking ZJ or XJ should make a difference as far as the outcome though..

[Mudderoy]

Glad to hear you were able to get the alignment taken care of.. I can't wait to get my control arms replaced with some that will recenter my axle.. as well as a few other items taken care of and get mine re-aligned.. I wouldn't think that picking ZJ or XJ should make a difference as far as the outcome though..

Yeah but it's insulting! :out: ;)

[bluedragon436]

Yeah but it's insulting! :out: ;)

I can agree with you on that one!! LOL..

[4.3LXJ]

Maybe I misunderstood. Is this what you were saying?

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/bumpsteer.jpg

Should the drag link and track bar be parallel or should they look like they are on top of each other?

BTW the difference between the stock pitman arm and the teraflex(sp?) was about an inch. I wonder if I have a 1" dropped pitman arm from the factory. The Up Country package is supposed to be a 1" lift over stock, or that's what I've heard.

Parellel with a level line of sight