Bent Track Bar?

[Mudderoy]

So what do you think guys. Do I have a bent track bar?

Just after the installation (Pre-bent)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TD_UopSwKzI/AAAAAAAAAVA/cHyNx6Ks6uk/s800/2010-07-15%2022.38.59.jpg

Months after the installation (Post-bent)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TU9LhKr62TI/AAAAAAAAAng/DXgKudZSLu8/s800/2011-02-06%2017.31.26.jpg

Matt do you remember when we were looking at my front end trying to figure out why the steering was way off after a run at Creekside? Could this be the reason?

[bigjim350]

Yes sir, I do belive you have a bent track bar.

[msmoorenburg]

That would be the reason :headshake: i think we all were :jumping0044: over Ironman's uppers

[Mudderoy]

Well I don't understand. I mean the whole idea of a beefier track bar is to keep this from happening. I'm sure anything can be bent, but it's not like I climbed a vertical wall, or had a front end collision with a mac truck.

Should I just adjust this out, or see if Rough Country will send me a replacement?

[bigjim350]

Get a replacement. The integrity of that one is gone and it will just bend more.

[msmoorenburg]

see if they will warranty it if not upgrade

[Mudderoy]

see if they will warranty it if not upgrade

It's the best one they sell!!!

http://www.roughcountry.com/images/jeep_1085-dom.gif

http://www.roughcountry.com/images/jeep_1079.gif

:link: (http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xtras_1079.html)

Yeah I'll contact them tomorrow. I can't believe this thing bent. Andy (Ironman4x4fab.com) joined the site about a week after I ordered these parts!!!!

[msmoorenburg]

i was thinking more like this


http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Track_Bars/XJ_FTB.html

[bigjim350]

Well I've always thought they were a bad design and prone to bend, cause they already have bends in em. Seems like they would be much stronger if they were straight, but what do I know I'm not an engineer.

Edit: Although I would trust Ironmanandy's trackbar

[Mudderoy]

i was thinking more like this


http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Track_Bars/XJ_FTB.html

Oh yeah, I misunderstood. I thought you meant have Rough Country upgrade it.

[XJ4IV]

tony do you have a pic of it prior to install? I know SOME aftermarkets have bends in em like the side near your passenger coil BUT the bend like the FRAME side is WAY to much...
The OE one had a bend in it to clear the differential but with an aftermarket setup you dont NEED the bend there sooooooo I say RC really ahs an issue on their hands with this setup, I noticed your trackbar goes UP out of the frame side mount instead of down ouch, that much bend SHOULD have made a decent amount of noise when it happened as well as a nice jarring feeling. I got t-boned by a suburban INTO my front axle and it caused less damage to a OE trackbar

[Mudderoy]

tony do you have a pic of it prior to install? I know SOME aftermarkets have bends in em like the side near your passenger coil BUT the bend like the FRAME side is WAY to much...
The OE one had a bend in it to clear the differential but with an aftermarket setup you dont NEED the bend there sooooooo I say RC really ahs an issue on their hands with this setup, I noticed your trackbar goes UP out of the frame side mount instead of down ouch, that much bend SHOULD have made a decent amount of noise when it happened as well as a nice jarring feeling. I got t-boned by a suburban INTO my front axle and it caused less damage to a OE trackbar

This is a picture just after I installed it, still looking...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TClnjF5E3WI/AAAAAAAAARk/hgF2mldNHD4/s800/2010-06-28%2022.21.16.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Here we go...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TClN39wkzjI/AAAAAAAAARY/kyUSLV8hIaw/s640/2010-06-28%2018.26.36.jpg

Assuming I'll get a replacement, I see they've changed something!!!!
http://www.roughcountry.com/images_large/jeep_1079.jpg

Mine doesn't have that joint at the end.

[bluedragon436]

Yeah I would say it is a little bit bent.... RC will probably swap that out with no questions asked... from what I hear they are pretty good with stuff like that... Like the trac bar I have on mine when I got it lifted... was a used RC bar, that had a small bend in it (more than from RC bend)... and the shop that was going to install it contacted RC and they replaced it before it got installed in my XJ.. so you should have no issues..

[Mudderoy]

Ok I just did the live chat thing with Ryan from Rough Country. He wanted pictures and an invoice mailed to them.

Already had the pictures (obviously) so I dug up the e-mailed invoice and sent all three.

He assured me this isn't normal for their track bar. I think you guys know me well enough that I don't wheel hard. Actually Rene (rguignard) was the one watching me, Rene did I wheel it hard? This would have happened when I was trying to get out of the creek at creekside....

[Mudderoy]

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

[Mudderoy]

Ok you guys remember this when I am recommending Rough Country to you. True the trackbar bent but it was VERY little effort to get a replacement from these folks. :patriot:

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

[OrangeXJ]

Tony what was your stearing doing? Mines pulling to the right and this happened after the last Creekside run

[Mudderoy]

I thought this was excellent photographic evidence that the RC trackbar is more often that not up to the task...

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/rctrackbaremailback1.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Look at the bottom of the track bar bracket.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVAnP9d6omI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/DUqmRDItRyE/s640/2011-02-07%2011.07.36.jpg

[rguignard]

tony i would have never thought you would have bent anything coming out of the creek i know ive been WAY harder on mine and as far as i know i havent bent anything yet

[bigjim350]

Damn tony, your just one hell of a hardcore wheeler, aint ya.

[Mudderoy]

tony i would have never thought you would have bent anything coming out of the creek i know ive been WAY harder on mine and as far as i know i havent bent anything yet

Well I just had to check. You were watching me so I think you would have had the better vantage point to be able to tell. Thanks.

[OrangeXJ]

Tony what was your stearing doing? Mines pulling to the right and this happened after the last Creekside run

[bluedragon436]

so will they send you a new bracket as well... since that one has a bit of a bend to it?? or are you not worried about the bracket... as it looks as if it will still work correctly?

[Mudderoy]

so will they send you a new bracket as well... since that one has a bit of a bend to it?? or are you not worried about the bracket... as it looks as if it will still work correctly?

I e-mailed Ryan that I thought that I had seen a crack in the bracket, and he said "no problem we'll send you that as well". I went out to the Jeep at lunch, took some pictures of it and I could clearly see there wasn't a cracked weld, so I e-mailed him back saying thank you but this one is fine.

He did say I will be getting the newer style trackbar with the heim(sp?) joint. (I'm assuming that is what that is.)

[bluedragon436]

That is awesome that they have good customer service like that... I guess I should be happy that the majority of my lift is RC... now if only I had a receipt for the parts... LOL.. hopefully won't need to replace anything.. unless upgrading that is..

[Mudderoy]

That is awesome that they have good customer service like that... I guess I should be happy that the majority of my lift is RC... now if only I had a receipt for the parts... LOL.. hopefully won't need to replace anything.. unless upgrading that is..

My RC parts list:

4.5" lift with AAL
4.5" leaf springs
tie rod
quick disconnects
track bar (the better one of the two they sell)

minor failure = track bar. I call it a minor failure because it took me 7 months to find out there was a problem!!!!!

[LizardRunner]

Tony, this just confirms what I've heard about Rough Country being great to deal with. pretty wild that the bracket bent that much. I like the fact that they have gone to the heim joint for adjusting the trackbar to the right length.

[OrangeXJ]

I give up

[Mudderoy]

Tony what was your stearing doing? Mines pulling to the right and this happened after the last Creekside run

lol, I'm sorry I just now saw your "i give up"

The only thing I noticed was the steering wheel was 90 degrees off. Other than that nothing.

[4.3LXJ]

That is not really crucial, however it looks like it was too wide for the bushing.

Did you check for cracks?

[Mudderoy]

That is not really crucial, however it looks like it was too wide for the bushing.

Did you check for cracks?

Yeah I does doesn't it? When it was popping I checked for cracks, thought I found one but I don't see it in those pictures.

The popping went away after Matt put the bad a$$ 1/2 air tool on it and tightened everything up.

[OrangeXJ]

lolI'm sorry I just now saw your "i give up"

The only thing I noticed was the steering wheel was 90 degrees off. Other than that nothing.

lol I found out what the problem is. After rolling around on a creeper and tape measure I bent a UCA bracket. What made me look was I adjusted the air pressure on the right side 5 psi higher then the left side and it still pulled to the right. My track bar is a RC also but it is the one you are getting (adjustable) and it's not bent. Nothing that a rose bud and a BFH won't fix. :cheerleader:

[Mudderoy]

lol I found out what the problem is. After rolling around on a creeper and tape measure I bent a UCA bracket. What made me look was I adjusted the air pressure on the right side 5 psi higher then the left side and it still pulled to the right. My track bar is a RC also but it is the one you are getting (adjustable) and it's not bent. Nothing that a rose bud and a BFH won't fix. :cheerleader:

Well my RC lower control arms (non-adjustable) and the upper control arms Ironman4x4fab.com (adjustable) made it through with flying colors. As did the Moog drag link, and RC tie rod.

[RTPG]

lol I found out what the problem is. After rolling around on a creeper and tape measure I bent a UCA bracket. What made me look was I adjusted the air pressure on the right side 5 psi higher then the left side and it still pulled to the right. My track bar is a RC also but it is the one you are getting (adjustable) and it's not bent. Nothing that a rose bud and a BFH won't fix. :cheerleader:
Is it a stock control arm or aftermarket? Just curious as I want to learn all that I can about XJ's. :thumbsup:

[OrangeXJ]

Is it a stock control arm or aftermarket? Just curious as I want to learn all that I can about XJ's. :thumbsup:

It's a RC control arm it did not bend the mounting bracket did

[XJ4IV]

This is a picture just after I installed it, still looking...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TClnjF5E3WI/AAAAAAAAARk/hgF2mldNHD4/s800/2010-06-28%2022.21.16.jpg

Sorry I took for granted your pretty jeep in the FIRT pic posted in the original post was just after install... then I looked at the second picture and it was not until TODAY that I realized " DUH his jeeps doesnt get that dirty it a matter of a few seconds" so I looked at the track bar difference between the two pics and noticed yes there is a slight bend to it, not like what I had thought originally but yes still bent over original form! BUT since we have already declared that ..... :deadhorse:

[XJ4IV]

Damn tony, your just one hell of a hardcore wheeler, aint ya.

Freakin Speed Bumps....

[bluedragon436]

Freakin Speed Bumps....

Hey those things can get down right evil on your setup!! LOL!!

[XJ4IV]

Hey those things can get down right evil on your setup!! LOL!!

on MY setup??? Im sorry have we met?

[Mudderoy]

Damn! I just realized, I'm going to have to paint the replacement track bar!!!!

[XJ4IV]

Damn! I just realized, I'm going to have to paint the replacement track bar!!!!

yup and remember DONT PAINT THE HEIM JOINT... are they still sending you the replacement bracket?

[Mudderoy]

yup and remember DONT PAINT THE HEIM JOINT... are they still sending you the replacement bracket?

Originally yes, but I told them they didn't need to. I'll know tomorrow.

[chaserx]

You should actually get a new everything. :D

[Mudderoy]

You should actually get a new everything. :D

That's cool, I could see just replacing the part that was damaged. I figured worse case if it turned the bracket was damaged as well I could just show the damage and get it later. That thing is a huge hunk of metal though and I'd be surprised that short of driving over a IED I wouldn't damage it. :patriot:

[Mudderoy]

Track bar came in today, it was a day late due to the bad weather...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVYJKuxoNxI/AAAAAAAAApc/9AwiOi8Fy8Y/s720/2011-02-11%2022.10.36.jpg

Track bar only, no bracket.

I may have to send it back though. It's the wrong color!!!! :rotfl2:

[XJ4IV]

Hmmmmmm youve helped ME tony... can you wait a week and Ill help you toss that one on? AT MY PLACE... IN THE GARAGE!!!!!!!!!!

[bigjim350]

Not a problem I have some GREEN paint. :D

[Mudderoy]

Hmmmmmm youve helped ME tony... can you wait a week and Ill help you toss that one on? AT MY PLACE... IN THE GARAGE!!!!!!!!!!

lol I know you are excited. Very happy for you and your family. Actually I'll probably put it on tomorrow.

[4.3LXJ]

Track bar came in today, it was a day late due to the bad weather...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVYJKuxoNxI/AAAAAAAAApc/9AwiOi8Fy8Y/s720/2011-02-11%2022.10.36.jpg

Track bar only, no bracket.

I may have to send it back though. It's the wrong color!!!! :rotfl2:

You could get one from Skyjacker, they do red:rolleyes:

[XJ4IV]

well pifflesquit man... you gotta paint it before you install it.... kinda like you gotta lick it before you stick it...

[Mudderoy]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVcLlUi4j7I/AAAAAAAAAqs/wuNuYYxysOQ/s576/2011-02-12%2011.54.14.jpghttps://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVcLxNzLAiI/AAAAAAAAAq0/ILNI4fXPPkQ/s576/2011-02-12%2012.25.48.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVcL6qmpb3I/AAAAAAAAAq4/pH6L_iYwhec/s576/2011-02-12%2012.59.10.jpghttps://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVcMHJawezI/AAAAAAAAAq8/6H_hzSHvWos/s576/2011-02-12%2012.59.28.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVcMd1CbRFI/AAAAAAAAArQ/-Iq5LMSQtqY/s800/2011-02-12%2013.01.13.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_b0ViaGso2Ko/TVcMv6Y595I/AAAAAAAAArc/N_Sy5yvbVaU/s800/2011-02-12%2014.42.14.jpg

I really don't understand what bent this track bar...

[XJ4IV]

only thing that would have done that was a decent hit to the passenger side wheel

[Mudderoy]

only thing that would have done that was a decent hit to the passenger side wheel

Yeah but it occurred while trying to get up the embankment in the creek at Creekside. That's a straight on shot.

I guess I could be wrong when it happened but that was the only aggressive driving I did out there and I noticed the steering wheel was off by 90 degress just after winching myself out.

I wonder if the winching did it. It was very smooth getting it out...

[4.3LXJ]

Hey Tony, I see paint chipping in those pics. Better get busy with the spray can :D

[bigjim350]

Yeah but it occurred while trying to get up the embankment in the creek at Creekside. That's a straight on shot.

I guess I could be wrong when it happened but that was the only aggressive driving I did out there and I noticed the steering wheel was off by 90 degress just after winching myself out.

I wonder if the winching did it. It was very smooth getting it out...

If I remember correctly, it wasn't quite a straight shot. You came out at an angle, and your driverside tire popped up on the log HARD, cause I felt the ground shake 6' away.

[Mudderoy]

If I remember correctly, it wasn't quite a straight shot. You came out at an angle, and your driverside tire popped up on the log HARD, cause I felt the ground shake 6' away.

Jim this happened the last time I went to Creekside. It was just Rene and I. It's when we did "Rene's Creekside Run" video.

[TeXJ]

my TnT trackbar and bracket are still holding on strong. that's cool they are giving ya new stuff.

[rguignard]

my TnT trackbar and bracket are still holding on strong. that's cool they are giving ya new stuff.

and with no questions asked you got to love Rough Country for that :thumbsup:

[XJ4IV]

My iron man stuff is kicking a$$...

[TeXJ]

and with no questions asked you got to love Rough Country for that :thumbsup:

yeah that is some customer service right there! :thumbsup:

[ironmanandy]

Hey man get me the dimensions off of that wimpy made in china bar and we'll get you something that I guarantee will not bend.

My solid track bar takes a 40-50,000 lb load over a 4" spread to put the bends in it. I doubt you can achieve that to get them back out.

Andy

[XJ4IV]

hey man get me the dimensions off of that wimpy made in china bar and we'll get you something that i guarantee will not bend.

My solid track bar takes a 40-50,000 lb load over a 4" spread to put the bends in it. I doubt you can achieve that to get them back out.

Andy

burn

[RTPG]

Hey man get me the dimensions off of that wimpy made in china bar and we'll get you something that I guarantee will not bend.
OUCH! :shocker:

According to the sticker on the box they are made in the USA.

http://store.4WheelingPlus.com/images/rough-country-7571-made-in-usa.jpg

If you know something I don't... I am all ears.

[Mudderoy]

Hey man get me the dimensions off of that wimpy made in china bar and we'll get you something that I guarantee will not bend.

My solid track bar takes a 40-50,000 lb load over a 4" spread to put the bends in it. I doubt you can achieve that to get them back out.

Andy

Well customer service was great, but yes I am concerned that I was able to bend it so easily.

[4.3LXJ]

Hey man get me the dimensions off of that wimpy made in china bar and we'll get you something that I guarantee will not bend.

My solid track bar takes a 40-50,000 lb load over a 4" spread to put the bends in it. I doubt you can achieve that to get them back out.

Andy

Maybe Andy will even powder coat it red for you :D

[ironmanandy]

I am humble enough to admit when I am wrong. I did a little research and they do still have some US manufacturing. What I learned was that rough country re-structured a year or two back and brought a lot of products back home to the US. I would agree that it is obvious by many of their new upgrades and the new face of the company. I still feel as if this specific track bar may not have been part of that. I do not dislike RC and am not out to bash them. They do make affordable parts ..

I wont back down that I think that the track bar is the most important of the front 5 links and therefore should be the strongest part. The materials used on that track bar are weaker than the factory bar.

As a matter of fact, the stock track bar is twice as strong as most aftermarket track bars. It makes you think twice about what companies use for comparison when they say "heavy duty". However, there are some Damn good alternatives; Claytons, ironman4x4fab, Rubicon express ( I have been told they closed for re organization) ,Currie. etc. This is a part that I think folks should really take some time to research to get the best possible product instead of trying to save 3$.

Any companies salesman or dealer will tell you its strong and the best but look into what you are actually buying and how its made, bushings, joints, etc. A track bar should have 0 play from side to side. If the bushings slide in with your fingers and so does the sleeve its not going to work. Heim joints are strong and tight but wear very quickly as they are a consumable part. Stick with double shear set ups with joints such as johnny joints etc. or heavy duty poly or molded rubber (stock set up). Avoid threading less than 1" in diameter and require at least double material width thread engagement when adjusted to proper setting.

The track bar material should be at least 1" if solid and 1.25 if tubing. Anything less than 1/4" thick will not only bend but flex as you drive down the road. I really prefer 3/8 wall DOM tubing for 1 1/4" its actually pretty obvious if you drive down a trail or road and scrub a rock or curb with your tire fairly hard you can watch a weak track bar bend a little at the bends. They normally pop right back but they are being fatigued. If anyone has seen what happens at highway speeds when a track bar lets go its not pretty and you are fortunate to not take others out with you.

Food for thought.
A

[TeXJ]

I've had my TnT track bar for 5+ years that i had on two jeeps. The only problem is the frame bracket bolt on the top that is almost right behind the spring, keeps coming loose. I cant get a good grip on it to tighten with hand tools. I have to have an impact do it. I dont have air tools.

[Mudderoy]

I am humble enough to admit when I am wrong. I did a little research and they do still have some US manufacturing. What I learned was that rough country re-structured a year or two back and brought a lot of products back home to the US. I would agree that it is obvious by many of their new upgrades and the new face of the company. I still feel as if this specific track bar may not have been part of that. I do not dislike RC and am not out to bash them. They do make affordable parts ..

I wont back down that I think that the track bar is the most important of the front 5 links and therefore should be the strongest part. The materials used on that track bar are weaker than the factory bar.

As a matter of fact, the stock track bar is twice as strong as most aftermarket track bars. It makes you think twice about what companies use for comparison when they say "heavy duty". However, there are some Damn good alternatives; Claytons, ironman4x4fab, Rubicon express ( I have been told they closed for re organization) ,Currie. etc. This is a part that I think folks should really take some time to research to get the best possible product instead of trying to save 3$.

Any companies salesman or dealer will tell you its strong and the best but look into what you are actually buying and how its made, bushings, joints, etc. A track bar should have 0 play from side to side. If the bushings slide in with your fingers and so does the sleeve its not going to work. Heim joints are strong and tight but wear very quickly as they are a consumable part. Stick with double shear set ups with joints such as johnny joints etc. or heavy duty poly or molded rubber (stock set up). Avoid threading less than 1" in diameter and require at least double material width thread engagement when adjusted to proper setting.

The track bar material should be at least 1" if solid and 1.25 if tubing. Anything less than 1/4" thick will not only bend but flex as you drive down the road. I really prefer 3/8 wall DOM tubing for 1 1/4" its actually pretty obvious if you drive down a trail or road and scrub a rock or curb with your tire fairly hard you can watch a weak track bar bend a little at the bends. They normally pop right back but they are being fatigued. If anyone has seen what happens at highway speeds when a track bar lets go its not pretty and you are fortunate to not take others out with you.

Food for thought.
A

Well I'm glad, and sad, that I asked if you had seen my post about my bent track bar. Glad because this explains to me why it bent, in your educated/knowledgeable opinion of course, and sad because I don't want to take people out!!!! :smiley-laughing021:

[ironmanandy]

well that depends on who you take out with you.
A

[Mudderoy]

well that depends on who you take out with you.
A

Well I hope I'm alone. The big busted blond would just be embarrassing.

[4.3LXJ]

It makes you think twice about what companies use for comparison when they say "heavy duty".
A

Heavy Duty has always ben a relative term with no specifications attached. It can be anything you want it to be.

[Mudderoy]

Heavy Duty has always ben a relative term with no specifications attached. It can be anything you want it to be.

I prefer "Heavy Duty" jeans over "Husky"

[muddeprived]

Hey man get me the dimensions off of that wimpy made in china bar and we'll get you something that I guarantee will not bend.

My solid track bar takes a 40-50,000 lb load over a 4" spread to put the bends in it. I doubt you can achieve that to get them back out.

Andy

This is why I swapped out my Rough Country bar for Andy's.

I have the double sheer kit like you have Tony. When I first received it with my long arm kit, I was nervous because it was scary thin. It bothered me from day 1 so I got ahold of Andy and he made me one that was crazy beef.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/IronMan%20T-bar/DSCF7009.jpg

I didn't want to take chances with the RC bar so Andy's big beefy bar went in instead. He made it perfectly to specs and now I have a peace of mind.

I praise RC for replacing your bar without any hassle but I don't like how cheap it's made. If you manage to bend the new one again, give Andy a call and fix the issue for good.

[Mudderoy]

This is why I swapped out my Rough Country bar for Andy's.

I have the double sheer kit like you have Tony. When I first received it with my long arm kit, I was nervous because it was scary thin. It bothered me from day 1 so I got ahold of Andy and he made me one that was crazy beef.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/IronMan%20T-bar/DSCF7009.jpg

I didn't want to take chances with the RC bar so Andy's big beefy bar went in instead. He made it perfectly to specs and now I have a peace of mind.

I praise RC for replacing your bar without any hassle but I don't like how cheap it's made. If you manage to bend the new one again, give Andy a call and fix the issue for good.

Andy is taking care of me. I just have to take some measurements and I'll be good. Thanks for the info and the picture.

[muddeprived]

Andy is taking care of me. I just have to take some measurements and I'll be good. Thanks for the info and the picture.

Hey Tony, I'm curious about something. I was wondering if my Rough Country bar was an odd one out or was it the same for all the trackbars. My axle end bolt sleeve is 11 mm and the frame size is 12mm. Are yours the same? I had to drill out the axle end hole a little larger to fit the bigger bolt but this was not in the instructions that came with the long arm kit. I dunno if they included the wrong size bolt sleeves or what but that's how the bar came in the kit.

[Mudderoy]

Hey Tony, I'm curious about something. I was wondering if my Rough Country bar was an odd one out or was it the same for all the trackbars. My axle end bolt sleeve is 11 mm and the frame size is 12mm. Are yours the same? I had to drill out the axle end hole a little larger to fit the bigger bolt but this was not in the instructions that came with the long arm kit. I dunno if they included the wrong size bolt sleeves or what but that's how the bar came in the kit.

I just screwed it in, but yeah it needed to be drilled out. ;)

[LizardRunner]

OUCH! :shocker:

According to the sticker on the box they are made in the USA.

http://store.4WheelingPlus.com/images/rough-country-7571-made-in-usa.jpg

If you know something I don't... I am all ears.

notice that there are no periods between U S and A, that generally means some other country is making them and they are marketed by a US company. Most things actually made in the U.S.A. have it marked like that.

[TeXJ]

i was going to say mexican steel....

[muddeprived]

I just screwed it in, but yeah it needed to be drilled out. ;)

Alright cool. It sucks though cuz I'm stuck with 11mm at the axle end but luckily Andy got me a sleeve that was drilled out to 11mm.

[Mudderoy]

notice that there are no periods between U S and A, that generally means some other country is making them and they are marketed by a US company. Most things actually made in the U.S.A. have it marked like that.


Basic Information About Made In USA Claims
Must U.S. content be disclosed on products sold in the U.S.?

U.S. content must be disclosed on automobiles and textile, wool, and fur products. There’s no law that requires most other products sold in the U.S. to be marked or labeled Made in USA or have any other disclosure about their amount of U.S. content. However, manufacturers and marketers who choose to make claims about the amount of U.S. content in their products must comply with the FTC’s Made in USA policy.
What products does the FTC’s Made in USA policy apply to?

The policy applies to all products advertised or sold in the U.S., except for those specifically subject to country-of-origin labeling by other laws. Other countries may have their own country-of-origin marking requirements. As a result, exporters should determine whether the country to which they are exporting imposes such requirements.
What kinds of claims does the Enforcement Policy Statement apply to?

The Enforcement Policy Statement applies to U.S. origin claims that appear on products and labeling, advertising, and other promotional materials. It also applies to all other forms of marketing, including marketing through digital or electronic mechanisms, such as Internet or e-mail.
A Made in USA claim can be express or implied.

Examples of express claims: Made in USA. "Our products are American-made." "USA."

In identifying implied claims, the Commission focuses on the overall impression of the advertising, label, or promotional material. Depending on the context, U.S. symbols or geographic references (for example, U.S. flags, outlines of U.S. maps, or references to U.S. locations of headquarters or factories) may convey a claim of U.S. origin either by themselves, or in conjunction with other phrases or images.

Example: A company promotes its product in an ad that features a manager describing the "true American quality" of the work produced at the company’s American factory. Although there is no express representation that the company’s product is made in the U.S., the overall — or net — impression the ad is likely to convey to consumers is that the product is of U.S. origin.

:link: (http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus03-complying-made-usa-standard)

[Mudderoy]

Alright cool. It sucks though cuz I'm stuck with 11mm at the axle end but luckily Andy got me a sleeve that was drilled out to 11mm.

You know I misunderstood. The Dana 30 bracket hole was a little too small for the bolt. The track bar was fine.

[TeXJ]

also just a side note, the axle mount for the track bar is know for wallowing out. I had to have a washer welded on to the axle bracket for the bolt to go through so it would wonder on me.

[muddeprived]

also just a side note, the axle mount for the track bar is know for wallowing out. I had to have a washer welded on to the axle bracket for the bolt to go through so it would wonder on me.

Yeah that mostly happens with the bolt is left loose for a long period of time. It wobbles back and forth, wallowing it out.

[TeXJ]

Yeah that mostly happens with the bolt is left loose for a long period of time. It wobbles back and forth, wallowing it out.

that bolt is a pain to tighten, so its possible to not get it tightened enough.

[Mudderoy]

that bolt is a pain to tighten, so its possible to not get it tightened enough.

I had problems with the bolt that is near the coil spring on the unibody mount, but no problem at all with the axle bolt and nut. That little slot actually holds the wrench snug so I can put all the "poo poo" on the ratchet.

[muddeprived]

that bolt is a pain to tighten, so its possible to not get it tightened enough.

My t-bar came with a bigger bolt and regular nut. You can't fit a wrench in that little hole to hold the nut so I took my dremel and enlarged the hole at the bottom of the trackbar bracket. You just cut a square piece out. Once that was opened up, the wrench fit right in there and I could tighten it very easily.

[TeXJ]

I had problems with the bolt that is near the coil spring on the unibody mount, but no problem at all with the axle bolt and nut. That little slot actually holds the wrench snug so I can put all the "poo poo" on the ratchet.

thats what i tried to do but it just didnt fit right, the not on the back side has a tab welded to it to help it stay fit....

I thought i had it tight but i guess it will still loosen on ya.

[TeXJ]

My t-bar came with a bigger bolt and regular nut. You can't fit a wrench in that little hole to hold the nut so I took my dremel and enlarged the hole at the bottom of the trackbar bracket. You just cut a square piece out. Once that was opened up, the wrench fit right in there and I could tighten it very easily.

when i had a shop weld on the washer they did that lil mod, makes me wish i had thought of that :sad0147: