Trac Bars on a SOA

madjeep1 · 07-12-2009, 02:58 PM

If anyone has read my previous post they know I wrecked my jeep due to a drag link that bent where one of my buddys "Z" it. Well he also did my SOA and when I wrecked we pulled it to another buddys house to fix it and I decided to do a high steer kit from JB 4x4 and do it the right way. When we had the jeep in the air we realized the front axle perches were not centered. So I cut them off and rewelded new ones. When I did that the front trac bar would not line up with the bracket that he had made. I already wasn't running a rear trac bar and had read the post on not running them. I decided to leave the front one off as well. I got the jeep back on the road and it drive fine but I shift gears or let off the gas or give it gas the rear end kicks over to the left. Its vey noticable. My buddy who helped me this last time says we need to install the trac bars because the rear end is doing that because it has nothing to keep it in place. He is very knowledgable and is also been a mech for 30 yrs. What ya'lls opinions. That reareand shifting is kinda scary. Thanks

yjcrawlr · 07-12-2009, 07:24 PM

With leaf spring suspension set ups the track bar is not needed. The axle is located by the leafs. Ask your mechanic buddy where the track bar was on cj's and International scouts? If you are getting this much movement your bushings are probably worn out.

madjeep1 · 07-12-2009, 09:23 PM

What bushings are you talking about

yjcrawlr · 07-12-2009, 09:27 PM

The only thing that can effect the side to side movement is all the bushings in the springs and shackle hangers. If all these are in good shape you shouldn't have much side to side movement and no need for a track bar. Also make sure the bushings have sleeves and proper size bolts.

1 ton yj · 07-12-2009, 09:48 PM

The trackbar is needed with SOA. On mine, the steering pushed the frame back and forth over the axle instead of turning the tires. I'd run one. Fab up some tabs and make one out of heims and DOM tube. It's easy.

yjcrawlr · 07-12-2009, 09:51 PM

I stand corrected! I didn't think stock axles could put that much side to side force.

madjeep1 · 07-12-2009, 09:53 PM

Thanks YJCRAWLR I get what your saying but I didnt touch the rear leafs when I rewelded the front perches. Now I did replace the front two leaf springs with ones from a junk yard becuase one of my front springs was bent and I figured while I had the front axle out I should do this. Would this have something to do with the rear axle.

yjcrawlr · 07-12-2009, 10:13 PM

Probably not, I have run my soa with the one tons(no track bars) for a few years now with no issues. Do you have a traction bar? If you don't have a traction bar in the rear with soa this could be the source of your problems. One ton knows his stuff but he is talking about running a track bar in front to help with stress on the steering box. If your problem is in the rear it is probably axle wrap.

madjeep1 · 07-13-2009, 12:37 AM

I am running stock axles and I do not have a trac bar on the front or rear. So you think thats the problem

yjcrawlr · 07-13-2009, 07:18 AM

Trac bar and traction bar are two different things. Traction bar controls wheel hop, spring wrap, and loss of traction. Track bar is the stock parts that you removed. You need to build a traction bar. Search traction bar and you will see what I am talking about.

1 ton yj · 07-13-2009, 07:25 AM

You definetly need a traction bar in the back if you don't have one. I wouldn't even try driving SOA on the street without one.

Drozen · 07-13-2009, 07:29 AM

Have a SOA-cross over steering-36x15.5x15 w soft 8's...no trac or sway bar DD it about 40 miles round trip daily.
Only time it ever felt loose was when i had to lock up the brakes to keep from running over a Civic that pulled out of an alley in front of me.Just got some new seat covers and went on home..lol..

madjeep1 · 07-13-2009, 12:42 PM

If I am understanding you correctly a traction bar will help with axle wrap. I don't have axle wrap. My rear axle is shifting to the left ( the drivers side) everytime I hit the gas after shifting gears. What will help with that? Thanks

adamsclarke · 07-13-2009, 03:26 PM

Do you have a locker in the rear? Locker like detroits will engage when you gas it causing a shift back that way...but it is likely spring and shackle bushings just worn out. you don;t need trac bars front or rear of a leaf spring vehicle. yank em off if yo uhave them

But yes, you'll need a traction bar to keep your drivehshaft, springs and yokes together.

I had a front trac bar on an old YJ years ago and I would get a pretty bad wobble when the bolt would loosen up. It was a bandaid for worn out bushings, removed the trac bar and replaced the bushings nd no more wobble or shift.

Also, if you have a ton of power and motor, torque steer can cause the rear axle to really push to the side or have chasis twist.

07-13-2009, 03:26 PM	#14
adamsclarke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 179 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Do you have a locker in the rear? Locker like detroits will engage when you gas it causing a shift back that way...but it is likely spring and shackle bushings just worn out. you don;t need trac bars front or rear of a leaf spring vehicle. yank em off if yo uhave them But yes, you'll need a traction bar to keep your drivehshaft, springs and yokes together. I had a front trac bar on an old YJ years ago and I would get a pretty bad wobble when the bolt would loosen up. It was a bandaid for worn out bushings, removed the trac bar and replaced the bushings nd no more wobble or shift. Also, if you have a ton of power and motor, torque steer can cause the rear axle to really push to the side or have chasis twist.