Found play in front trackbar

FortCollinsZJ · 08-12-2007, 08:44 PM

well like the title states, I found that there is some play in the axle side of the trackbar due to slightly ovaled hole. This must be the culpret of the DW I've been chasing. Now, how much play is acceptable? it moves about 1/32" back and forth in either direction when the wheel is turned. Now we have all heard "just weld a washer to each side to reshape the egged hole" but that just cant be done on the back side. So, would it be smart to tack weld the bolt on the front side to keep it from moving? just 2 small tacks.

djdoug99 · 08-12-2007, 09:28 PM

I dont think there is supposed to be any play in the TB. That is one of the causes of DW. Tighten that sucker down.

FortCollinsZJ · 08-12-2007, 10:29 PM

It is way tight. I tightened it down as much as I could with the wrench and my hands... then I put a breaker bar on it and kicked it a few times and it is TIGHT! the only problem is that the holes are a bit ovaled.

Cha Cha · 08-12-2007, 10:29 PM

Be sure if you do tack weld it where a welding helmet.

anticrombie · 08-13-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cha Cha

Be sure if you do tack weld it where a welding helmet.

Naw, you'll be fine to look right at the weld. Just be sure to open your eyes as wide as possible when you're tacking it.

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 08-13-2007, 10:18 AM

First off if you have tightened it down as tight as possible and you haven't broken the bolt, go to the gym...A 7/16's bolt only takes ~130ft-lbs to break it.

1/32" isn't much at all, my TB bushing has more play in it then that. Is it ovaled on the front & back? If you're serious about 4-wheeling your ZJ, invest in Kevins TB bracket & a new Adj. TB to go along with it. Unfortunantely it is a different trackbar then the one you have now

**ajmorell** · 08-13-2007, 10:21 AM

What the hell is happening to this thread?

If you want an honest answer, here is what I would do. I would drill out the hole and make it a touch larger. Run the corresponding bolt size to the hole you drilled. As for the trackbar itself, you should be able to push out the old metal sleeve, drill the bushing out a tad, and get a little bit bigger sleeve from a hardware store to accept the larger bolt. Make sure you run decent sized washers on both sides of the bolt, this will help keep it from wallowing out in the future. Hope this helps some.

FortCollinsZJ · 08-13-2007, 01:36 PM

What is wrong with a JKS track bar... It cost enought to seem good. I don't plan on buying another.... But I might try to find a bigger bolt and a new sleeve like Andy suggested... or I might just tack the bolt anyway and see if it stops the slight dw. then I will know for sure if it is the problem.

**ajmorell** · 08-13-2007, 01:38 PM

Nothing is wrong with the JKS TB. It just doesn't eliminate the weak stock frame mount. KOR JKS conversion is probably the best, but the HD RE unit is exceptional as well, and I plan on going with the because I can get the TB + HD Bracket for ~$210 shipped.

ta2oodfreak · 08-13-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajmorell

What the hell is happening to this thread?

If you want an honest answer, here is what I would do. I would drill out the hole and make it a touch larger. Run the corresponding bolt size to the hole you drilled. As for the trackbar itself, you should be able to push out the old metal sleeve, drill the bushing out a tad, and get a little bit bigger sleeve from a hardware store to accept the larger bolt. Make sure you run decent sized washers on both sides of the bolt, this will help keep it from wallowing out in the future. Hope this helps some.

i totally agree with this fix. the washer idea may work for achieving a diagnosis but is not a long term fix.

FortCollinsZJ · 08-14-2007, 10:53 PM

The hole... looks nasty.

haha that's definitely going in someones sig.

08-12-2007, 09:28 PM	#2
djdoug99 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SF Bay Area, California Posts: 202 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I dont think there is supposed to be any play in the TB. That is one of the causes of DW. Tighten that sucker down.