Author Topic: track bar removal...  (Read 4137 times)

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j-freak153

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track bar removal...
« on: May 08, 2006, 02:00:22 PM »
putting a 4.5" RE spring under lift on my yj....thinking of leaving the track bars off and the sway bar on (disco's for the front)....anyone running a setup like this....info plz

SMC4WD

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track bar removal...
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2006, 02:33:07 PM »
I'm not running a track bar or anti sway bars...   It's a Jeep, who needs them?  

Seriously, it my run more comfortably around corners with the anti sway bar, but it's a Jeep thing.

Offline chardrc

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track bar removal...
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2006, 05:34:36 PM »
there was a thread like this befor and most people left the track bars oyut and saw / felt no difference as far as handeling goes.. but i havent done it myself so i cant say for sure.
1990 YJ 4cly, ax5, 2.5 inch BDS lift, 31 MTr\'s,  Powertrax-lockers all around, track-bars removed, boomerang shackles, warn m8000 winch, electric fan. [sold but not forgotten]

2007 jk Rubicon 2dr

wrangler387

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track bar removal...
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2006, 07:25:11 PM »
I only have my front trackbar on... I was going to put the quick disconnects from my kit on, but everyone said they drove around without all of them and didn't experience any problems...so i tried it. I may remove my front trackbar soon and try that.

wrangler387

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track bar removal...
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2006, 12:15:20 PM »
Just wanted to update, i removed my front trackbar the night i posted that last comment. Big difference in ride quality. I definately say remove those things.

Offline Jeffy

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track bar removal...
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2006, 12:20:06 PM »
Also check your air pressure.  Lowering the front pressure a few PSI makes a big difference also.  28/30 is seems to work well for smaller tires. (Recommended pressure for factory tires.)
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"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

chrisfranklin

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track bar removal...
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2006, 07:35:41 PM »
I just pulled this older post up.  Basically you guys have had no problems with pulling off both the front and rear track bars on your YJ - no side-to-side leaf shifts or anything.  And, then you just loosen up the clamps slightly to let the leafs move a little more.

Thing is the sway bar.  SMC says he's pulled his and doesn't sound like he's worse for wear. I'd probably go with disconnects on mine and keep the sway bar in place for street use - too many crazy drivers that you have to dodge around at speed on a consistent basis in LA   :lol:  

You guys run ok, no track bars front/rear, but keep the sway bar in place?  Anybody running it like that, say with sway disconnects, too?  Anybody recommend or dismiss the idea of those adjustable track-bars?

Offline Jeffy

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track bar removal...
« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2006, 08:08:59 PM »
I didn't bother opening up the clamps since I'm running pretty soft leafs already(SOA).  Even in the back, they're clamped(SUA).  I've had my trackbars off since around 97/98.  The rear came off and can no longer be installed with the D44.  The front, I occasionally use it but it loosens up which causes a clunk and so I've finally given up and removed it yet again.  As for the sway bar, I've got disconnects.  I've got a Hardtop and with SOA up front, it's a bit softer up front then out back so the swaybar makes them a bit more equal.  I drove from San Pedro to Chula Vista right after I had my front reworked and did it without the swaybar attached.  LOTS of body roll.  Really this will be dependant on the Jeep though.  So YMMV.

Also keep in mind that the trackbat does not really locate the axle.  The leafs already do that.  The trackbar was a simple solution as well as the other changes AMC made to make the YJ more stable then the CJ.  The trackbars limit any movement which is why the ride quality really suffers.

I always recommend removing the rear trackbar for sure.  This front isn't as cut and dry.  If your leafs are soft, you might exhibit more bumpsteer.  The only other thing that changes is the steering won't feel as sharp since things are able to move around a bit more.  It takes a little while to get used to it.  I recommend getting disconnects for the swaybar though.
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My Jeep: http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=2783.0
"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

lanulos89

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track bar removal...
« Reply #8 on: October 27, 2006, 08:31:07 PM »
i run nothing but front track bar, but after reading the above, I'm thinking of going out this weekend and removing that and seeing how it feels.

Offline Bounty Hunter

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track bar removal...
« Reply #9 on: October 27, 2006, 09:03:21 PM »
I run no trackbars or swaybar.  I may put the front back on since the rear diff is welded, and likes to make the jeep go straight all the time.  With a rear locker and no front trackbar, the steering pushes the front axle sideways before the tires turn.  May take more steering input than if you had a front trackbar.

With open diffs, I've had zero issues running with trackbars and swaybar removed.

Offline Jeffy

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track bar removal...
« Reply #10 on: October 27, 2006, 09:04:14 PM »
Oh, I also forgot to mention.  Although I may have mentioned it earlier.  If you're running trackbars offroad, you risk ripping the mounts or worse.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNlr60GXH5OlKIFrT7P6mg
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"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

SMC4WD

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track bar removal...
« Reply #11 on: October 27, 2006, 09:07:52 PM »
It's seriously about how comfortable you feel.  I suggest anyone try it and see.  Each of our vehicles have different characteristics, tires and height.  All that changes and affects the drivability.  

Disconnect the stuff and cruise it around your block and see how it feels.  One this Chris said, and I'm fairly adamant about it...  Make some drastic maneuvers...  See how that feels...   Telling anyone to disconnect this stuff is one thing...  but you will be greatly reducing your safety and handling of your own vehicle.  Freeway traffic and drastic maneuvers without any sway control could lead to some devastating results.  

Now my Jeep with 35's, sprung under and a ever-so-slighty wider track width handles fairly well.  I feel the body roll.  I know to plant the rear before accelerating.  Speeding and diving into a corner is scary...  I usually try to avoid that at all costs, but then we get back to the drastic maneuver thing.  And truly understand the wheels underneath you.  

The more years driving, the more experience you'll gain.  But even a Porsche driver will be scared to death to drive in my Jeep.  But after a few hours, days and years in a vehicle, he'll feel the roll, he'll know the breaking points and he'll fly around corners like I do...   Well, like I think I do...    :lol:

larryp

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track bar removal...
« Reply #12 on: October 27, 2006, 09:33:03 PM »
I've been running with no trackbars front or rear for several months now and haven't had any problems with excess bodyroll or bumpsteer. I do still have my swaybar on with quick disconnects. In my opinion my yj rides much better now.

chrisfranklin

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track bar removal...
« Reply #13 on: November 09, 2006, 02:28:20 PM »
Had a day off and finally got around to pulling the front and rear track bars off my YJ.  Now feels like I actually have a suspension and some modest flex.  On the road, the on-center feel is a little off and, even with the sway bar, there is a bit more body roll in corners than before.  But, overall it seems like a good move if you have a YJ - dunno about TJ or JK or whatever.

Will keep the sway on there and get some disconnects before too long.  Gonna test this track-bar-less YJ's cornering limits to see what's possible or not in case of need for sudden maneuvers on-road.

lanulos89

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track bar removal...
« Reply #14 on: November 09, 2006, 03:24:36 PM »
i just removed my track bar in the front, i wanna see if there is any difference in road handling.  i did notice, that when i jump on the front it moves more, but i wanna make sure there is no bump steer, or any other consequences, since it is my DD.