Replacement trackbar for TJ w/ Skyjacker lift

[socal_rob]

Since I put a Skyjacker Single Flex 4" lift on my TJ, I've had a problem with the front end pulling to one side when accelerating or braking quickly. At first my mechanic suggested that I just let the lift settle...I did. However, things didn't improve.

So I posted something here a while back and checked out a few other forums. The general consensus seems to be that Skyjacker's trackbar is problematic. Any further thoughts on that?

I took my TJ to a new mechanic and he said that everything looks good, the lift is tight, etc. He says the problem is simply inherent to the lift - and that there's nothing I can do about it. What do you think? Would replacing the trackbar help? Any suggestions on a replacement trackbar to use? I've heard good things about RE. Yes? No?

Thanks!

-Rob

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

IF the trackbar is tight and in working order, and the mounts are okay, then a new trackbar likely won't help. Sounds like your front suspension is a little on the soft side if your suspension compresses enough to notice and be a problem during everyday driving.

Sounds like your trackbar is doing its job, as it will cause the axle to move to the pass. side when both springs compress.

I've installed a few RE trackbars, pretty nice stuff. You have to drill the upper mount out to 5/8" to mount the heim, bottom is similar to stock.

If I'm misunderstanding the problem, can you explain it a little more?

 

[socal_rob]

If I'm misunderstanding the problem, can you explain it a little more?

Thanks for the feedback. I'm very happy with my lift overall. It handles well both on and off road, no vibration, "death wobble", etc. Thank goodness.

That said, my two gripes are:

First, I find the ride a bit "floaty", especially when driving these windy mountain roads up here in Tahoe. I'm thinking about trying some firmer shocks to see if that helps. Thoughts?

Second, the front end pulls to the right when accelerating (after shifting gears) or braking quickly. If I hit the brakes hard or accelerate after shifting gears, the front end wants to go right. While not a MAJOR problem, it's annoying and I'd like to figure out what's going on. I've had the front end aligned, the wheels balanced, etc., but the problem persists.

I posted about this a while back, both here and elsewhere. Several people with Skyjacker lifts wrote back and said they had experienced the same problem. They all said that replacing the trackbar corrected it.

So, that's the problem. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Rob

 

[TwistedCU]

I have the RE trackbar on my XJ (nearly identical to the TJ's bar). It does it's job to correct geometry and re-center the axle.

My only complaint is that the heim wore out prematurely. I now know that to be a common problem, but with heim joints in general, not just RE.

I'd look into one that uses stock like ends or ends with rubber bushings if I were to do it again I'd have bought a Rusty's trackbar with the heavy duty mount... actually the next time the joint wears out I'll probably go that route and be done with it.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Second, the front end pulls to the right when accelerating (after shifting gears) or braking quickly. If I hit the brakes hard or accelerate after shifting gears, the front end wants to go right. While not a MAJOR problem, it's annoying and I'd like to figure out what's going on. I've had the front end aligned, the wheels balanced, etc., but the problem persists.

Almost sounds like a locker in the rear axle, that'll cause some unnerving lane changes.