Loose front track bar

[jwtj02]

I have a Rubicon Express front track bar on my 04 Rubicon... I've been trying to chase down some front end wondering at highway speeds. I believe it is the bushings in the front trackbar. I think that I've gathered from the various posts that replacing the whole track bar is recommended. I am looking at the Metalcloak Durotrak Track Bar (299) and the Teraflex HD Adjustable Track Bar (299). What is the group wisdom here? With them both at the same price-point, is one inherently better than the other?
Will both bolt right up in place of the Rubicon Express bar, without modifications?

 

[TheBoogieman]

JKS over those two options.
p.s. After reading your Jeep profile, you're not going to listen to me.

 

[cmoore]

JKS. But also, just to be sure. Check your lug nuts and make sure they're tight.

 

[06TJ35's]

Are you using a drop down bracket?

 

[jwtj02]

JKS over those two options.
p.s. After reading your Jeep profile, you're not going to listen to me.

"After reading your Jeep profile, you're not going to listen to me" ?

...but, maybe you are right, The JKS is cheaper so that is immediately attractive, but it is also a tube design. I was looking at solid track bars because I've heard that the Rubicon Express track bars are prone to fold when wheeling hard because they are hollow. Wouldn't the same be true for JKS's hollow tube design?

 

[jwtj02]

Are you using a drop down bracket?

Currently mounted to the factory bracket.

 

[TheBoogieman]

"After reading your Jeep profile, you're not going to listen to me" ?

...but, maybe you are right, The JKS is cheaper so that is immediately attractive, but it is also a tube design. I was looking at solid track bars because I've heard that the Rubicon Express track bars are prone to fold when wheeling hard because they are hollow. Wouldn't the same be true for JKS's hollow tube design?

Are you thinking solid tie rod? I've never bent my track bar.

 

[cmoore]

I was looking at solid track bars because I've heard that the Rubicon Express track bars are prone to fold when wheeling hard because they are hollow. Wouldn't the same be true for JKS's hollow tube design?

If you're bending your trackbar on a trail ride, you've got way bigger problems than a bent trackbar.

The weak point for you currently is that factory trackbar mount. Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm rooting for you.

 

[jwtj02]

If you're bending your trackbar on a trail ride, you've got way bigger problems than a bent trackbar.

The weak point for you currently is that factory trackbar mount. Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm rooting for you.

Fair enough... and, I've never bent the track bar but I had someone showing me pictures of a bent RE track bar so that I was sent me down the path of thinking maybe I needed a solid one. Maybe I am chasing an urban myth here.

 

[MaximusLJR06]

JKS or Currie are the only 2 options I'd look at.

 

[jwtj02]

JKS or Currie are the only 2 options I'd look at.

Reading the online reviews of JKS and it is hard to find anyone who has anything bad to say about their parts...

 

[Tob]

I've been trying to chase down some front end wondering at highway speeds. I believe it is the bushings in the front trackbar.

It doesn’t sound like you’re very sure on the diagnosis. What makes you suspect the track bar? Did you do a dry steer test to check for play in all of your front suspension and steering joints?

 

[MaximusLJR06]

Reading the online reviews of JKS and it is hard to find anyone who has anything bad to say about their parts...

Yeah, I ran JKS front track bar for years. I'm running currie now front and rear.

 

[jwtj02]

It doesn’t sound like you’re very sure on the diagnosis. What makes you suspect the track bar? Did you do a dry steer test to check for play in all of your front suspension and steering joints?

I thought it was an alignment issue and took it into a local 4x4 shop and they diagnosed it... the play is very minimal, but apparently enough to cause the front end to wander at highway speeds

 

[06lj]

I've run all 3 of those track bars. I replaced the Metalcloak with the JKS HD. The Metalcloak held up fine with 33's. The heim joint is generally regarded as a poor choice. I never had a issue but don't put a lot of miles on my Jeep. My reason for originally choosing it was the RE track bar had interference with my diff when I lowered my Jeep to 2.5" of lift. The Metalcloak was one of the few track bars at the time that gave enough clearance. The JKS HD is a solid choice. I did swap out the poly axle side bushing with a spicer rubber bushing. I've had it for several years now with no complaints.
The hardware is the same for all 3 so fitment wouldn't be a concern.