Track bar issue

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

Hoping for some input on my trac bar issue.
Currently have a rock Krawler stage 1 long arm kit that came with trac bar and trac bar drop/relocation bracket. As well as drop pitman arm. There are parts of the kit I really like however, I do not like the drop Pittman arm or the relocation bracket. Am I missing something or can I just get the rock jock track bar and go back to the original mount and go back to the original Pitman arm without any issue? I recently snapped the sector shaft on my steering gear and it seemed to be caused by the drop Pittman arm. Here is a picture of the front end everything is bolted up but loosely in case I need to take everything back out. I also had a redhead four turn steering gear laying around the garage that I put in after the sector shaft broke on the Lars box. Trying to get this back together with axle centered, and steering straight. Any input would be appreciated.

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

Also forgot to mention part of the problem I’m have is my track bar seems to be adjusted all the way in to have the axel center.

BlueC · Jan 17, 2025

How has the frame side mount been modified? Does it appear to be bolt-on or welded on?

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

BlueC said:
How has the frame side mount been modified? Does it appear to be bolt-on or welded on?
View attachment 586497

It is bolted on. Easily removable. Tech support at rock jock said over 4 inch’s should have a drop pitman arm but I don’t believe that. Iv seen Plenty without.

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

Also frame side mount has not been modified at all.

BlueC · Jan 17, 2025

Outofmoney said:
Also frame side mount has not been modified at all.

If the frame mount has not been modified, then you should be able to switch as you want. I might be wrong, but I do believe the RJ unit requires the factory tapered mount to be drilled out. I know the JKS bar does. What inch spring lift do you have?

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

It’s supposed to be 4.5 inch but I’m gaining slightly over 5. 17 1/4 inch’s top to bottom of the spring. My understanding is the stock spring is 12.

Superjay5 · Jan 17, 2025

You don’t need a drop pitman or drop trackbar mount. I have 5” of lift and I run the Rockjock steering and trackbar in stock mounts, no issues

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

Superjay5 said:
You don’t need a drop pitman or drop trackbar mount. I have 5” of lift and I run the Rockjock steering and trackbar in stock mounts, no issues

Seemed to me that it would work but wanted to verify before I drill the bigger hole. Also hoping to not snap anymore sector shafts on the trail. That was a long day. Thanks

jjvw · Jan 17, 2025

Outofmoney said:
... Tech support at rock jock said over 4 inch’s should have a drop pitman arm but I don’t believe that. Iv seen Plenty without.

Tech support at RockJock said that?

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

jjvw said:
Tech support at RockJock said that?

This was his response to my question about running RJ trac bar with stock pitman arm.

“There will be enough adjustment however typically you can’t run the stock pitman over 4” lift…”

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

He did not say drop but my assumption was if you can use stock pitman the only other option is dropped.

jjvw · Jan 17, 2025

Outofmoney said:
He did not say drop but my assumption was if you can use stock pitman the only other option is dropped.

The RockJock suspension system is designed around a 4" spring lift. They do not offer any components to adapt their stuff for taller spring lifts.

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

jjvw said:
The RockJock suspension system is designed around a 4" spring lift. They do not offer any components to adapt their stuff for taller spring lifts.

So as long as the adjustment range fits than the RJ trac bar will work with my stock pitman arm and not cause any unforeseen issues?

jjvw · Jan 17, 2025

Outofmoney said:
So as long as the adjustment range fits than the RJ trac bar will work with my stock pitman arm and not cause any unforeseen issues?

All I know of that their stuff is designed around a 4" spring lift. The further away from that one direction or another, the greater chance of a fitment problem.

PG. · Jan 17, 2025

jjvw said:
All I know of that their stuff is designed around a 4" spring lift. The further away from that one direction or another, the greater chance of a fitment problem.

Thanks for the assistance. I’m going take a few more measurements and look at JKS also. Like always I’ll figure something out. Im learning what not to do on the next build.

Superjay5 · Jan 17, 2025

I have Rockjock 4” springs along with a 1” coil spacer in the front. 12” of travel split evenly. Should work for you, the problems arise when you try and maximize travel.

PG. · Jan 18, 2025

As far as centering the axel goes wouldn’t my front springs be a pretty tell tail sign its centered. Meaning my springs are straight not bent or leaning one way or another.

Superjay5 · Jan 18, 2025

Outofmoney said:
As far as centering the axel goes wouldn’t my front springs be a pretty tell tail sign its centered. Meaning my springs are straight not bent or leaning one way or another.

Or you just use a tape measure.

jjvw · Jan 18, 2025

Outofmoney said:
As far as centering the axel goes wouldn’t my front springs be a pretty tell tail sign its centered. Meaning my springs are straight not bent or leaning one way or another.

How good are your eyes? Can you see if the springs are leaned 3/4" to one side.

Track bar issue

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