Help Identifying Track Bar + Questions

[Chris Kelley]

So, I’m biting the bullet of doing a steering components refresh including new tie rod ends, drag link, ZJ tie rod upgrade etc., hoping that this will fix a wobble that is pretty severe when driving at higher speeds. I thought I might as well replace the front track bar tie rod end while I’m at it, but I’m realizing I have no idea what brand my track bar even is. I could maybe find a replacement tie rod end just by pulling it off and taking measurements, but now I’m looking at it wondering what is going on with these three separate nuts holding the tie rod end to the track bar. I can’t find a track bar online that looks like this, and I’m wondering if I have something that is kinda cobbled together and perhaps less than ideal for my TJ. …Or maybe I am overthinking as it is “just a bar of metal”. What do you guys think? Should I leave it alone, or try to find a matching tie rod end and replace only that, or should I replace the whole track bar with something that’s recognizably meant for a TJ?

 

[rasband]

It looks a lot like Rusty's - maybe an earlier model since there's no zerk and the jam nuts are a little different. I think you can use a socket to bend the cap a bit to tighten it back up a bit (@jjvw did this on some steering ends IIRC).

 

[jjvw]

All of the jam nuts ended up on that track bar. Better check to make sure some aren't missing elsewhere!

 

[jjvw]

It looks a lot like Rusty's - maybe an earlier model since there's no zerk and the jam nuts are a little different. I think you can use a socket to bend the cap a bit to tighten it back up a bit (@jjvw did this on some steering ends IIRC).

My understanding is that we often deform the housing by inflating the end cap with grease, which loosens the joint. Years ago, I squished the tie rod ends tight again on my Currie/RockJock steering using a shop press and sockets.

 

[Chris Kelley]

Thanks for the info guys!!