Shop Talk: Track Bars on a YJ???

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Hey guys, In this video we discuss the idea behind track bars on a leaf sprung suspension and why I think they are necessary to keep at all costs on the front axle. I go over the three different kinds of track bars and give you the information you need to make your own decision.
Song: rock drive by nemmusic.net

[@SirCoolJerk1030]

Glad I found your channel, Bud! It’s nice to watch someone who actually knows what they’re talking about. The amount of bad information being passed around on KZbin is insane. You’re an intelligent and straight shooting guy! I will be watching and learning from you! Keep up the good work

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thanks so much for watching and your incredibly kind words. Sometimes I wonder if people actually think about what they are doing, and sometimes I just want to know if they regret it later. Either way im just doing my best to make sure I put out information that I think is correct and not steer anyone the wrong way. Thanks so much for watching Matthew, and your comment. I have three more trips im working on editing right now to get more stuff out, but the summer is hectic for me. Stay tuned for more coming up man!!!

[@DA7545]

I hear spring only move up and down. how many time he need to tell me that.

[@xfer43]

I literally just had my own internal debate about my lifted YJ. It has never had a track bar since I purchased the vehicle in 2011. I was that guy that said, "hell, guess the leafs are good enough." I only learned about the missing track bar when I got it aligned last year. I did replace all the bushings. I drive pavement about 90% of the time. Never rock crawl, but do drive on the OBX beaches when I can. I really enjoyed the video. I keep learning from your instruction. I may pick up that JKS, but they ain't cheap my friend! Thanks again. Cheers!

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

That really stinks that you found out about the track bar missing from your alignment guy. It shouldnt cause any HUGE problems being missing, but the steering may be vague and fast lane changes or changes of direction could get a bit sketchy. Replacing the bushings and making sure your ubolts are correctly torqued and in good shape are great things to do to help outwith keeping things in check. Thanks for watching man!!

[@LostFart]

Uploading my trackbar removal video right now. Thanks for bringing this to my attention Jason!

[@richardduncan7381]

Thanks for making this video. As someone fairly new to modding jeeps, and specifically my YJ, what you've said makes a lot of sense. I've seen some videos where they say that the front track bar can be removed safely, but in my head, I have to ask "what about lateral forces during steering and stress on the shackle." You've explained clearly, and it makes a ton of sense why you would keep that front track bar. Additionally, I wasn't aware of the telescoping track bar, which seems like a great solution. I'm only planning on doing light trails with my YJ and a 3/4" shackle lift, but having the option of a little extra flex via the telescoping track bar is an excellent option to know about. Thank you!

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thank you for the wonderful comment and for watching the video. This topic really tends to get some people really worked up, but im glad youve thought this through and understand whats really going on at the front of your Jeep. Thanks again for watching and stay tuned for more!!!

[@CrucesNomad1]

Sold me on the Track Bar. Best info I have researched so far.

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thats awesome, im glad you got some good info out of the video!!! Thanks for watching man.

[@landcruisertroopytouringan2166]

Yep great subject that effects leaf sprung Landcruiser also. Trying to work out how to fit one to make the vehicle steer better on rough bitumen roads. As we all slowly understand about the benefits of soft springs and full use of available travel, we also discover and feel the effects of bumpsteer. I am currently trying to work out how to graft one in and looking forward to the improvements. Great videos and thanks from Australia. 👍

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video. It does get considerably more noticable with soft springs. Im sure some of the roads there get quite corrugated and the soft springs help tremendously. I hope you get it figured out and thanks again.

[@Creekbreezy]

There is so much controversy regarding track bars on a YJ I’m glad you addressed it

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

I've felt the same thing for a long time Josh, there are some cases for and against for sure. On my jeep I see no reason to get rid of the front track bar, too much safety and stability there to just cast it away

[@ChefJustinthyme]

Great job on the video bud! was very helpfull

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Glad you liked it!

[@jemlesvideo]

A very interesting explaination thank you for sharing ! I was told to remove trackbars for softer ride and I was very interested to do so because in France we have a lot of slow down bumps on roads to maintain people at 20 mph at certain residential areas so in YJ it was feeling a bit unconfortable. Also when roads are beat up, yes we have a lot of bad looking roads because there's no budget to fix them ( we are governed by a bunch of slacker for 15 years !), well it is quite shaky so sometimes ladies in the next seat are complaining. It tottally makes sense because YJs are basically an upgraded version of CJs and cjs didn't had any track bars ! So I took them out and with these trackbars off it feels quite softer I do not regret ! I have a 2.5" lift with 33" tires offering a wider track lengh. I have reinforced my steering assembly and my leafs bushings are recent but that JKS trackbar sounds very clever and convenient has I do a lot of road so it could help maintaining my front and my drivablity as good as possible.

[@jemlesvideo]

Done some research it apears that we can afford polyurethane bushings for leaf springs and I think it is strong enough to handle non track bars over the miles

[@charlyvss5440]

salut, toujours pas de problèmes depuis? pareil ma copine gueule sur les dos d'ânes je e suis dis que ca pourrait aider

[@elizabethmartin6825]

I'd like to see a video on installing the JKS telescping bar on a YJ as installation involves welding tabs. Or an alternate method on an SOA lift

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thanks so much for watching, I actually did a video where installing the JKS track bar was part of it, I hope you find it and if you have any questions feel free to ask, but it did not require welding and went on wonderfully. I also just covered spring over and spring under lifts in a recent shop talk video, but have chosen not to do one. If i do another YJ, ill cover it indepth and do it so you can see. Thanks again for watching.!!

[@elizabethmartin6825]

My bad - was thinking the welding of the tabs for JKS quick disconnects - not track bar - great videos !

[@jdfreeman97]

Just bought the JKS track bar for my 1995 YJ lifted 4” The front axle moves like crazy without a trackbar(even after being completely rebuilt and torqued to spec) and I am really hoping this helps!!

[@LostFart]

Just removed my rear trackbar. Thanks for the video!

[@sinisternm]

coils are designed to move up n down but they easily move side to side too.

[@thomaswilkens8863]

Thank you for covering this correctly. I wish my CJ5 had one.

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thanks for watching Thomas, most people dont realize the problems associated with removing a track bar or the importance of having one. They make kits to add one to your CJ5 if youre experiencing problems with your steering being vague or other issues. Just make sure if your suspension is lifted that you measure and install correctly. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@thomaswilkens8863]

Yep, Looking into one of those right now. The land cruiser guy below has a great video on the change, so im pretty excited.

[@jamesbarnes7201]

i have that JKS track bar on my YJ works great

[@finemyu69]

I just broke my jks on my yj 🤦🏼‍♂️ I’m new to this jeep crap I did not know anything about that bolt 🙄

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Sometimes finding out is the bad part. I hope you get it all up and fixed man!!

[@monumentalley1009]

Jason, thanks for another great video. I am curious. Do you know why Jeep decided to use track bars on the YJ, after not having them on the CJ for so many years? I don't know, and can only speculate. I wonder if it had to do with preventing rollovers.

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

I think that you're exactly right! Between the CJ and the YJ several things were changed. Track width, track bars, even the roll bar in the YJ eventually changed. I think mostly due to the fact these were no longer seen as utilitarian and were rapidly becoming passenger cars with far fewer experienced drivers in them. Certain things needed changed to accomodate the masses and the government. Track bars, especially on the front, are a safety device in my opinion. Though they arent on some leaf sprung fronts, they are on vehicles other than Jeeps as well. With lifted suspension the amount of leverage put on the shackles and mounts is far greater and you are also lifting your center of gravity, all of these coupled with abrupt steering input can cause trouble, especially on uneven terrain. Keeping the axle in place is paramount to safety. Thanks for your comment!!!

[@KC9UDX]

Two words: *60 Minutes*

[@leskobrandon538]

I cut both of them off... Drives the same

[@kittykitty643]

Great info

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thanks for watching!

[@KC9UDX]

Ironically, the Jeeps that benefit the most from track bar removal are the ones that need it the most on the highway. In some situations, it's okay to cut it off, but in those situations you don't gain anything.

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

I completely understand and get what youre saying. Thats exactly why I chose to go with the telescoping track bar, hopefully thats going to be the best of both worlds. Tganks for watching and commenting!!

[@KC9UDX]

@@SmallTimeMotorsports my trouble is that I have a very hard time buying something I can make. But I never get time to make stuff. So I still don't have a telescoping track bar! I did relocate the stock one when I lifted the suspension though. It wouldn't fit otherwise and I didn't like the idea of leaving it out. Thanks for your video. Hopefully more people will stop and think before they cut their track bar out. I wish I had the resources; I'd love to make a video showing how a lifted Jeep reacts to an emergency lane change on the highway with any without one. The last thing in the world I want when I have to avoid someone doing something stupid is slop in my suspension.

[@juanf4739]

Than you for the info .

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Glad I could be of help, thanks for watching!!

[@dominicboothman]

I recently bought a pretty rusty jeep yj, and I got underneath it the other day and I realized that the axle mount for the rear track bar has rusted so bad that the whole mount had just rusted in half. And from what I've seen I can't buy just the bracket. And I watched the video and you said that it would be fine to remove the track bar. I won't be doing any crazy driving with my jeep so from what I heard you say it would be fine if I just grind the whole bracket off of the axle?

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Hello Dominic, first thanks for watching and for your comment! In my opinion the rear track bar serves no "real" purpose as the rear axle of the Jeep doesnt suffer the lateral forces that the front does through the steering components. I removed my rear track bar but retained the front one. The rear axle can "dog track" but thats usually due to a collapsed leaf spring so its repair is to change the leafs. Its completely fine to remove the track bar on the rear of the Jeep. Thanks again for watching and good luck man!!

[@BUCKEYEMANIA.]

Have you tested this track bar yet? I have been running no track bar for years. May look into trying this one.

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

I have not had the opportunity to test it myself yet, but have an acquaintance with one on his Jeep and the difference loose and tightened makes on steering input is amazing. Its one of the products im looking forward to long term testing. Thanks for watching and commenting, I'll be sure to do a follow up video!!

[@mlevy6412]

Jason can ask you an off topic question please? Just got my 81' back from the shop and have not had a chance to run it. It has 5.13 gearing and was on 42" tires. I dropped the tire size to 35" to run on the street. What issues, problems could I be causing by running a smaller tire with that gear ratio? Sorry if this is a stupid question!

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

You should not see any negative consequences from running a smaller tire size other than the speedometer being out of calibration. You will actually be relieving a bit of stress from the drive train and probably get a burnout much easier. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@ziadajam5433]

I’m installing the 6 inch lift on my yj from rough country. They supply a longer bracket but the track bar still isn’t long enough. They don’t mention anything about getting an adjustable bar. Does anyone know anything about this. Need to get this sorted out asap

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

You can definitely go ahead and get the adjustable bar and make sure that all fits after that, the JKS I used is for a lifted YJ, the most important thing is going to be making sure that the trackbar geometry and the steering geometry match up so there isnt any opposing force or bumpsteer in the front. This can be accomplished with a drop pitman arm. Hope this helps, 6 inches is pretty high up there!!

[@bspaker]

I want to keep a rear track bar on my 94 but the passenger side bolt has disappeared and I cannot find a replacement anywhere

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Thanks for your comment. If youre looking for the exact bolt that you lost it may be difficult if you are just doing a search for it. I can offer 3 avenues to do this, hopefully it helps. first would be the dealership, they will have it, second would be to go to a bolt store and get a comparable bolt to work, just make sure the smooth shoulder of the bolt goes all the way through the track bar bushing, third would be to order a track bar relocation kit for the rear track bar, it contains all the hardware and youll get a bracket for future lifts if you choose to do so for about 20 bucks. Hope this helps and make sure you antiseize the bolt so it doesnt rust to the bushing sleeve. Thanks for watching!!

[@dougharlow6037]

wouldn't the YJ rear track bar help if you do a lot of street driving and corner aggressively?

[@SmallTimeMotorsports]

Doug, Thanks for watching and your comment. If you do a lot of street driving on flatter stock springs then the track bar might render some assistance if your jeep is "dog tracking". Most people dont see their rear axle wander left to right much unless there is another more serious mechanical issue, and as far as cornering aggressively, with the short wheelbase and narrow track of a wrangler, cornering too aggressively can put you on your side quickly, but if you do dirt track or something where youre throwing the weight around im sure it would make a difference there too.

[@dougharlow6037]

I really liked your video. I’m kind of a speed freak. I love freeway on and off ramps, especially when there is an import trying to leave me or one pushing me. I usually impress them. I scare passengers. I do have HD shocks and 1” wider tires, stock wheels on all fours, that’s it, all stock. For a Jeep it handles. I use it on trails, mud, snow, street.

[@thomasmcginnis5664]

Doug Harlow 5

[@tballz1988]

Working on 4x4s and heavy vehicles majority with leafs and until now never seen a track bar in a leaf set up, seems like jeep just did it to cover up bad design.