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You broke the track bar (panhard bar) bracket off the axle by using an extension at the axle. A talented welder can weld it back on, but you will continue to have trouble until you ditch the extension at the bracket. A poor welder will make a mess of it, and we have seen some posts of that here as well.

As far as it "being covered", I'll add my 2 cents. The brackets are weak from the factory, both front and rear. IMHO Chrysler, Dana, or someone should own up to some responsibility here. However, they have an easy way out because of your lift. It is not a stretch to say that the bracket failed because of the extension that was added. They do not have to cover things that break from your modifications. A few people here have posted successful negotiations with the dealer to get a repair done. Maybe it is to have good customer service, maybe it is because they know they are weak. My guess is, if you ask your dealer will tell you "NO".

Skyjacker and other lift kit companies that delivered kits with these poor axle end brackets should also own up and take some responsibility. New brackets are available from some companies, so you need to ask for one so you can avoid the problem in the future. IMHO the bracket should be free if you own the kit with the problem.

I think this post will say at least 100 words (picture in it)

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...4&postcount=35

I would not drive your Jeep till it is fixed.

 

I recall someone mentioning as part of the Skyjacket lift I should have also gotten some sort of relocation bracket that was not originally included with my kit. Could this have been a contributing factor to the damage I have now ? When I am to have this fixed should I obtain this skyjacket relocation bracket and have it installed ?

Thanks!

 

if i were you i would ditch the bracket and get a new track bar. this will create less stress on the axle welds and you can center your axle if your lift height changes. not sure how much it will cost to get it welded back on, but the track bar will run you $150-$190.

 

Are you suggesting an adjustable track bar ? Any recccomendations ?

 

I have the same set up on my unlimited. After I installed the extension bracket I took some measurements and found that the rear was pushed 1" off center to the driver side so I removed the bracket. Now the rear is only about a 1/4" off center to the passenger side. I will install an adjustable trac bar when I feel like it but 1/4" ain't to much for me to worry about right now.

 

That relocation bracket looks like it was ment for 4-6in j&kjk. Skyjacker ,I think has since added a bracket that attaches to the pumpkin. Don't know how old your lift is but I'd call skyjacker.

 

Unfortunately (IMHO), Skyjacker is junk.

I hate to say this, but I had a shop put in my 4" skyjacker kit (about $1000) and took it off after 50 miles. Both axels shifted off center making wheels rub when flexed. Also caster angle was down to 3 degrees resulting in bump steer, wandering etc... Not to mention the 4" lift putting the driveshaft (2 door) at such an extreme angle it was destined to blow up. I'll stop. Do a search and you'll find a lot on this.

I have the second bracket you're referring to which goes from their track bar bracket over to the differential cover. If you're gonna stay with their stuff, pm me and I can make you a good deal on some parts.

I ended up welding in a Currie bracket and using Full Traction adjustable bar.

Blue Mesa

 

Right now it's at the dealership, they didn't even ask me how it happens. We'll see if they cover it or not. Either way if they do or not I'm going to put on an adjustable track bar. Most likely the Full Traction, anyone have any experience with it ? If they don't cover it I'm gonna need a new bracket to attach the track bar to the axle, will this product fit my needs ? http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...od=CE-9807RTBK

Lastely it they do cover it and give me new bracket either by welding a new one or an entire new rear axle will my JK be alright with just the full traction adjustable track bar swap or would a new bracket also be reccommended ?

I appricate it, as you can imagine I wanna order these parts and get back on the (off) road, asap. Thanks!

 

IMHO:

1. Ditch the extension bracket by throwing it as far out into nomans land as you can chuck it. It is a crap design and never should have been implemented. Any 1st WEEK physics student can tell you that, AND show you on paper how making a longer lever will increase torque/stress at the point of weld.

2. Have the original bracket welded back on by a competent shop with someone who actually knows how to use a welder. Depending on it's condition you may need a replacement before doing so. The factory did a terrible job of designing and welding that bracket in the first place, have someone with a brain do it right.

3. Have them beef it up a little by adding some gussets etc. if you want, (i would). I have no experience with that Currie extension/replacement. So i cant comment on it's quality or design.

4. Install an adjustable trackbar of your choice. Full Traction is fine, I happen to have a TeraFlex, which in my opinion is just fine as well, and call it a day.


I do hope they cover it for you. I doubt it, but they may possibly man-up and do the right thing, a few dealerships have.

~Good Luck!