I decided that I'm going to build my own rear adjustable trac bar. I would build a front one too, but Ive already bought one from FT. Ive got a little more time on my hands and also some $$, so I went part searching tonight. I already have steel laying around, but I figure that it will cost around $20 in steel for those who are wondering. Im going to run a Johnny Joint on the frame side (will be greasable) and a heim on the axle side. (this is where the adjustment will be). I plan on building it out of 1 1/2" .250 wall. It will include a necessary bend to stay out of the diff covers way, and I will build it to be used at a 2.5" minimum lift (Im running a 2.5" BB in the rear). What this means is the heim joint will have little thread showing when its set for the 2.5" lift, but will be able to be adjusted out (longer) should I decide to go up in lift height. Going by internet prices (I can get better prices through friends) it looks like it will cost around $85 in parts (not counting the steel). But this is using high quality parts (same or better than those used by lift manufacturers). Just to give you guys an idea, there is a non supporting vendor that makes one pretty close to the one I'm building and it runs $200. Im going to order the parts early this week, but I wont build it till 2 weeks from now.......(waiting on wheels so I can install my lift/tires). I promise to give you guys updates on the parts and I will take pictures as I build it.

 

Will a Johnny joint fit into the frame side mount (or even the axle side mount for that matter)? FYI you can get a Superlift Adjustable track bar for about $130 including shipping if you'd rather save some time. Just an option, I know $45 is a lot to some people, but it would take me too long to build one to make it worthwhile for me.
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Should fit, I haven't measure yet, but another company runs that application on their t-bar. Yeah I know about superlifts t-bars, but I always believe that you get what you pay for.........I had some superlift adj short arms on my TJ and their bushings were crap. They wore out in less than a years time (and I greased the hell out of them constantly). I could probably cut the cost another $20 if I used a poly bushing instead of the Johnny, but Ive always liked JJ. I enjoy fabricating, so the work isnt so much a big deal to me......

 

Make sure you use DOM and not pipe or really even tubing. There is a reason everything is made of DOM, pure strength.

 

Of course...............this isnt my first rodeo

 

I'm sure it isn't Just clarifying for those who read it.

 

To update for everyone, Currie offers a special sized 2 inch johnny joint that comes in at 1.6" to fit perfectly in the T-bar mounts on the JK. That is what I will be ordering for the frame side mount.