After reading several write ups about installing track bars I've still yet to find answers to a few questions. I will be installing front and rear JKS track bars this weekend. Do I leave the jeep sitting on level ground when removing the old ones and installing the new ones? If so, how then would I get the axles to line up to any adjustments I may have to make to shorten or lengthen the new track bars? I'm imaging that I will need to make a small adjustment to the length of the new bars and this will not line up correctly with the mounting holes to bolt the track bars back on. Is there something I missing here as to how the best way to achieve this would be?

Do I take out the stock track bars and install the new adjustables with the jeep sitting on the ground or does it need to be jacked up?

 

Check out the writeups section under lift kits. There's plenty of good explanations on the proper way to do it. I referenced the Full Traction lift installation writeup when I installed my lift & trackbars.

 

The jeep needs to be on flat ground and not jacked up. The rest of the info is best explained here:

http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...-end-alignment

scroll down to "recentering the front axle." The torque settings are very important, and if not tightened properly will most likey lead to the legendary death wobble.

 

Funny, I've read that write up before but maybe a slightly different version of it on the boards here? Thanks for the info, my question was how to line up the mounting holes once you adjust your track bar. I didn't see how they were going to line up without pushing or moving the whole axle from side to side. You learn something every day though because it looks like all you have to do is mount the new bar and then adjust the length and then turn the steering wheel while the engine is off to line up the hole to put the bolt in. Any other advice?

 

Put a floor jack under one side of the axle or the other. Jacking up one side'll shorten it a bit for you, under the other it'll give you a little extra length so you can stab the bolts.

 

Having a ratchet strap or two or better yet a friend to help wiggle things around will help immensely as well. You can do it by yourself, but an extra set of hands for this one really makes it loads easier.

 

I did it by myself. Used a ratchet strap, one end on diff, other end on chassis, which side Is attached to the diff or chasing is dictated by which way you have to pull the diff for perfect alignment. After you have it aligned, by measuring from chassis to outer edge of tire, you then adjust the track bar length to match the mounting holes. Then torque to 125 foot pounds. Good luck, it's a piece of cake to do.

 

exactly how I did mine.