I went to get my new wheels and tires balanced and alligned this morning. They said the balance was way off and fixed it but also said that the trac bar was really loose and it needs replaced. I don't know how it is supposed to feel but you can easily move it up and down. They said they can get another one for $40. That doesn't sound right to me. Do you think they are getting a bracket for it? Why would it be loose? I added a 2.5" BB and 35" tires. Any info would help. I don't want them fixing something that isn't broken

 

it all depends on were it is loose. if it is at the bolt hole you may have wallowed the hole out by the bolt being worked loose. if so a new reinforcement bracket may be required or you can weld a washer to the original mount on both sides and use a bolt that fits snug.

 

if you're track bar were as loose as they claim, you wouldn't be able to drive your jeep without having serious death wobble issues. assuming your track bar is stock, it is possible that the mounting bolts are a little loose as you just installed a lift kit. if so, all you need to do is take a torque wrench and tighten them back to 125-130 ft. lbs of torque. you can buy a cheap torque wrench and a 21mm socket/wrench for about $40 and i would do that instead. otherwise, i'm not sure what these guys are trying to sell you but, a good adjustable aftermarket track bar will cost you well over $200.

 

The trac bar is stock and it is loose on both ends. You can grab it with one hand and rock it up and down. The car is unstable but not so bad that is can't be driven. I know you can't get a trac bar for $40 that is why I was wondering what they might be talking about. I def. don't have money to throw away but the said they can't align it until the trac bar is fixed.

 

Are you sure you are not talking about the drag link?

 

Thanks for the illustration. I guess I was looking at the draglink. I will check the trac bar when I get home.

 

Btw that is normal for the drag link and tie rod

 

Thanks again for the help and info. I am new to the jeep community and still trying to figure out all the mechanics. Not really a mechanical person.

 

I just talked to the shop this morning and the $40 piece has turned into a $240 piece. He described it as being a trac bar but having 3 parts. The bar, a sleeve, and the knuckle. Not sure what he is talking about because the trac bar looks like one piece to me. Any ideas what he is talking about. I really don't want to spend that kind of money right now. I just looked at my jeerp and the trac bar is tight, I couldn't move it at all. I was told on here that the drag link can be rocked back and forth and it does but on another post I read that it should be tight when on the ground. Who is right? Just trying to figure out what these guys are talking about so I don't get ripped off. Thanks

 

sounds as if he doesn't know what he is talking about. is there another shop you can go to?