Remove the track bars or keep them? I already removed the rear track bar in my 93 YJ, and was wondering if I should do the same in the front. I already have the sway bars disconnected, new leaf springs and shocks, and the front has a locker. I only drive my jeep off road unless my truck breaks down, which is rare. What do you guys think? I'm running on 31's and about 2.5 inches of lift.
I don't do much on road driving with it. Maybe a little bit in town here and there but no highways. If I remove the front one will there be too much body movement now? If I'm off roading and go over a steep edge will the body and everything be fine. I know the track bar puts stress on the frame? Just wondering if im more likely to break things or what?
No, you'll actually have less stresses on the frame.
If you don't already have heavy duty shackles I would get some.
You will still handle better than any stock CJ.
You'll notice that your steering might feel a bit lazy in the entering of corners.
And through the corner you'll fell the body roll more. But this will be from the track bar not putting you in a bind.
I would also recommend if you do get over 45mph getting quick disconnects for your sway bar. That way you can have it on the road and then just pop them off for offroad use.
If it's primarily your off road vehicle I would definitely take them off. Enjoy more flex.
I've been running mine without tracks or sways for 6 years, and it's a partial DD. I get around on the street just fine when I need to, but the extra articulation on the trail is where the real benefit is.
Pardon the noob question, but what's the use of a track bar on a leaf sprung vehicle?
I understand their purpose on coil or link suspension, but I've never seen a track bar used with leafs before the YJ and I've owned numerous trucks and SUVs that had leaf springs. The only reason I can think of is axle wrap, but there are much simpler (not to mention cheaper) ways to control that...
On the YJ the way it is designed is to put the suspension in a slight bind causing it not to roll as much in corners.
And it also helps the springs not be so snappy when you over currect in a slide or yank to wheel.
That's why you gain flex when you remove them.
Anyone removing them should understand that they are not typical trac bars. They are aiding the sway bar. Kinda.
If you look at leaf sprung fords you'll see one up front. I forget the years but if you do a search you'll find tons of info (and arguements) about track bars and removing them.
Your jeep will not handle as well on the road.
Particularly;
Highways/highway speeds
Sudden turns won't turn out well. (Your springs will load up then let loose to fast/hard)
The same will happen if you over correct in a slide.
When the deer jumps out in front you'll probably hit it or roll over trying to miss it.
You'll have more body roll (jeeps only)
If you live somewhere with safety inspections you will fail.
mine have been off for about 2 years now, haven't noticed any negative effects at all, removing them will give you some more articulation which will give you better performance off road..... but that is also tough to notice...
After pulling them and doing some driving and getting used to the manners getting in and driving a normal truck/car/jeep may be more dangerous. You get used to the body roll and then get into a rig with tight steering. You don't "need" them per say, It's your jeep do what ya want, tomato tomaaato.
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