Little help?

[DonnyG]

Finally got some new tires. Went from Super Swamper TSL 30x10.50's to BFG Mud 31x10.50's. Got a little tire rub. Terrified of disconnecting and wheelin'. I have a new set of front springs and an adjustable track bar. I could probably struggle and put the springs in myself, but I need some guideance with installing and setting the proper length for the track bar. It's a 2000 XJ. I can bring the tools if someone can give me a hand. I know this is a holiday weekend, but its a Jeep. Jeeps don't care what day it is, they just want to be BIG. I'm off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If someone is not working on Friday, not partying Saturday, or not too hung over Sunday, I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance. You guys rock!!!

 

[CrzyFrlssJeep]

If you were not so far away and my Jeep not broken I'd help you, it's actually a very easy job to do what you need done.

Tip: disconnect the track bar and shocks (maybe the brake calipers too) then use a jack on the opposite side of the vehicle for the spring you want to take out to install the new longer one. They should come out and go back in without much trouble and you won't need a spring compressor.

 

[skyjackerXJ]

Before you disconnect anything, take a measurement of the distance between the track bar mounts on the axle, and the frame at the points that the new track will be installed. Unless you're making a huge jump with new coils this will help you with centering the axle; alignment shops have always charged me more when I've had an adjustable track bar.

 

[DonnyG]

I already have 3" lift coils. Still with the stock trackbar. Axle is shifted left about 5/8" (estimate). I would think the measurement should be taken with the suspension loaded with the track bar disconnected. I'm a pretty good mechanic, but I don't know d!ck about alignments. (but I understand the terminology and concept).

 

[DonnyG]

I don't mind traveling for help.

 

[NomadJeep]

I can probably help on Saturday or Sunday afternoon....

Heated Garage.

 

[jeep.xj.4x4]

There is a control arm length chart at the bottom of the first post on the XJ specs page, here: http://northeastjeep.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1419

 

[DonnyG]

There is a control arm length chart at the bottom of the first post on the XJ specs page, here: http://northeastjeep.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1419

Is that measured from center of the eyes or length overall?

 

[NomadJeep]

That is for your control arm, I thought you had BDS unadjustable lower control arms? If that is the case then you only are adjusting the track bar... which is a easy adjustment centering your axle under the tub...

 

[jeep.xj.4x4]

Yeah, I just reread the first post and I see no mention of control arms anywhere. My bad! :lol: :lol:

 

[DonnyG]

Is that measured from center of the eyes or length overall?

still doesn't answer my question.

 

[jeep.xj.4x4]

Is that measured from center of the eyes or length overall?

still doesn't answer my question.

I'm not doing to good in this thread. I answered a question that wasn't even asked, then overlooked the question that was asked. :? I need to get some coffee.

Eye to eye, because the overall length of a stock factory control arm is larger than an aftermarket "tube" style control arm of the same eye to eye length, the overall length can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer also. So, yes, eye to eye. 8)

 

[NomadJeep]

Donny, your BDS lower control arms should be 1 inch over stock... they are not adjustable, but you can get cam bolts to make fine tune adjustments.

As for your tack bar measurement, you can not go on a bar measurement. You have to line the axle to the tub and then turn your NEW track bar out until it lines up.

Call me if you have any questions while you are doing the work,

860-662-0999

 

[jeep.xj.4x4]

Donny, your BDS lower control arms should be 1 inch over stock... they are not adjustable, but you can get cam bolts to make fine tune adjustments.

As for your tack bar measurement, you can not go on a bar measurement. You have to line the axle to the tub and then turn your NEW track bar out until it lines up.

Call me if you have any questions while you are doing the work,

860-662-0999

Yes Damon, you are very knowledgeable, although I hope donny isn't looking for a tub on his XJ. :lol:

Yes, ball breaking is my hobby!

 

[DonnyG]

I got 3 Jeep books. All for XJ's, and I can't find one reference to a "tub". Now what do I do? :roll:

 

[jeep.xj.4x4]

I got 3 Jeep books. All for XJ's, and I can't find one reference to a "tub". Now what do I do? :roll:

Cut the main body off, make a tube chassis, add a TJ body (with the XJ front), and you'll be ready to line up the track bar! :lol:

 

[DonnyG]

SWEET!!!! :shock: I think Detour has a sawzall I could borrow.

 

[DonnyG]

Got it done!! Thanks alot Damon. Put in a new set of 4.5" front springs and a Rusty's adjustable front track bar and new mounting bracket. Then did some little fine tuning on the steering linkage to get down the road without any front tire howl. Centered my steering wheel. Now the XJ is level. Goes down the road without any problems. No death wobble, no driveline vibes, nothin'.

 

[jeep.xj.4x4]

Got it done!! Thanks alot Damon. Put in a new set of 4.5" front springs and a Rusty's adjustable front track bar and new mounting bracket. Then did some little fine tuning on the steering linkage to get down the road without any front tire howl. Centered my steering wheel. Now the XJ is level. Goes down the road without any problems. No death wobble, no driveline vibes, nothin'.

Sweet! :shock: