projects and
installs
BDS Rear Track Bar Bracket
for JK Wrangler Install
After the
installation of the
TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost
lift the Jeep's ride quality wasn't quite the same as
before. The Jeep suffered from a bit of bump steer but
the problem area seemed to be more from the rear of the
Jeep. One might think that a kit would come with a
mount if it were necessary. It may not be needed but
we are striving to keep the
jeepfan.com JK riding like
it's new.
Why a drop
bracket and what's it do?
Whenever you
lift a Jeep that has a track bar the track bar angle will
increase causing the axle to shift to on side as the track
bar axle mount moves away from the frame. Several
problems can arise from this change. The first problem
with the axle shift is that the upper control arm and rear
sway bar get very close to the driver side tire, so close
that at full suspension droop the tires hit both.
Second, the rear axle shift causes the axle to rotate
slightly causing the Jeep to rear steer (See an article in
the blog...JK
Lift Problems - After the Lift).
Third, harsh bumps, as the angle of the bar increases bumps
are transferred to the frame instead of the suspension
taking it. This causes the rear of the Jeep to feel
like it's being shoved to the right whenever you hit a bump.
A drop track bar
bracket will return the track bar to the original angle,
assumingly restoring the proper geometry. Since the
Jeep has a 2.5" lift a bracket with a 2.5" drop will be
perfect.
Why
BDS?
TeraFlex as of
this point doesn't offer a track bar bracket for the JK with
a smaller lift. So we researched available products
and found the BDS. Other manufacturers make mounts
that attach to the axle. We have seen others
experience broken axle mounts due to weak factory welds.
A track bar bracket will increase the leverage on the mount.
The BDS mount attaches to the upper frame mount which is
very stout and should take the increased stress better than
the axle mount.
We called up
OK Auto and had them order
us up a kit. The BDS kit (part #124308) comes complete
with a bracket, bolts, nuts, washers, sticker, and
instructions. See the kit on the right.
Installation
This kit is a
rather simple install requiring a few tools. Wrenches,
drill, drill bits, torque wrench, etc. Begin by
raising the Jeep and supporting it on jack stands.
Remove the passenger side wheel and unbolt the frame mount
side of the track bar. GENTLY rocking the Jeep side to
side is usually helpful in removing the track bar bolt.
Using a center punch, mark a
drill point 2 9/16" up from the bottom mount. Drill a
smaller pilot hole then drill a 1/2" hole. Apply some
paint to the hole to prevent rust.
Install the drop bracket.
Use the oem bolt and nut in the upper mount hole, torque to
110 ft-lbs. Install the 1" 7/16 bolt and washer into
the lower bracket hole. Install the 1 1/4" 7/16 bolt
and nut into the upper hole, tighten to 45 ft-lbs.
Raise the track bar, it will
probably be necessary to push the Jeep to the left to allow
the bolt to line up. This is the difference the mount
makes. This JK was 1/4" off. Torque the 14mm
bolt to 110 ft-lbs.
Comparison
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The image on the
left is a split screen showing the angle difference
of the track bar. The angle after the install
of the bracket is comparable to a stock JK. |
The result. The good
and the...not so.
The good...The rear
axle is centered again, clearance problems on the driver
side should have been eliminated. The rear axle is in
the correct 90 degree angle to the center line of the Jeep.
Ride quality seems to be what it was when the Jeep had no
lift. The noticeable rear shove after bumps is gone.
The not so...The Jeep
still pulls to the right, it is a point of confusion that
perhaps an alignment rack can only solve. Check back
for the results.
Conclusion
Worth it, not a very
expensive part that can improve ride quality, tire
clearance, and rear alignment.
Send us a
question for more information about the install or contact
OK Auto for pricing and
information.
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