A trackbar (or track bar) is a big round piece of metal that keeps your axle in line with the frame for improved handling. If you have a YJ Wrangler, you have one on the front and on the back of your Jeep. I have heard many YJ owners recommend removing the back and the front swaybars for improved offroad articulation and I have no doubt doing so would tremendously help my vehicle articulate but I have safety concerns and I'm not willing to risk it. Remember, our Raptor project is designed to still be a daily driver.

One day while 4 wheeling (incidentally we were on our way to a trail cleanup event) we heard a "thunk" somewhere on the front end and crawling under Raptor revealed the bolt on the left of the front trackbar was missing. This is odd because I think that bolt is grade 5 (so it shouldn't have broken) and I'm sure the nut was torqued onto the bolt very tightly. I tried to buy a new bolt but I didn't know the size or length so I first stopped by a Jeep dealership to order one. The dealership had a VERY hard to trying to figure out which bolt to sell me and after they finally decided, the cost was $12. This turned out to be the wrong bolt so I ended up driving with the one side disconnected for a month while deciding what to do. On the upside, while the trackbar was disconnected on one side I noticed a VAST improvement in articulation on the front axle. The downside was that it made a "thunk" every time I went over a bump and steering became very "sqwuishy" on the highway; noticeably not as responsive. So while I liked the extra offroad ability not having a trackbar gave me, I disliked the potential safety hazard of steering that wasn't as responsive.

For a while I've been considering the JKS Telescoping Track Bar and one day last month someone posted an ad on our local Jeep club's classified section offering one for sale for only $50, well below the $180 suggested retail price. I jumped at the chance and did the install. The install was pretty straightforward but here are some notes so you know what's involved.

1. You're going to need to remove the old trackbar. The right side (looking at the front of your Jeep) using a large bolt head - 15/16 I think. I'm not positive about the left side since mine was missing.
2. I haven't checked with JKS on this yet but the left bolt that came with my used telescoping trackbar didn't quite fit the hole in the stock bracket so I needed to drill the hole a little bigger. Fortunately it didn't need to be much bigger so the 1/2 inch drill bit easily peeled away the excess metal. My JKS track bar also came with a bracket for use with a lift. I set this aside for now since Raptor hasn't yet been lifted (as of 1/12/03). In order to drill the hole and to properly insert the right bolt, I had to unbolt the swaybar from the frame bracket. One side requires that you use a wrench on both sides (for the nut and bolt head) while the other side has a threaded bracket without a nut so only one wrench is needed. Don't worry, these go back on easily enough. If you have swaybar disconnects, disconnect them to make moving the swaybar easier. If you don't have swaybar disconnects, this process will be more difficult for you.
3. Install the JKS telescoping trackbar with the sliding side to the left. Make sure the adjustable clamp is loose and don't tighten it until you are finished and have your Jeep on level ground.
4. Re-bolt on your swaybar and you're done!

Rubicon Express has a telescoping track bar as well.

Quadratec sells the JKS Telescoping Track Bar (link opens in a new window).

4 Wheelers Supply sells the Rubicon Express Telescoping front track bar (link opens in a new window).

10/2003 update: This telescoping trackbar works great but now that I've run it for a while (10 months) I have two issues with it, though neither are enough to make me regret having it. 1) it's a pain to get out two wrenches to loosen and tighten this thing. I can't believe someone hasn't come up with a better way to quickly tighten and loosen it. 2) One of the mounting bolts keeps coming loose no matter how tight I torque it on. I might be able to fix it with a lock washer. This problem is likely because I'm missing something that should be there. Remember, I bought mine used. Again, I'm still very happy to have this product.

3/09/04 update: A few weeks ago the trackbar came lose and was hanging by one bolt. I spoke with a JKS representative at TDS 2004 and he mentioned that shouldn't happen. I bought a new lock nut and will put some lock-tite on it. I *think* the problem was user error. I seem to recall re-using the old lock nut and you're not supposed to do that. Oh well. I've been using the Jeep without the trackbar for a few weeks now and even towed a tent camper last weekend and didn't have much problem. Still, I prefer the security and tight feel of a trackbar.

note: 1/2 inch coarse locknut, 65 ft. lbs torque

Disclaimer: just remember, all modifications to steering, suspension and/or driveline result in your vehicle performing differently. Please be safe and adjust your driving style accordingly. Also, these install notes are from my own experience and are not necessarily recommendations on things you should or should not do to your vehicle. Use common sense. This information is made available for research only and is provided without warranty.