Need feedback on this

[SavageSun4x4]

Can I get some folks to hit this page for me and tell me if they are seeing text, 15 pics and there are various links that should be working. Oddest thing happened, the page just disappeared. I found out 'cause someone was looking for it and sent me a PM.

Thanks a lot for you help. ;)

http://web.mac.com/donpryor/iWeb/SavageSun%204x4/TJ%20Track%20Bar%20Install..html

[shocker75]

Can I get some folks to hit this page for me and tell me if they are seeing text, 15 pics and there are various links that should be working. Oddest thing happened, the page just disappeared. I found out 'cause someone was looking for it and sent me a PM.

Thanks a lot for you help. ;)

http://web.mac.com/donpryor/iWeb/SavageSun%204x4/TJ%20Track%20Bar%20Install..html

I can see everything on the page. Links and thumbs all work

[Curly]

Works for me.

Tim

[jporvaz]

Links and thumbs all worked for me also.

[willtjx]

everything is working for me. wonder if the page didnt finish loading for the guy that texted you so the background image didnt load and the text had nothing to contrast against.

will

[lancetkenyon]

X5, looks good.

[Steve]

Still working!:cool:

[ArizonaXJ]

Worked for me....interesting story!
Proof is below......

Enough is enough:
The Jeep has been living on the edge of Death Wobble for nearly 2 years. Kept away, by keeping tires balanced and rotated every 5 k miles and keeping everything tight and ship-shape in the front suspension. Additionally the Jeep is now on its 3rd Track Bar. However sometimes the road is just too much for it to handle.

While out in Pomona, Ca attending the Off Road Expo I was driving I 10 which is in dire need of repair. The road is rougher than a Nyquil hangover and no ones friend, Death Wobble, is trying to hitch a ride with me at about 70 mph. Of course it picked a great time to do it as I was lifting a cup of near boiling coffee to my lips.

Suddenly I find myself trying to steer, dodge boiling coffee and traffic at the same time. I’ve got 7 or 8 cars around me that are watching the Jeep Rubicon do the Death Wobble 2-step, coffee is everywhere but mostly on the inside of the windshield, my lower lip and between my legs which is causing me to lift out of my seat.

Finally I get the Jeep settled down enough to pull over in the wish I wasn’t here lane. I get out to do an inspection and of course normal cars are whizzing by only inches from my burnt body. At least the wind is making my crotch and lower lip feel a little better. I know how the lady that sued McDonalds felt when she spilled coffee between her legs.

Turning the Jeep around at the next exit and heading back to the motel to change clothes, and try to figure out what to do about my lower lip. I also need to think about what I can tell my wife that she will believe about why I have a scalded crotch.

The genesis of my problem is in the frame side of my track bar mount. I run an OEM track bar and the weak side is the tie rod end that affixes to the OEM “C” mount welded to the frame. The small tie rod end is no doubt in a constant struggle to keep the Dynatrac ProRock 60, 37 MTRs and Walker Evans bead locks running on the straight and narrow. Rapid wear in the OEM tie rod end is clearly expected.

After much looking and wrestling in my mind for a stronger and better solution I finally came up with a hoped for panacea:

I decided to build my own track bar.

I contacted Simon at 4 Wheelers Supply
www.4wheelers.com and he suggested I look at the FAB offerings from JKS.

I turned to JKS, www.jksmfg.com/ and went to their FAB Parts to see what I could find. From their page I picked:

1) JKS Frame Conversion Bracket, Part # PN OGS925, $33.00

2) JKS Adjustable Trackbar Kit, w/ 2.5" Johnny Joint # OGS950, $175.00

I then told Simon to order those up for me and in a few days I had them.

The Install:
For the install I turned to Todd at DesertFab www.desertfab.com/ to help me get a handle on the serious welding required.

1) Remove old TB and cut off the TB OEM frame mount. On close inspection of the OEM frame mount it was noticed there were 2 long cracks in the upper portion of the “C”. One was so large as to be able to slide several sheets of paper into it (see foto)

2) Use JKS conversion bracket and fab it to the Rubicon frame. Todd also boxed the frame at that point to give additional strength where we attached it to the frame.

3) Measure and fit the new JKS track bar. Todd also strapped the Johnny Joint end for added strength.

4) Cut and notch TB for the massive 2.5” Johnny Joint and weld up the new TB.

5) Install TB, check front wheel tracking, toe, and adjust caster click here> ADJUST TJ CASTER

The Results:
So far DW has failed to show its head and all the symptoms that so often hung around have disappeared. The first drive after the install I noticed instantly it was smoother and turned better. No doubt from not having the looseness of the tie road end. Which by the time I removed it 1 finger would easily move it around. Not the best scenario for front end stability.

Conclusion:
Is this the end of Death Wobble as we know it? Hard to say, but certainly its a giant step forward for DW that has its origins in the track bar. We now have a solid mounting point at both the axle and the frame, a strong rubber based bushing on the axle and a large Johnny Joint on the frame. It is a major upgrade for about $200 bucks worth of parts and some welding.

Having done it and knowing what I know now and, if I had to do it over again I would have done it a long long time ago!

[macinyart]

Don,
I hit the link three times in the last several hours. It all seems good at this time. :-)

[SavageSun4x4]

THANKS ALL!! ;)

How the page got deleted I have no idea, it was just gone (its a computer thing and after 30 years in the business I still am not always sure I understand :confused: ). I did have my "scratch" mock up so I was able to piece it back together and publish it.

It is one of the best mods I have ever done on my Jeep...

Thanks again all...

Don

[idontknow]

checks good

[desertrubi]

LMAO Don! Link still works, and you have a way with your write ups that always have me rolling. Always make for good reading. By the way, did the wife believe you about the coffee?

[Steve]

By the way, did the wife believe you about the coffee?


So what gives?:rolleyes: Is there something we all need to know?;):D

[tomfooshee]

It all worked for me. Good article and pictures. I hit one of the pictures to make it bigger and it worked fine.

[Lumpster]

All worked great. Nice photos and site!!!!

[Fire Ball]

I notice the last thing on the list was adjust castor. If it ever happens again, play with the castor first, bet it saves a ton of other work. :)

[SavageSun4x4]

I notice the last thing on the list was adjust castor. If it ever happens again, play with the castor first, bet it saves a ton of other work. :)

I just put it last, as "Adjust Caster" is a link to another page to adjust caster. notice it sez "and adjust caster click here> ADJUST TJ CASTER" I just put it at the end of the sentence to click on it.

The first thing I do is check my toe to see if it is close, then I do all my adjustments, then set the toe as the last thing.

[Hivemind]

Firefox 2.0.0.6 likes it fine. Nice write up, killer mod...well done