After lifting my '98 TJ Wrangler, I had it aligned at a shop. I was told that it needed a "panhard rod." Where can I get such a thing and is it an easy install?  

They are more commonly called a track bar in the Jeep crowd. NAPA sells an original Dana track bar. Find a Crown Automotive distributor in your area. They have OEM Replacement everything for Jeep.

Crown part# 52088432

Click here for Crown Automotive dealer locator.  

Depends if you have a lift or not.  A factory track bar wont work unless you put in a drop bracket.  I personally dont like that.  It seems too weak.  You are better off getting an aftermarket one from Rubicon express or Iron Rock Offroad.  

MadXj:
Depends if you have a lift or not.  A factory track bar wont work unless you put in a drop bracket.  I personally dont like that.  It seems too weak.  You are better off getting an aftermarket one from Rubicon express or Iron Rock Offroad.

I'm guessing that the lift he has installed makes use of a stock track bar.

All track bar drop brackets are not created equal. Even the stock bracket is a drop bracket. There are drop bracket designs using the stock track bar that are far superior in strength than an adjustable track bar.

And, a drop bracket corrects the suspension geometry. An adjustable track bar just makes it worse.

Adjustable track bars are the "cheap soulution" for most suspension lift kits.  

weak is an understament for the drop bracket!




IMO... an adjustable is great untill ya get over 2.5" of lift. some are poor quality and easily bend especially the threaded ends of the joints.

the best for me has been/is the nth degree HD solid/adjustable w/frame brace. I run one on a 2.5" lift, however they recommend at least 3.5 for a clearance issue....

 

Hey guys, does anyone know if there is a rule of thumb for how much track bar drop needed per inch of lift. Right now I'm using a Currie adj. front track bar with the stock mounting point with 6" of lift on a 97' TJ. I've been wanting to build a drop bracket but not sure how low to go.  

Desertfish, If you need a front trac bar, shoot me an e-mail. I have one off a 97' TJ that you can have. Just pay the shipping.  

in the front you just want to make sure it stays parallel with the drag link it keep the bump steer down  

Thanks Bro. That helps.  

Ironman:
Hey guys, does anyone know if there is a rule of thumb for how much track bar drop needed per inch of lift. Right now I'm using a Currie adj. front track bar with the stock mounting point with 6" of lift on a 97' TJ. I've been wanting to build a drop bracket but not sure how low to go.

As close to level as possible is best. But that's not easy, so there are compromises.

The more level, the less track change when the suspension starts to move.

Leveling the track bar by moving either the frame mount or the axle mount will make a difference in handling on the street.

The rear track bar is actually more important for handling than the front. Any vehicle that has "rear steer" because of track changes over bumps is not fun to drive.

The bad rap on extension brackets is because of poor design. They increase leverage and rip off the stock mounts. They need to compensate with larger foot prints and/or gussets or trianglation. Most just bolt on and extend the hieght without regard to the increased leverage.

For the front drop, a corresponding pitman arm drop needs to be used. If the drag link and track bar don't stay parallel, bump steer will be a problem.  

Great info. Thanks Bro.