Adjustable Rear Track Bar Install Question

[PWillette]

After owning/wheeling numerous rigs of all makes over the years the Bronco is my first experience with a 4-link rear suspension. I'll soon be installing new suspension components including a Metalcloak adjustable rear track bar. I understand the concept of the track bar keeping the rear differential centered just not sure of the process to get there. Is the pinion on the pumpkin considered center? I presume center to be measured from the inside of the frame rails...is that correct? I presume center should be set with the wheels sitting on the ground? Am I missing anything?

TIA any input

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[PWillette]

Talk to me goose...

 

[Tricky Dick]

Our pinions are off centered so ignore that. I would measure off a fixed point on both sides, the lip of the wheels would be good, and go to the frame.

 

[PWillette]

Thanks TD. Wasn't sure if the pinion was of center. Wheel to frame makes sense.

 

[akturbo]

Thank you both for posting!

I'm installing my lift, Metcloak links and track bar soon, was there a need to get a track bar bracket? Or is that only needed if you don't have an adjustable aftermarket track bar??

 

[PWillette]

Thank you both for posting!

I'm installing my lift, Metcloak links and track bar soon, was there a need to get a track bar bracket? Or is that only needed if you don't have an adjustable aftermarket track bar??

The Metalcloak adjustable does not need the bracket. I do believe that you are correct, the bracket is needed for the non-adjustable track bars.

 

[Bentpushrod]

I run an adjustable track bar from Core 4x4, and the bracket from Rock Jock. Ran with just the adjustable bar for awhile, but handles a bit better with both. Here’s a peek, the bar runs more parallel with the axle with the bracket.

 

[Bikeric]

The Metalcloak adjustable does not need the bracket. I do believe that you are correct, the bracket is needed for the non-adjustable track bars.

IF you add much lift you will want the added bracket. Keeping the track bar as close to parallel as possible minimizes the rear end side shuffle as the suspension articulates.

 

[PWillette]

Thanks for the input guys, good info. I'm planning going up 2" max on the rear so should be good w/o the bracket.

 

[Dwiyrick]

Thank you both for posting!

I'm installing my lift, Metcloak links and track bar soon, was there a need to get a track bar bracket? Or is that only needed if you don't have an adjustable aftermarket track bar??

What did you end up doing with this? I was assuming there would be no need for a track bar relocation if you have an adjustable track bar.
How much lift did you do? Did you drop front diff?

 

[PWillette]

What did you end up doing with this? I was assuming there would be no need for a track bar relocation if you have an adjustable track bar.
How much lift did you do? Did you drop front diff?

An adjustable trac bar only should be suffice for lifts up to 2" to center the rear end. Over 2" of lift would recommend the relocation bracket as the adjustable trac bar does nothing to compensate for the angle of the trac bar in relation to the axle. To avoid bump steer, the trac bar should be as close to horizontal as possible which the relocation bracket accomplishes.

 

[akturbo]

What did you end up doing with this? I was assuming there would be no need for a track bar relocation if you have an adjustable track bar.
How much lift did you do? Did you drop front diff?

I just installed the RockJock drop bracket. Had to wait to install it since the Radflos had too short of min compression. Ran the Radflos 2” lift over SAS. I could feel the bump steer on the hwy. I also have all MetalCloak arms/trackbar in the rear.

Just installed icon CDEVs, the track bar bracket, Broncbuster hoss 3 rack and Spicer front axles, last part arrives today so I can get it on the road. I set the front to 2.75” over SAS and rear 2.25” over SAS. Can’t wait to test it out!

 

[Dwiyrick]

I just installed the RockJock drop bracket. Had to wait to install it since the Radflos had too short of min compression. Ran the Radflos 2” lift over SAS. I could feel the bump steer on the hwy. I also have all MetalCloak arms/trackbar in the rear.

Just installed icon CDEVs, the track bar bracket, Broncbuster hoss 3 rack and Spicer front axles, last part arrives today so I can get it on the road. I set the front to 2.75” over SAS and rear 2.25” over SAS. Can’t wait to test it out!

Sounds like a great build - you just use preload to set height? Will be curious about your thoughts on the CDEVs....Look awesome.
I am thinking King or Fox at the moment. Wondering if I even need an adjustable track bar if I relocate? not going up too far - just enough to for 37's.

 

[Mikey1287]

Did you do the install on the Broncbuster rack yourself?
I'm considering that one...

I just installed the RockJock drop bracket. Had to wait to install it since the Radflos had too short of min compression. Ran the Radflos 2” lift over SAS. I could feel the bump steer on the hwy. I also have all MetalCloak arms/trackbar in the rear.

Just installed icon CDEVs, the track bar bracket, Broncbuster hoss 3 rack and Spicer front axles, last part arrives today so I can get it on the road. I set the front to 2.75” over SAS and rear 2.25” over SAS. Can’t wait to test it out!

 

[akturbo]

Sounds like a great build - you just use preload to set height? Will be curious about your thoughts on the CDEVs....Look awesome.
I am thinking King or Fox at the moment. Wondering if I even need an adjustable track bar if I relocate? not going up too far - just enough to for 37's.

Thanks! Yeah, preload to adjust resting height. I set just below the max rating for the shocks just for a starting point. It'll take some time to get adjusted to the final preload setting, then I'll get an alignment.

With the Radflos (pictured below) my rear track bar looked great with the bracket, haven't looked at it now that the Icons are installed, I did the bracket as the first step of the teardown. I had to adjust the trackbar to its shortest setting to keep aligned, only an alignment will tell if I was close.

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