Rear TracBar Relocation Bracket - Get One!

[SROC3]

So, I'll start this off by saying this - if you have lifted your Bronco and don't already have a Relocation Bracket for your trac (or track) bar, get one. It just works. And yes, EVEN IF you already have an Adjustable Track bar....

About 2 years ago I got an Eibach Pro Spring Lift (springs only) for my SAS Bronco. At the same time I also installed Rear Control arms (RockJock) and an Adjustable Track Bar (ICON). I figured that since I had an "adjustable" track bar I was all set. I always noticed a very minute amount of rear "wiggle" or "bump steer," but nothing crazy. I never really had issues with alignment so I kinda just dismissed it. Fast forward almost 2 years later and I install a TracBar Relocation Bracket (TRB) - and the difference was felt so immediately, I actually thought is was some massive "placebo-effect" taking place. On the road, lane changes feel more planted/grounded. What little rear bump-steer I had when going over bumps and road irregularities, were virtually non-existent afterwards. Off-road it just feels more communicative and easy to direct/point in whatever direction I want, especially when going on faster, windier trails. One of the best ways I can describe this is - "when your rear unweights and then lands....and the tires find traction again......it feels like the rear shifts towards your intended direction with more purpose." That change in geometry from having a track bar that goes at a "slight angle," to now being almost perfectly horizontal with the rear axle is giving me that much more overall confidence. I just wish I did this sooner

A few companies make this kind of bracket - but RockJock makes a fantastic one. I ended up buying theirs cause I have had great success with their Rear Control Arms for almost 2 years. Solid performance, no noises/squeaks/creaks. The Johnny-Joint technology on them is bar-none. And NO - I'm not sponsored by them and paid for all of this with my own money. I know this review might actually sound like some fan-boy-sponsored-post.....but their aftermarket parts are just that good. The quality is amazing and the price isn't crazy (like some other brands we all know...Gotta love the STILL existent "Bronco Tax" we all still have to pay)

This Relocation Bracket (https://www.rockjock4x4.com/RJ-181400-101) is likely the best $100 I've invested into my Bronco so far. Technically, IF you don't have an Adjustable Track Bar (ATB), this Relocation Bracket would be the way to start - then get the ATB (https://www.rockjock4x4.com/RJ-183400-101) - then get some Adjustable Control Arms (https://www.rockjock4x4.com/RJ-182400-101).

Here is a pic BEFORE the Relocation Bracket:

Here is AFTER the Relocation Bracket installed:

I trail a lot so #dirtyundercarriage

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Edit: You can also jump to post #76 and read my humble thoughts on the mechanics of it.

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[popo_patty]

Yup, been using the Rock Jock bracket as well on my Metalcloak adjustable arm and saying the same thing for years. Good post!

 

[Tricky Mike]

I bought the Boss riser but I can't install it, the math says it will hit the frame at full bump.

 

[Beach_Bum]

There is a stretch of road that is perpetually under construction. The road surface has numerous transitions and the lanes are very narrow. Traveling along and I hit one of those transitions and the rear "jumped" laterally and settled a few inches from my original travel track. It was alarming as the lanes are so narrow and there is always traffic. Immediately made note of that exact area so as to test the behavior again when I'm expecting it. Same thing happened.

I added the relocation bracket shortly after that and it has corrected the issue.

 

[BUCKIN6VA]

You had talked me into the relocation kit in another thread (thank you). I’m looking at the parts right now, planning to install this afternoon. Looks very, very straightforward. I think I just jinxed myself, though. Will report back later!

Edit: I jinxed myself. Had issues from the get-go. Worked around those, got to the final step and hit another snag. 3 hours later I'm back to where I was 3 hours ago.

 

[BUCKIN6VA]

No need to even jack up the rear, right? I can just do it all on the ground?

 

[SROC3]

I bought the Boss riser but I can't install it, the math says it will hit the frame at full bump.

Hmmmm....Well, you made me look underneath Hahahahahaha!!! But because of the way I trail, which is fairly fast and I do end up hitting G-Outs every now and then, fully compressing my suspension - I can say with confidence that the RockJock Bracket hasn't hit the frame . Now you have me thinking.......How cool would it be to not just be able to check droop/full drop-articulation (with ramps or a lift), but also full compression?

 

[87-Z28]

The issue is the compressed lengths of certain coilovers.

 

[SROC3]

No need to even jack up the rear, right? I can just do it all on the ground?

I've seen peeps do this on the ground, then use a racket strap to re-center "the hole" for the bolt and get it in. BUT if it were me doing it (which I didn't and had my shop do it)......

- I would put some jack stands underneath both sides of the vehicle to extend my suspension but NOT have my tires completely off the ground.
- Then use a floor jack and place it in the center of the axle just enough to unweight it, then loosen the adjustable track bar bolts (or screws depending on what brand you have), then loosen the Blot that connects the track bar to the axle.
- Then install the Relocation Bracket (tighten bolts)
- Then, if necessary, use the floor jack to lift and center "the holes" so you can reinsert the axle bolt properly.
- Then lower the vehicle to the ground, then tighten/torque all the bolts - on BOTH the track bar and Axle Bolt bracket.

If any pro-mechanic would like to add to this - please do

I would still highly recommend getting an alignment though afterwards.

 

[SROC3]

The issue is the compressed lengths of certain coilovers.

This is correct Although, I do know that RockJock does extensive testing. I personally have KINGs and I know they have a longer compressed length than some shocks. No issues thus far.

 

[SROC3]

Yup, been using the Rock Jock bracket as well on my Metalcloak adjustable arm and saying the same thing for years. Good post!

Right?? It's such a small price to pay (even if you include another re-alignment) to get the "corrected geometry" and lateral stability. Tis why I did this write up and I really hope it helps a lot of our members out.

 

[WheelMe]

Question: it seems as if I'd need to adjust the length of my track bar (ICON Adjustable) to fit?

 

[Fordified1]

An adjustable track bar only centers the rear under the vehicle and does nothing to correct geometry. The relocation bracket puts the track bar in the center (or closer to center) of its arc so the diff has less movement side to side when hitting bumps. Without this with a lift it is already traveling part way up its arc cycle and side to side movement is accelerated the farther up the arc it travels, thus the “bump steer” is more pronounced.

I would almost bet that @87-Z28 has a drawing or can make one that illustrates this.

I’m running the relocation bracket with my stock track bar and at this point see no need for an adjustable one as my diff is centered now.

 

[Fordified1]

I bought the Boss riser but I can't install it, the math says it will hit the frame at full bump.

But will you ever fully compress that right rear shock? And if it does make contact every now and then, will it hurt anything?

Mine has yet to hit, but I haven’t come close to laying it on its side yet lol.

 

[Fordified1]

My non-Sasquatch BD with Eibach 2.0 after RockJock relocation bracket.

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