Rear TracBar Relocation Bracket - Get One!

[Squatch]

I had high hopes going into it but the shop that did my lift and installed my ICON trackbar made this relocation kit into a PITA for me. First the swapped the bolt and nut for the trackbar, so the rear nut isn't locked in by the OEM bracket, and the bracket makes it very difficult to stop the nut from spinning. I finally got past that issue only to find that the shop also used a (provided?) small heim joint spacer, 1/2" vs. the stock 5/8". And they didn't provide me the "extra" parts so I stalled out at the final step because I have a 1/2" gap between the relocation bracket and the track bar. Anyway, got a spacer on the way and hope to have it buttoned up soon.

This is why I try to do everything myself and I'm always up front with any shop or dealer that does work on any of my vehicles that I want all OEM parts back. I believe there are laws about it in some places, but you need to let them know up front because it isn't worth trying to recover after the fact.

...it's also how I had my first Harley's exhaust in boxes for about a decade for no reason.

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[BUCKIN6VA]

Oh wait....EDIT: Hahaha!!! Those are spacers that are supposed to be re-used from the stock location I think.

Oh and sorry man for not being able to help yesterday.....I know the feeling. Ugh. But it seems you got it handled! Looking forward to hearing how ya like it!

For some reason they used some heim joint realigment spacers reducing the hole from 5/8" to 1/2" and then using new hardware to secure. So I guess there is a 5/8" spacer that came with the Trackbar that I don't have. That's kinda why I am wondering what your situation looks like from the track bar because your pic looks like you used RockJock's included 5/8" bolt to secure the trackbar. So you must have two 5/8" spacers - one on either side of the trackbar.

I learned a lot about spacers yesterday. Information I'll probably never need again. Still bitter! But hardware is en route and I hope to have this buttoned up before my offroad trip Sunday.

 

[MWILD]

Ordered! Thanks OP

 

[SROC3]

For some reason they used some heim joint realigment spacers reducing the hole from 5/8" to 1/2" and then using new hardware to secure. So I guess there is a 5/8" spacer that came with the Trackbar that I don't have. That's kinda why I am wondering what your situation looks like from the track bar because your pic looks like you used RockJock's included 5/8" bolt to secure the trackbar. So you must have two 5/8" spacers - one on either side of the trackbar.

I learned a lot about spacers yesterday. Information I'll probably never need again. Still bitter! But hardware is en route and I hope to have this buttoned up before my offroad trip Sunday.

Gotcha! So......Ford is sending spacers? ICON?

 

[BUCKIN6VA]

Gotcha! So......Ford is sending spacers? ICON?

Just ordered some from Amazon. These specifically https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Q73B0O?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

ICON's track bar is unique (weird) because the passenger side "knob" is much skinner than the driver's side. The driver's side of the trackbar is flush with the bracket - about 2" thick - so no need for spacers, but the passenger's side is ~1" thick which is why there is a 0.5" spacer on each side. This lead me to look at other company's track bars and they're all "full-sized" (1.25"), just like the OEM bar.

I'm fudging the numbers. Actual sizes could be different.

I've found that if there's something I'm going to DIY in life, there's a hurdle or few to overcome. This smaller end link is the hurdle here.

 

[SROC3]

Just ordered some from Amazon. These specifically https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Q73B0O?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

ICON's track bar is unique (weird) because the passenger side "knob" is much skinner than the driver's side. The driver's side of the trackbar is flush with the bracket - about 2" thick - so no need for spacers, but the passenger's side is ~1" thick which is why there is a 0.5" spacer on each side. This lead me to look at other company's track bars and they're all "full-sized" (1.25"), just like the OEM bar.

I'm fudging the numbers. Actual sizes could be different.

I've found that if there's something I'm going to DIY in life, there's a hurdle or few to overcome. This smaller end link is the hurdle here.

Ahhhhhh got it. Thanks for the info for future reference! Yeah, this is one of the many reasons why I would have gotten the RJ Trac Bar had they come out with one back then. - those Johnny-Joint ends are so money. I might still do that in the future.

 

[Sitruc_btb]

I installed the RJ track bar bracket on my non Squatch Badlands a year or so ago. I noticed such a huge difference in handling, I emailed Rock Jock asking what the heck changed afterwards. They proceeded to explain roll centers and geometry and all that.

I don't have a rear sway bar so maybe the change was more noticeable? Not sure exactly, but boy it was a night and day difference in handling. Good write up.

 

[kodiakisland]

I had no problems using the ICON trac bar and the RJ relocation bracket. I do remember taking about 10 minutes to figure out the spacers, but it all made sense once I bolted it in.

 

[timhood]

I installed the RJ track bar bracket on my non Squatch Badlands a year or so ago. I noticed such a huge difference in handling, I emailed Rock Jock asking what the heck changed afterwards. They proceeded to explain roll centers and geometry and all that.

I don't have a rear sway bar so maybe the change was more noticeable? Not sure exactly, but boy it was a night and day difference in handling. Good write up.

Is your Bronco lifted or is it stock height? Stock suspension?

 

[SROC3]

I installed the RJ track bar bracket on my non Squatch Badlands a year or so ago. I noticed such a huge difference in handling, I emailed Rock Jock asking what the heck changed afterwards. They proceeded to explain roll centers and geometry and all that.

I don't have a rear sway bar so maybe the change was more noticeable? Not sure exactly, but boy it was a night and day difference in handling. Good write up.

Thanks for the compliment - I did try and be as simple and succinct . It's kinda funny cause I do try and explain how this can help and they always say "I've never really had any issues without one or I'm fine w/ my adjustable track bar." Then I just tell them that "it's not what think you don't have a need for, but more of the realization that you needed it, once you have it on." Like you mentioned....The handling difference is just THAT significant.

 

[Sitruc_btb]

Is your Bronco lifted or is it stock height? Stock suspension?

Lifted 1.5". Spacers on top of the BL shocks.

 

[B22-2023]

Thanks for the compliment - I did try and be as simple and succinct . It's kinda funny cause I do try and explain how this can help and they always say "I've never really had any issues without one or I'm fine w/ my adjustable track bar." Then I just tell them that "it's not what think you don't have a need for, but more of the realization that you needed it, once you have it on." Like you mentioned....The handling difference is just THAT significant.

Alignment question to @SROC3 once you are done. and others who have already installed the relocation bracket - after installation including what I assume may be an adjustment of the track bar length, did it drive fine or did you go for an alignment?

 

[SROC3]

Alignment question to @SROC3 once you are done. and others who have already installed the relocation bracket - after installation including what I assume may be an adjustment of the track bar length, did it drive fine or did you go for an alignment?

It should drive fine if you follow the installment instructions - BUT, I would (and did) have it professionally aligned to get it "right." Barring you doing this install on PERFECTLY level ground, it won't be as good as getting it aligned properly (preferably at a shop that also has experience with adjusting the track bar as well).

 

[Badsquatchman]

Great thread- totally in agreement. My RJ bracket keeps her arrow straight

 

[B22-2023]

It should drive fine if you follow the installment instructions - BUT, I would (and did) have it professionally aligned to get it "right." Barring you doing this install on PERFECTLY level ground, it won't be as good as getting it aligned properly (preferably at a shop that also has experience with adjusting the track bar as well).

Level driveway - done. My set is on order so I’ll do this next week. Thanks.

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