Trac-bar fab

[GIJoe4500]

Going to be putting a 79 Bronco d44 under my 88 Ranger. Looking into trac-bar fab right now. What are y'all using for your trac-bars? Bushings? Heims? Johnny Joints?

If y'all don't mind, please post up what type of joint you are using, and what size it is. As well as what size, type, and thickness of material for the trac-bar itself.


I tried searching, but I think I just suck at finding what I'm looking for.


Thanks

 

[wahlstrom1]

I chopped a TJ trackbar down using the stock bushing on one end and welded a bung into the other for a 3/4"x x3/4" Heim on the other to keep it adjustable. Material would be 1.5" x .250 wall IIRC.

 

[GIJoe4500]

I chopped a TJ trackbar down using the stock bushing on one end and welding a bung into the other for a 3/4"x x3/4" Heim on the other to keep it adjustable. Material would be 1.5" x .250 wall IIRC.

How is that holding up?

 

[wahlstrom1]

On my second heim joint in just over 40xxxkm's, but they're cheapies. Other then that, it's mint. I used the original jeep bushing, so I have no clue of the mileage on it.....but so far so good.

 

[GIJoe4500]

On my second heim joint in just over 40xxxkm's, but they're cheapies. Other then that, it's mint. I used the original jeep bushing, so I have no clue of the mileage on it.....but so far so good.

Sweet! I may look into that when I get to that point of the build!

 

[Bray D]

3/4" QA-1 kevlar injected heim at the axle end and Ballistic poly bushing at the frame. Material is 1.5"x.250" DOM. I've got 15k miles on it and still goin strong. I thought my heim was getting sloppy at one time, but found it was something else transmitting vibrations.

 

[GIJoe4500]

3/4" QA-1 kevlar injected heim at the axle end and Ballistic poly bushing at the frame. Material is 1.5"x.250" DOM. I've got 15k miles on it and still goin strong. I thought my heim was getting sloppy at one time, but found it was something else transmitting vibrations.

is there any reason why you chose to run a heim and a bushing? And any reason why you chose to put the bushing at the frame, instead of at the axle?

I'm not a complete moron, just tryin' to see other people's setups, and wondering why they went the way they did.

 

[JohnnyU]

I'm using the Kevlar-injected rod ends from Ballistic Fab on both ends of my track bar. Granted it doesn't seen DDing duty, it's worked great so far and the parts are fairly easily and cheaply replaced.

 

[NMB2]

just one thing to add about the ballistic heims. I run all ballistic heims and inserts and crap currently, when i just swapped over to full hydro i noticed that 2 of the 4 heims were very sloppy and 1 has a pretty bad bend in it where the thread shank turns into the casing. Havent talked to ballistic about it yet but am going to end up trying a new manufacturer (whoever PSC uses)

 

[JohnnyU]

just one thing to add about the ballistic heims. I run all ballistic heims and inserts and crap currently, when i just swapped over to full hydro i noticed that 2 of the 4 heims were very sloppy and 1 has a pretty bad bend in it where the thread shank turns into the casing. Havent talked to ballistic about it yet but am going to end up trying a new manufacturer (whoever PSC uses)

What brand are yours, QA1? That's what I bought from them.

 

[Bray D]

is there any reason why you chose to run a heim and a bushing? And any reason why you chose to put the bushing at the frame, instead of at the axle?

I'm not a complete moron, just tryin' to see other people's setups, and wondering why they went the way they did.

I guess the reason was because it was relatively cheap. I haven't checked prices but I could probably just replace the heim for the same price as rebuilding a flex joint. Heim at the axle due to packaging purposes (I could use a narrower mount).

 

[Bray D]

just one thing to add about the ballistic heims. I run all ballistic heims and inserts and crap currently, when i just swapped over to full hydro i noticed that 2 of the 4 heims were very sloppy and 1 has a pretty bad bend in it where the thread shank turns into the casing. Havent talked to ballistic about it yet but am going to end up trying a new manufacturer (whoever PSC uses)

The heims you're using on your steering? That doesn't make much sense. In theory those links are two force members, and shouldn't be subject to any side loading that would cause them to bend. That's weird man.

 

[NMB2]

the bends make sense where they are... imagine my tire at full lock and laying on the side or whatever.... during one of these many sessions it would appear that perhaps it bent due to the tire trying to push in on it when already at full lock. ill take pics when my new parts come and these come off or maybe go out and see if i can get a pic of the bend currently.

I dont know which ones they are?? they were the more expensive ones almost exactly a year ago... like 27 each or something.

 

[NMB2]

i cant really get a clear shot with everythig installed... when i get my new parts ill take pics and show it.

 

[GIJoe4500]

Thanks guys. From the research I've done, I'll probably end up running 3/4"x3/4" heims on both ends. Its going to be strictly a trail rig. Will only see 3 or 4 wheeling trips a year. With the 3/4"x3/4" heims being as cheap as they are, carrying a couple spares will be no big deal.