Tires uneven after 2.5” lift install

[74bronk]

Passenger side (front)tires sticking out about 2” from fender flares and drivers side inset even or in more… was told to put adjustable track bar on should correct this so I ordered one… haven't installed yet. But wondering what you people thought.. could there be something else going on? Also need best advice to install this track bar… any help appreciated…

 

[BUCKWILD]

Yes an adjustable track bar is needed it will center your axle after properly adjusted. search track bar replacement here and you will find all the info you need

 

[Jakedog]

^^^^^^What he said. Adjustable Track bar will fix it.

 

[DirtDonk]

Your front axle moves side to side every time the front suspension compresses or extends. You just can't see it when you're driving. Because you changed the static ride height, you also changed the location of the axle side-to-side.
It's a natural characteristic of this type of suspension.

So yes, like the others have said, an adjustable trackbar is the key. Or, in my case I typically recommend the drop bracket and dropped pitman arm. They are designed to put your axle and linkage back to close to it's original location, but also to correct the angle back down closer to it's original angle.
Either way an adjustable trackbar lets you fine tune the re-centering whether using drop brackets or not.

Paul

 

[74bronk]

Your front axle moves side to side every time the front suspension compresses or extends. You just can't see it when you're driving. Because you changed the static ride height, you also changed the location of the axle side-to-side.
It's a natural characteristic of this type of suspension.

So yes, like the others have said, an adjustable trackbar is the key. Or, in my case I typically recommend the drop bracket and dropped pitman arm. They are designed to put your axle and linkage back to close to it's original location, but also to correct the angle back down closer to it's original angle.
Either way an adjustable trackbar lets you fine tune the re-centering whether using drop brackets or not.

Paul

Fyi I actually lowered the bronco from 3.5” (from po, i was told when i bought it it was a 5.5” lift blocked up in rear. When i tore into it to replace lift i found it really was a pos 3.5” lift) i do have a drop pittman arm already i just need to adjust the track bar. I just need some pointers on how to properly install and adjust the track bar.

 

[bigmuddy]

You can either add a drop bracket to the trac bar or use an adjustable trac bar. As others said I would go with the adjustable trac bar as it allows for fine tuning. easy peasy as far as installation goes.

 

[DirtDonk]

That brings up question. You only mentioned Pitman arm, but does it also have a matching drop bracket? If not, you need one to keep the angles parallel.
But for now I'll assume that those are both installed and you just want to use the track bar.

Since the bar does not carry a load you do not need to jack anything up or support the vehicle. You can do it right on the vehicle in the driveway with no problem.
The biggest hassle is getting wrenches on the upper track bar bolt and nut and getting enough room to get some turns on it. I actually do like taking the driver side tire off just to give me more wiggle room and eyeball room.

If they are original then they are both on very tight. But they should be removable with handtools and some persuasion. Remove the lower nut but do not try to pull the bar off until you get the top mount off. Remove the upper bolt and drop the upper end of the bar out of the bracket. you may have to use some persuasion to pry it out.
Once it's lowered you can pull it off the lower studs and install the new one in the reverse order.

When you get the old one out you can lay it next to the new one and adjust it longer by what you estimate to be the proper amount. If you are truly 2 inches over, then adjust it 1 inch longer than original. It might not be that much though so it doesn't hurt to actually get measurements.
Once it's all installed you can verify that your axle is centered in the frame and make further adjustments as necessary at the upper end.

It is very common for the frame to shift sideways over the axle when you remove the bar. Once that happens the bar does not fit into the upper bracket and you have to manhandle it over. Some people use ratchet straps, but I use the steering system itself. With at least one tire on the ground you can turn the steering wheel slightly, which moves the body and frame over the axle. I don't remember which way is which so you'll have to experiment by turning the wheel and see which way the body moves. Obviously, with one wheel on the ground and one side up on a jackstand, be very careful when you're doing this.
Once it's over there you can line up the upper bracket again.

When doing it alone you can sometimes just reach up into the engine compartment and turn the steering shaft by hand and it will move the body.

Good luck!

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, if you want to move the axle towards the drivers side you would make the adjustable trac bar a little shorter.
As mentioned, this is a very straight forward job.
If you can post some pictures you will get more info about the angles of the trac bar and drag link.
How is the handling before and after the work?
Good luck

 

[jamesroney]

There's something wrong with the diagnosis.

The OP said that the axle is shifted toward the RIGHT when it is sitting at ride height. At stock height the axle is centered, and will move LEFT as the lift increases.

If it is offset 1 inch to the RIGHT at 2.5 inches of lift, then someone has already modified something. Gonna need to see some pics to know where you are starting from.

The adjustable Trac bar will likely fix your problem. The adjustable Trac bar was engineered to accommodate lifts with the factory mounts in the factory locations. But for a modest 2.5 lift, the ubiquitous Trac bar lowering bracket is the typical solution.

I am skeptical that you have the factory parts in the factory locations, since it looks like your Trac bar is too long already. Take a measurement of your track bar from center to center, and if it isn't 27-3/4 long, then “someone has been sleeping in my bed…and he's still there!”

(I'm assuming that your Bronco is a 74 based on your username)

 

[m_m70]

I think he lowered it from 5.5" to 2.5" which would explain the shift to that side...

Pics really needed here.