Jeep Articles / Technical and Installation (Explorer Pro Comp Track Bar)

Explorer Pro Comp Track Bar

Article written by Moab Man

Date Added: 05/07/2006

On a recent wheeling trip, "Wheeling with Murphy and Camping with the Donner Party", the track bar on my Jeep, Barney, snapped the ball joint end at the frame.

Even if we had been able to get the remaining threaded end of the ball joint out, we still had a problem trying to locate a replacement ball joint. No one had one of that size, or none of the shops were willing to search. Whatever the case may be, we couldn't fix it. So of course it was time to upgrade.

ProComp provided just what we needed. The bar is made from chromoly steel tubing and most important, the frame attachment point used a standard heim joint and not an impossible-to-find ball joint.

Installing the ProComp track bar requires drilling out the frame attachment point. To do this you will need a .5" drill and a 5/8" drill bit.

Pictured:
Top bar - factory (accidentally laid backwards, doh!)
Middle bar - Full Traction with broken ball joint shaft.
Bottom bar - ProComp with heim joint

Installation

1. These instructions are abbreviated. Please read the instructions included with the kit.

Unbolt the axle end of the track bar.

2. Loosen the nut from the top of the ball joint attached to the frame, leaving the nut attached by a couple threads.

3. Using a pickle fork, knock the ball joint out.

4. Ensure the axle is centered under the Jeep (I have found that backing the Jeep up a distance will center itself).

5. Drill out the frame mounting point.

When drilling wear safety glasses with side protection.

Also, notice the towel against the diff. This is because you can't hold a .5" drill if the bit jams. It will twist your wrist, leaving you in agony. I kept the drill and my hand up against the diff after experiencing the wrist-twisting agony of a jammed bit.

6. Bolt up the axle end

7. With the locking nut on the heim, screw the heim in until you can pass the mounting bolt through the heim without pulling the axle/Jeep one way or the other

Take your time. The bolt will be a snug fit and you will make numerous adjustments to the heim before getting the placement correct.

Final Thoughts

The ProComp Track Bar is overall a better product than the Full Traction Track Bar in my opinion. The use of a readily available heim joint in addition to its increased range of movement will be a nice addition to an already flexy monster.

Another track bar we considered was the Currie Track Bar with a Johnny Joint. The Currie Track Bar is supposed to have an even greater range of movement but is $50+ more in cost. We just didn't feel the cost difference was worth it, but if you have to have the best, go with the Currie.

I was both surprised and impressed - ProComp uses grade 8 hardware, not the commonly-used grade 5.

Purchase / Vendor Info

Vendor Name:	Design Engineering
Address:	604 Moore Road Avon Lake, OH 44012
Phone:	800-264-9472
Contact Person:	Thomas F. Miller
E-Mail Address:
Website:	http://www.designengineering.com

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