• For all of you who requested this information on the Jeep-L.

The track bar (also called a panhard rod or bar) is used to control the lateral motion of an axle. In the case of the Jeep YJ (and many other vehicles) the track bar is beneficial on the street but on the trail it may limit articulation or even induce axle dislocation during extreme suspension travel.

The situation is similar to that presented by anti-sway bars and the optimal solution may be also be similar: a disconnect system that allows you to use the trackbar on the street but easily disconnect it for use on the trail.

On the Jeep YJ the track bar is connected with a single bolt either to the axle housing or to an extention that may be provided by a lift kit manufacturer (as in my case). The $2 disconnect system consists of removing the bolt that secures the trackbar and replacing it with a clevis pin. When I want the track bar disconnected I simple remove the pin and use a large tie wrap to secure the track bar out of the way. When I am ready to go back on the street I reattach the track bar in it's normal position.

This setup is visible in the following photo's - even though they better illustrate a field repaired drop link that the disconnect setup. (You use what you have!)