Why Upgrading Your Track Bar Improves Handling and Suspension

Your truck’s suspension system has a huge impact on how controllable the vehicle is. Among the many suspension components, the track bar, sometimes referred to as a Panhard bar, is sometimes left behind and overlooked when considering suspension upgrades. However, it is key to maintaining axle alignment and stability in adverse conditions.Upgrading your track bar can significantly enhance handling, reduce body roll, and improve overall suspension performance. Below, we’ll go more into detail on this topic and tell you all you need to know about track bars and how to install them.

What Does a Track Bar Do?

We’ve already established that a track bar has an important role. That’s why we think it's one of the best off-road suspension upgrades you can get. It prevents lateral movement of the axle in relation to the vehicle’s frame. It is typically found in solid axle suspensions, which are common on off-roaders. The track bar connects one side of the axle to the opposite side of the frame, ensuring that the axle remains centered while allowing for vertical movement as the suspension moves up and down.

There are typically two main issues with stock Panhard bars. First off, the track bar bushings that come from the factory are usually pretty soft, and over time, they tend to get even softer as they wear down. This can mess with your suspension’s effectiveness. Secondly, stock Panhard bars are often a compromise between cost and performance, meaning they don’t deliver the best possible results or durability. Fortunately, aftermarket upgrades can tackle both of these problems and make a huge difference in the way your Jeep handles out on the trails.

What Are the Benefits of Upgraded Track Bars?

We’ve already touched on this briefly above, but there are many benefits to aftermarket track bars. Most importantly, a more rigid track bar and bushings achieve:

Improved Cornering Stability

Lateral movement is what the Panhard bar is supposed to prevent, but when it comes to stock solutions, this is often not done ideally due to certain compromises. With an aftermarket track bar, you get a more premium construction using either aluminum or heavy-duty steel, which is more rigid. As a result, you get much more confidence in the corners, with improved stability. Steering will become more direct, and with more precise reactions, as a result of the reduced lateral movement. While not as noticeable at low speeds, it will be a day and night difference on the highway.

Reduced Death Wobble

If you’ve ever driven an older SUV whose suspension was not in its prime anymore, it's very likely that you’ve experienced the death wobble. Death wobble is when the steering wheel starts to shake as a result of the front axle oscillating violently, particularly on Jeeps with upgraded suspension or a lift kit installed. One thing that makes the axle oscillate is a weak and worn-out track bar. So, by upgrading to an aftermarket solution with firmer bushings, you’ll reinforce the suspension and eliminate this issue.

Lower Sway and Body Roll

Off-road suspensions are great for use in tough conditions, but when used in regular traffic, they can suffer from significant body roll and sway. This issue can also be remedied by an aftermarket track bar. With this upgrade, your car will be much more stable when making sudden maneuvers. With the axles securely positioned, the body roll is much more acceptable and the vehicle overall reacts better to steering inputs.

Can You Install Your Aftermarket Track Bar at Home?

Installation of an aftermarket track bar is not so difficult and is more than feasible for a semi-experienced DIY car enthusiast. Once you jack up the car, removing the Panhard bar is simply a question of removing a few bolts that hold the bar in place. When fitting the aftermarket upgrade, simply trace your steps backward and make sure to torque the bolts to spec. In case you opted for an adjustable bar, you may need to go back later and readjust the settings if you find there’s still room for improvement in terms of handling.

Upgrade Your Wrangler’s Suspension Now

Knowing how important a role a track bar plays in maintaining good handling of your Jeep, you might be interested in the Wrangler track bar upgrade. If that’s the case, you can choose from a huge selection right here. We’ve got you covered whether it comes to track bars or any other performance upgrades for your off-roader. In case you’re still wondering about what the best track bars for Jeeps are, don’t hesitate to contact our sales techs, and we’ll be happy to help you make the right decision and a good upgrade.