Home / Equipment / Jeep Wrangler Panhard Rod Modification
 

1987-1995 Jeep Wranglers come with factory Panhard Rods (track bars). They are beneficial on the road and in high speed maneuvering as the panhard rod keeps the axle from shifting from side to side, and deflecting under turning forces. After driving my Jeep wrangler for some time with these bars removed, I realized that I would like to gain back some better safety and control for highway driving. The Old Man Emu suspension that I installed provides a great ride, but the soft spring rate creates a lot of sway and rear end shift while driving.

So there are a few options:

Reuse the stock rod as is: This works ok with a stock suspension, or with a relocating bracket on lifted vehicles. The stock bar will not fit back on a vehicle with a lift kit installed (as the height increases, the distance between the mounting holes also increases). The relocation brackets are usually of poor design, and they quickly fail. No articulation benefit.

Purchase an aftermarket unit. M.O.R.E in Colorado sells new panhard rods with Heim joint ends for about $120.00. This is a good solution, but requires an investment.

Build your own: This is what I elected to do, as it was an inexpensive and easy modification. Follow along below to see the details

Parts:

Original front Jeep panhard rod
5/8" Heim joint with 5/8" fine thread male shaft
5/8" fine thread jam nut
5/8" Fine thread long nut 1" with no plating (for welding)
5/8" Fine thread bolt with nut. 1 1/4" OAL

 
Take the factory panhard rod, and use the following guide. Cut the end (the side with the bend / axle side) of the bar off, 1/2" from the factory weld line. I used a band saw, which makes life easier, but a cut off wheel or sawzall will work too.
  After the cut
  Align the nut and heim joint. Tack weld in place.
  Nut welded in place
  Finished unit, painted and ready for installation
  The installed Panhard Rod runs parallel to the drag link. This is important as it prevents bump steer. You will need to drill out the factory mount on the axle to 5/8" to accept the new bolt.