Energy Suspension Front Track Bar Bushing Set for 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Installed these on a 2006 TJ in hopes of solving some wandering steering. The bushings seem to be great, but installation is a real challenge.

The hardest part about getting the track bar off was freeing the cotter pin where it attaches to the steering (and later getting a pin back in). After getting the bar out, the old bushing didn't come out with a hammer, but did eventually come out with repeated applications of a rented ball joint press.

The new bushing went in easily. If you've read other reviews or watched videos about this product, you know that the new inner sleeve requires a larger bolt (e.g. 7/16 x 2.5 inches). The worst part about that is you need to drill out two holes in the frame bracket, but its partially blocked by tie rod and steering stabilizer. Probably easier if you have a really long drill bit. Also, you lose the ability to use the special nut that sits inside the bracket because it won't fit the larger bolt.

Provided instructions are a little confusing. Says "sway bar and track bar instructions" at the top, but then includes diagrams of products that are neither sway bar nor track bar. Better to just watch the videos.

This site says installation time is less than an hour, but took me about 4 hours which included a trip to the hardware store and auto parts store. Didn't end up solving my steering instability.

The stock bolt does not fit through this bushing. So if you do purchase, plan ahead to improvise. I went with a 7/16 grade 8 bolt with washers and a 7/16 nut. Also the stock bushing is incredibly difficult to remove so be prepared to deal with that as well. If I had to replace again, I think I would just buy a whole new track bar.