The panhard rod, called a track bar in US guides, is the bar that runs across the front of a solid axle Jeep from the chassis on one side to the axle on the other. Its job is to stop the axle moving sideways under the body. It is also the part most affected when you fit a lift.
What a lift does to the front axle
The factory panhard rod is a fixed length. As the suspension moves up and down, the axle end of the rod swings in an arc. Lift the Jeep and the rod sits at a steeper angle, which pulls the axle sideways. The taller the lift, the further the axle is pulled off centre.
The result is a front axle that sits further out on one side than the other. You may notice:
- One front tyre sitting closer to the guard or flare than the other.
- The steering wheel off centre after the lift.
- Vague or wandering steering.
- A tyre rubbing on one side at full lock or on compression.
How to check yours
Park on level ground with the wheels straight. Measure from the same point on each front tyre to the same point on the body on each side, for example from the tyre sidewall to the edge of the guard. If the two measurements differ noticeably, the axle is off centre.
When an adjustable rod is worth fitting
An adjustable panhard rod can be lengthened or shortened so you can bring the axle back to the centre. It is generally recommended on vehicles lifted about 2 inches or more. On smaller lifts the shift is slight and many owners leave the factory rod in place.
It is also a sensible replacement when the factory rod's bushings are worn. Worn panhard rod bushings and loose mounting bolts are the most common cause of death wobble, so if yours has play in it, replacing it with an adjustable rod deals with both problems at once.
Fitting notes
- Adjust the rod and tighten the mounting bolts with the Jeep's weight on its wheels, not hanging on a hoist.
- Tighten the mounting bolts and the adjuster lock nut to the specified torque, then re-check them after the first few hundred kilometres.
- Get a wheel alignment afterwards and have the steering wheel centred.
- Lifts are regulated in every state. In Victoria, check the current vehicle standards requirements before raising your Jeep, as larger lifts need engineering approval.
The part
We stock an adjustable front panhard rod for the Cherokee XJ, Grand Cherokee ZJ and Wrangler TJ. Right-hand-drive Jeeps are not the same as US left-hand-drive vehicles at the front end, so check fitment before you order.
Send us your rego or VIN or call 0421 163 823 and we'll confirm it suits your Jeep. If a lift has also left you with a vibration, see our guide to driveline vibration after a lift.