Nebraska-based JKS Manufacturing has introduced a few new products for Jeeps. One of those items is a rear trackbar brace (shown) for the 2007-and-up Jeep Wrangler JK. JKS created this brace to combat rear trackbar failures. They say the trackbar failures occur due to insufficient bracing of the factory mount. They note that most failures occur after the vehicle has been lifted, especially when aftermarket extension brackets are involved. However, JKS says that some have even experienced failure on stock applications.
The rear trackbar brace was developed as a permanent solution to this problem. It's constructed of high-strength 7-gauge steel that has been precision cut and formed using CNC equipment and it fits perfectly over the factory mount. The heavy-duty design connects the factory trackbar mount to the axle with 45-degree reinforcement wings. This triangulates the mounting configuration to resist lateral forces that would otherwise tear the weak factory mount from the axle. Further, the brace wraps under the axle housing and attaches on the opposite side to help distribute trackbar forces over a greater area and provide a smooth, snag-free surface to slide over obstacles. This design also eliminates the need for awkward overhead welding and improves weld penetration. The brace is compatible with most trackbars, extension brackets and lift kits.
JKS provided the following illustrations of how the mount looks before and after the trackbar brace is installed.
JKS has slso introduced a body and motor lift combination for '97-'06 Wrangler TJs.
The B1 body lift (shown, left) provides 1.25 inches of height. They say this offers room to increase tire diameter up to two sizes. They also note that the impact on the center of gravity is unnoticeable and the suspension geometry is unaffected so ride quality is unchanged.
JKS Budget Motor Mounts (shown, left) realign the engine fan with the shroud and tilt the transfer case output shaft toward the rear axle for improved driveline angles. This kit also eliminates the need for transfer case lowering kits, allowing you to gain ground clearance beneath the center skid plate.