Thread: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings

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  1. #1 KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    A little over 2 and a half years ago I installed Kevin's Front Trackbar conversion and had been totally stoked. But I was finding out quickly that with larger tires and harder wheeling, the regular bushings weren't lasting very long at all, and quickly giving way to play in the steering caused by the loose bushings.

    I was dinking around Kevin's site one day contemplating ordering another set of the regular bushings when I saw that he had something new out, the Super Hard Durometer bushings. This peaked my interest, so I shot Kevin an email asking him what the scoop on these was. And from what Kevin said, it was exactly what I was looking for. A much harder bushing that would put up the rigors of heavy off-road use for longer periods of time than the soft squishy bushings. So I ordered up a set just before GSW.

    The install was, umm, easy. It's trackbar bushings, you take the old ones out and stick the new ones in! It is a bit trickier getting the new ones in this time around though since they are so hard. I found a vise VERY helpful. Also, be sure to lube the new bushings before they go in.

    Driving with the new bushings was definitely an improvement. The dead spot that I had in the steering got considerably smaller, and the steering just felt "tight" again. And the bushings have held up great to wheeling so far too.

    I think the Super Hard Durometer bushings are a definite worthwhile upgrade to Kevin's Trackbar Conversion (or to one of the of the bars that they will fit). And frankly, I think Kevin should just up the price of the trackbar conversion and include the new Super Hard Durometer bushings.

    The bushings, as well as Kevin's Trackbar Conversion, are available here: http://www.kevinsjeepparts.com/tbconversion.html
    Last edited by BigDaveZJ; 07-04-2006 at 01:35 PM.
     

  2. #2 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member SCAMPER ZJ's Avatar
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    Sweet Dave, I'll give Kevin a call. I've loved Kevin's track bar, but the steering has definitely gotten squishier over the last year or so, despite checking multiple times to ensure that everything is tight (track bar, steering box and brace, all the castles on the steering), so that may be why. I'll post up when I get them.
    '98 ZJ 5.2L with 7" KOR lift, 35x12.5 MT/R's
    D30HP 760 axles/u-joints with Ox in front, 8.8 with Detroit in rear

    Build and offroad pics at jeepsite.net
     

  3. #3 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member Jim311's Avatar
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    I have them in my rig too.
    Quote Originally Posted by ATL ZJ
    it's a hobby that rarely makes good financial sense.
    Quote Originally Posted by Alaska ZJ
    I can proudly say that I am one of the "OG's" of mutilating a perfectly good luxury SUV.
    1996 V8, Claytons, HP30/D44a locked, ARB, winch, WJ brakes and high steer, 33s, some body damage.
     

  4. #4 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner JohnBoulderCO's Avatar
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    I put them in my WJ's track bar. Made a huge difference. The steering is much tighter. The JKS black poly bushings, which I replaced with Kevin's, felt soft in comparison.
    WJ, 4.7, Clayton's Front, Double Triangulated Rear, 231HD, HP44, 8.8, ARBs, TR Bumpers, Hydro Assist, 35's, Cage
    Lambo Doors - tweaked unibody
    http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8532
     

  5. #5 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    Sounds like I made a good purchase with these...hopefully installing them in a couple days.
     

  6. #6 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    We installed the KOR trackbar conversion on my girls street queen 93' ZJ
    (3.5" RE based lift)

    And we found it is also notable that with the much tighter steering, death wobble resistance & all around tougher bushings you get very little increase in road noise/harshness


    Absolutely fantastic product all around
    Last edited by gonecheenin; 09-21-2006 at 05:51 PM.
     

  7. #7 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member Jim311's Avatar
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    I'd like to report that my front "super hard" bushings are officially worn out. I go through trackbar bushings pretty quick, though.
    Quote Originally Posted by ATL ZJ
    it's a hobby that rarely makes good financial sense.
    Quote Originally Posted by Alaska ZJ
    I can proudly say that I am one of the "OG's" of mutilating a perfectly good luxury SUV.
    1996 V8, Claytons, HP30/D44a locked, ARB, winch, WJ brakes and high steer, 33s, some body damage.
     

  8. #8 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    How long did they last

    You grease them good when installed? (i actually put grease between the two pcs so it would squeeze out when tightened)
     

  9. #9 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member Jim311's Avatar
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    What is there to grease? They've got a metal sleeve inside of them that the bolt runs through? I actually don't think they lasted as long as the stock ones that came with my JKS track bar strangely enough.
    Quote Originally Posted by ATL ZJ
    it's a hobby that rarely makes good financial sense.
    Quote Originally Posted by Alaska ZJ
    I can proudly say that I am one of the "OG's" of mutilating a perfectly good luxury SUV.
    1996 V8, Claytons, HP30/D44a locked, ARB, winch, WJ brakes and high steer, 33s, some body damage.
     

  10. #10 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    theres no provision for greasing after installation

    So you need to get as much in as possible when your inserting them



    Wouldn't be hard to add a grease fitting where the two halfs meet though, if mine wear out prematurely thats what i'll be doing with the next set.
     

  11. #11 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim311 View Post
    What is there to grease? They've got a metal sleeve inside of them that the bolt runs through? I actually don't think they lasted as long as the stock ones that came with my JKS track bar strangely enough.
    Jim:
    I'm happy to send you (and anyone else who purchased them) a replacement set if they wear out. Though I've had a customer or two need another pair, this is a rarity that they are needing to be replaced at all. Just shoot me an e-mail.

    kevin@kevinsoffroad.com

    Thanks,
    Kevin
    Kevin's Offroad, The Grand Cherokee Specialists
    602-841-3355
    Phoenix, AZ

    www.KevinsOffroad.com
     

  12. #12 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member MUDDTRACKS's Avatar
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    hey Kevin a little behind that was 2 years ago lol


    but always nice to see a vendor who stands behind there work

    I actualy broke your steering gear brace but i know that was from the way i wheel. So i modified a bit and works great now.
     

  13. #13 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senor Member Lifetime Supporter ArloGuthroJeep's Avatar
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    I had some a while ago that I bought through Kolak. They worked great when my axle wasn't centered (about 1-1.5" to the drivers side). It was like that for probably 6-8 months. When I finally got around to centering my axle, the bushing failed 2 weeks later. Kolak sent me a freee replacement. It too failed about 1 month later (after a trip to Moab). Replaced with the JKS ones and they have held up better. Something about my set up doesn't like them, which is too bad because they were much nicer then the JKS ones other then the durability for me
    -Ryan
    '04 WJ w/6" on Clayton LA's, 242 SYE, 4.56 (locked 44a), 35" BFG MT KM2's
     

  14. #14 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    Quote Originally Posted by MUDDTRACKS View Post
    hey Kevin a little behind that was 2 years ago lol


    but always nice to see a vendor who stands behind there work

    I actualy broke your steering gear brace but i know that was from the way i wheel. So i modified a bit and works great now.
    No problem, my friend. I didn't even notice the date when I posted.
    Kevin's Offroad, The Grand Cherokee Specialists
    602-841-3355
    Phoenix, AZ

    www.KevinsOffroad.com
     

  15. #15 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    Quote Originally Posted by ArloGuthroJeep View Post
    I had some a while ago that I bought through Kolak. They worked great when my axle wasn't centered (about 1-1.5" to the drivers side). It was like that for probably 6-8 months. When I finally got around to centering my axle, the bushing failed 2 weeks later. Kolak sent me a freee replacement. It too failed about 1 month later (after a trip to Moab). Replaced with the JKS ones and they have held up better. Something about my set up doesn't like them, which is too bad because they were much nicer then the JKS ones other then the durability for me
    Now that's odd. Why do you think re-centering the axle would have anything to do with it...? Shouldn't matter at all. Strange.
    Kevin
    Kevin's Offroad, The Grand Cherokee Specialists
    602-841-3355
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    www.KevinsOffroad.com
     

  16. #16 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senor Member Lifetime Supporter ArloGuthroJeep's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KevinF View Post
    Now that's odd. Why do you think re-centering the axle would have anything to do with it...? Shouldn't matter at all. Strange.
    Kevin
    No idea, I am considering trying it again now that I am running Claytons. Only thing I could think of is that the trackbar was centering the axle, but something else wanted to push it to the side causing stress to constantly be put on the bushing.
    -Ryan
    '04 WJ w/6" on Clayton LA's, 242 SYE, 4.56 (locked 44a), 35" BFG MT KM2's
     

  17. #17 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member 93ZeeJ's Avatar
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    i was contemplating ordering these for the KOR track bar conversion im getting and after reading this i think im going to give them a try ( the KOR conversion is used and needs new bushings anyways)

    hopefully i dont have the same problem that you did Ryan... i dont think i will though.
    Matt
    December '09 ROTM
    93 ZJ 5.2 242J
    HP30-truetrac/D44a-Aussie 4.56
    6.5" Long Arms, 35"s
     

  18. #18 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    FWIW, we run the Super Hard Durometers now in my ZJ, Pam's ZJ, and my dad's ZJ, and all 3 have held up fine for a few years now. Pam's is the only one that gets DD'd, but they have held up very well in the year or so they've been in. They've been in my dad's ZJ for almost 2 years now, and it sees somewhat regular use, and then in my ZJ for a little over 3 years now.
     

  19. #19 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner
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    I believe the conversion I got from JSteves has the duro bushings, but not positive. Mine looked great when I installed the trackbar. No telling how long Justin had it in use.
    Jim Karlin
    Project Big Red Jeep
    96 ZJ, 4" inch lift (Claytons, Teraflex coils), 33" Kumho MT KL71s, Aussie in the rear
    A bunch of KOR stuff
    Taurus e-fan swap (DC Controls box)

    GSW 2010 Pics
     

  20. #20 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    Quote Originally Posted by 93ZeeJ View Post
    i was contemplating ordering these for the KOR track bar conversion im getting and after reading this i think im going to give them a try ( the KOR conversion is used and needs new bushings anyways)

    hopefully i dont have the same problem that you did Ryan... i dont think i will though.
    I wouldn't worry about that. I think I was the exception, not the rule. I am the only one I have heard of to have problems with them.
    -Ryan
    '04 WJ w/6" on Clayton LA's, 242 SYE, 4.56 (locked 44a), 35" BFG MT KM2's
     

  21. #21 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner
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    Ryan, duro bushings weren't the only ones you were eating like candy - I seem to remember you going through CA bushings like water too.
    Jim Karlin
    Project Big Red Jeep
    96 ZJ, 4" inch lift (Claytons, Teraflex coils), 33" Kumho MT KL71s, Aussie in the rear
    A bunch of KOR stuff
    Taurus e-fan swap (DC Controls box)

    GSW 2010 Pics
     

  22. #22 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
    Senor Member Lifetime Supporter ArloGuthroJeep's Avatar
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    Steep control arm angles do that
    -Ryan
    '04 WJ w/6" on Clayton LA's, 242 SYE, 4.56 (locked 44a), 35" BFG MT KM2's
     

  23. #23 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    I've had mine for a few months now. I went to 5" springs and the DW came back. (I've ordered LA's to correct, just waiting for them to ship)

    I had the other style Kolak sells for over a year before that and these are way stiffer and have calmed the beast.

    Just an fyi, if your rocking the other bushing from Kolak which require replacing the JKS sleeves and are going to swap back your going to need your original JKS sleves for these bushings. I stuipdly tossed mine when I did the swap over a year ago and had to order a new set as these dont come with sleeves. (For WJ owners, dont know if that is the same for ZJers)
    Will

    99 4.0 DubJ 35"MTRs/ Custom IRO LA's/ Currie 9" housing/ Yukon 4.88 Gears 35 spline Grizzly Rear Lockers and ARB Front.

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  24. #24 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    Quote Originally Posted by WJJEEPIN View Post
    I've had mine for a few months now. I went to 5" springs and the DW came back. (I've ordered LA's to correct, just waiting for them to ship)

    I had the other style Kolak sells for over a year before that and these are way stiffer and have calmed the beast.
    Did you have the toe-in readjusted? If not, that's probably the cause more so than bushings. Also, did you replace tire/wheel combos at the same time. Sometimes that is enough to set it off as well, particularly if the size of the contact patch has changed.

    Also, unless you know about some SUPER-SUPER-DUPER durometer bushings that Nick sells that I don't know of, our SD bushings would be the stiffest on the market. If you compared a set of the SD bushings next to the Energy Suspension (that Nick sells) and the Daystar bushings (that come in most aftermarket track bars), you'd notice a HUGE difference. The Daystars are around 43D, the ESP around 48D if memory serves, and the SDs around 61D. Here is a link to the Rockwell scale of hardness if you're curious how these are rated: http://www.calce.umd.edu/general/Fac...ss_ad_.htm#3.1

    Kevin
    Kevin's Offroad, The Grand Cherokee Specialists
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  25. #25 Re: KevinsOffRoad.com Super Hard Durometer Trackbar Bushings 
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    Quote Originally Posted by KevinF View Post

    Also, unless you know about some SUPER-SUPER-DUPER durometer bushings that Nick sells that I don't know of, our SD bushings would be the stiffest on the market.
    Kevin
    I think if you re-read his post you would see that he was stating that your bushings are harder than the ones Nick sells.
    98 ZJ 5.2, 4.5" RE LA, HP30 w/tru-trac, U-Turn steering, ARB Front, Kevin's rear bumper, 35" KM2's
     

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