Some TJ questions

1) how tight should my front track bar be? the death wobble wont go away. The track bar bushing was just replaced, and i lathed a sleeve so the bolt will actually fit. i realigned the front. it seems to go away temporarily after i tighten the track bar, but it will come back. kinda puzzled.

2) Every time i shift momentum, i hear a pop. its annoying and im lost on this one. It feels like its coming from under the drivers side floor.

3) How can i tell if my ball joints are bad? I think the passenger side is shot, but i dont know for sure.

4) The clip holding the pivot side of the throw out bearing fell off, how important is that clip?
help is much needed

Quote from whatevah

1. Very very tight. Did the mount on the axle oval out? That's a common problem. How is the TRE on the axle end? That can fail, too. One trick I've used, is have somebody else start the motor and rock the steering wheel left and right. If the trackbar shifts in relationship to the axle or frame, there's an issue.

2. Check all suspension bushings and bolts... control arms, shocks, TRE, etc. Also check the trans mount, that's basically just a huge bushing.

3. No idea, never driven a manual before. ;D

no it didnt oval out. i bought an adjustable track bar, ordered a new bushing and made a sleeve, but i guess i didnt tighten it enough...time for the breaker bar.

the one "TRE" spins when i try and loosen the castle nut. does that mean its bad?

i can get the nut off. it isnt the TRE, its the drag link on the passenger side that spins, thats why i have been reluctant to replace it. i also can not get the TRE out of the pit arm drop. that bugger will not budge! and the space is too tight to get a puller on top of it...but ill tighten the track bar and see if that solves it.

but how can i tell if my ball joints are shot?

Quote from 85cj7

Jack one side of the jeep up just enough to get a pry bar under the tire , then take your pry bar and lift up on the tire whit one hand and hold the ball joint in the other if the ball joint moves up and down it is bad .

hmm that makes sense.
thank you