JKS quicker disconnect install

[Nomad Nate]

I have a 91 XJ 4x4 and installed the JKS quicker disconnects today and had a few issues, observations and questions I thought I'd share.

It went smoothly except one of the button head bolt's Allen socket stripped when I was torquing it down. I read a couple reviews that mentioned this but thought I could avoid by being careful. It still spun on me even though I had fully seated and was using a quality bit.

The other issue I had was the fit on the passenger side where the link disconnects at the bottom. This was extremely tight and I had to file the edge down a bit to get to go on. Even still the angle is a little tricky and I have to tap it on and off. I don't know if maybe my bracket is bent a little or if this is a common thing.

I read several post about the lower bolt with the T55 was splined and had to be pressed out. I don't know if changed by model year or if mine were just replaced at some point but they were not splined or pressed in and they just came right out. This was a happy moment for me.

My only question really is about the length adjustment. I have about a 3 inch and bought the JKS2000 which is for 2-3.5 inch lift. The angle in the instructions is supposed to be 15 degrees for ideal angle and 10-20 for acceptable. I'm very close to 15 degrees with it at the shortest possible length. I assumed since I'm higher in the lift range that I would need to extend it quite a bit. Thoughts on this?

 

[gearwhine]

1) Angle of your sway bar sounds right to me. Below are mine at about 2.5" lift...nearly bottomed out.

2) I'm unsure how you stripped the allen head. They're pretty burly bolts to strip out. Is this the one that goes horizontal between bracket and disconnect, or the one between the bracket and the sway bar?

3) Passenger side fit...can you explain more about what angle you're talking about, and what edge you had to grind down? Aside from a bent sway bar bracket on the axle, my only thought is that you have not adjusted your track bar (either by drilling a new hole, or by buying a new one) to re-center your axle under the front end.

4) Never heard of this bolt being un-splined; might be a replacement from the previous owner...?

 

[Nomad Nate]

Thanks for the reply.

2) It was one of the horizontal bolts. The first side went on fine but the second spun when I was trying to get it torqued down to spec.

3) I think you nailed it with the track bar. I replaced it and the bracket with the IRO double shear right before adding these. I got it pretty close to centered I think but I'm taking it to an alignment shop to get it dialed in perfect.

4) I read a post somewhere that someone with a 92 didn't have splines but who knows. I was just pleased that it came off easy.

1) Angle of your sway bar sounds right to me. Below are mine at about 2.5" lift...nearly bottomed out.

2) I'm unsure how you stripped the allen head. They're pretty burly bolts to strip out. Is this the one that goes horizontal between bracket and disconnect, or the one between the bracket and the sway bar?

3) Passenger side fit...can you explain more about what angle you're talking about, and what edge you had to grind down? Aside from a bent sway bar bracket on the axle, my only thought is that you have not adjusted your track bar (either by drilling a new hole, or by buying a new one) to re-center your axle under the front end.

4) Never heard of this bolt being un-splined; might be a replacement from the previous owner...?

 

[gearwhine]

Glad it's all working out....but that's a shame about the stripped threading on the bracket. I suppose you can always use a through bolt or add a helicoil.

I have no idea why my photo link broke...reattaching one more time.

 

[Nomad Nate]

Thanks. I love them so far. They really make a big difference off road. I misspoke I think. The thread on the bracket is fine it’s just the head where Allen head that inserts that rounded out some. I think I’ll replace it with a normal hex head if I ever take it off.

Glad it's all working out....but that's a shame about the stripped threading on the bracket. I suppose you can always use a through bolt or add a helicoil.

I have no idea why my photo link broke...reattaching one more time.

 

[JonnyCat63]

What do you do when it's time to disconnect them for the trail? How do you keep them secure when offroading?

 

[Nomad Nate]

What do you do when it's time to disconnect them for the trail? How do you keep them secure when offroading?

They come with storage pins but you need the factory skid plate which I don’t have. I just used Velcro straps to hold the link to the sway bar then a piece of 500 lb paracord attached with clips and a z-carabiner that I hook onto a small eyebolt.

This was my “proof of concept” attempt for my first test with them off. I plan on upgrading it all and moving the eyebolt but so far they held perfectly. I’m sure some more skilled people have better solutions though.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JonnyCat63]

They come with storage pins but you need the factory skid plate which I don’t have. I just used Velcro straps to hold the link to the sway bar then a piece of 500 lb paracord attached with clips and a z-carabiner that I hook onto a small eyebolt.

This was my “proof of concept” attempt for my first test with them off. I plan on upgrading it all and moving the eyebolt but so far they held perfectly. I’m sure some more skilled people have better solutions though.


That is the same issue I ran into when I had JKS disconnects on my XJ. I though I was missing something in the instructions, so I ended up calling JKS, and asking how do you secure them. They told me, "use bungee cords or something like that." Wow, that's the best you got?

Of course this is from the same company that powder coats (very nicely I might add), their WJ knuckle spacers. You know, the kind you have to WELD on!

I try to steer clear from them for those 2 experiences. I ended up just removing my sway bar as it's mostly a trail rig.

 

[xcm]

Companies powder coat stuff that is designed to be welded on, because nanny customers will call and complain if there is a literal flake of rust on their products at delivery. Blame your fellow jeep owner. After listening to customers bitch everyday for years… you just powder coat the stupid things.
Sometimes you really can’t win when dealing with customers.

 

[jeep ride]

Only time the customer is always right is when they are buying a pair of shoes?