Track Bars and Panhard Rods

Track bars and panhard rods for lifted trucks, Jeeps, 4x4s and muscle cars: adjustable track bars, OE-style replacements, panhard bars and relocation brackets. Brands include Carli, Whiteline, BMR, Zone Offroad, Ridetech, Hotchkis and ACDelco, with prices from $48.99 for brackets to $649.38 for heavy-duty adjustable bars. Clunks or wander after a lift? Read about bump steer.

Track bars and panhard rods: what they do

A track bar, also called a panhard rod or panhard bar, is a single bar that runs across the vehicle from the axle to the frame. Its job is to stop the solid axle moving side to side, so the axle stays centered under the body while it moves up and down. You find track bars on solid front axles in heavy-duty trucks and Jeeps, and on the rear axle of many coil-sprung trucks, SUVs and muscle cars. Independent suspensions do not use one.

Because the bar swings in an arc, the axle shifts a little sideways as it moves up and down. At stock height that movement is small. When you lift or lower the vehicle, the bar sits at a steeper angle, so the axle ends up pulled off center and the sideways movement grows. That is why a lift or a drop often calls for an adjustable or longer track bar.

Do you need an adjustable track bar?

A track bar that is too short for the new ride height pulls the axle toward one side, and the vehicle can look like it is crabbing down the road. On a Jeep, Quadratec notes that a too-short front bar shifts the axle toward the driver side and a too-long bar toward the passenger side. As a rough guide from Jeep and truck builders:

  • Under about 2.5 inches of lift: the factory bar is generally fine.
  • Around 3 inches and up: plan on an adjustable or longer heavy-duty bar, or a relocation bracket.
  • Lowered cars and trucks with a panhard rear: an adjustable panhard rod re-centers the axle at the new height, which matters most on coilovers or air suspension where ride height changes.

Lift kit makers often list their own range. For example, the Carli adjustable track bars we list are titled for 0 to 3 inch lifts on Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks and 2.5 to 4.5 inch lift systems on the 2017 to 2023 Ford F-250 and F-350.

Track bar types compared

TypeUseBrands we listPrice on our store
OE-style replacement track barWorn bushings or joints at stock heightACDelco$107.99
Adjustable track bars for lifted trucksRe-center the front axle on lifted Ram, Ford Super Duty and Jeep trucksCarli, Whiteline, Zone Offroad, unbranded kits$208.99 to $649.38
Adjustable panhard rods for 4x4sLand Cruiser, Lexus LX and GX, Jeep and Land Rover axlesWhiteline$148.39 to $389
Panhard bars for carsMustang, Camaro and classic Chevy rear axlesBMR, Ford Performance, Hotchkis, QA1, Ridetech, Whiteline$144.99 to $577.50
Relocation and drop bracketsCorrect the bar angle without a new barBelltech, Skyjacker, Steer Smarts, unbranded$48.99 to $208.99

Track bars by vehicle

VehicleWhat we listPrice
Ram 2500 and 3500Carli adjustable track bars for 2003 to 2013 and 2014 and newer, 2003 to 2012 track bar kit$481.99 to $613.38
Ford F-250 and F-350Carli 2017 to 2023 adjustable bar, Whiteline 2005 to 2016 adjustable bar, Zone Offroad 1999 to 2004 adjustable bar, F-250 to F-550 kit$208.99 to $649.38
Ram 1500Whiteline 2009 to 2010 adjustable rear panhard rod, Belltech 2009 to 2013 2WD relocator kit$59 to $148.39
JeepAdjustable track bar for 2018 to 2025 Jeep models with 2 to 4.5 inch lifts, Whiteline adjustable panhard rods for the 1994 to 2001 Cherokee, 1996 to 1999 Grand Cherokee and JK front$157.32 to $301.99
Land Cruiser and Lexus LXWhiteline 2008 to 2021 rear panhard rod, LX450 and LX470 adjustable rods, GX460 rod$148.39 to $389
Ford MustangFord Performance 2005 to 2014 adjustable panhard bar, street panhard bar kit, rear track bar set$52.99 to $577.50
Camaro and FirebirdAdjustable panhard bar for 1984 to 2002 F-body cars$262.99

BMR, QA1 and Hotchkis panhard bars are titled by part number, so check the brand's fitment for your car. See all Carli, Whiteline and BMR Suspension parts.

Bad track bar symptoms

  • A clunk from the front or rear when you turn the wheel at a stop or go over bumps.
  • Wandering or a loose steering feel, and bump steer, where the wheel tugs left or right over bumps.
  • Death wobble on Jeeps and heavy-duty trucks. A worn or poorly fitted track bar is one of the most common causes.
  • The axle sitting visibly off center, or the tires rubbing on one side only.

To check, have a helper turn the steering wheel back and forth with the engine running while you watch both ends of the bar. Any visible movement at the bushings or joints means it is worn. Check the tie rods and drag link and ball joints at the same time, and consider a steering stabilizer on big tires.

Setting up an adjustable track bar

Install the bar with the vehicle on the ground at ride height, not hanging on a lift. Measure from a fixed point on each side of the frame to the inside of each tire, then lengthen or shorten the bar until both sides match. Tighten the bolts to the factory or kit torque at ride height. On solid front axle trucks, changing the track bar can move the steering wheel off center, so get an alignment after the job. Recheck the bolts after the first drive, since a loose track bar bolt is a common cause of clunks.

Panhard bar or Watts link?

A Watts link uses two shorter bars and a center pivot to locate the axle with almost no sideways movement. It is more precise, but heavier, more expensive and harder to fit. A panhard bar is simpler, lighter and cheaper, and for most street cars and trucks an adjustable panhard bar set to the right length is all you need.

Popular picks

Related guides

Planning a lift? Start with lift kits and leveling kits.

Sources

Track Bars and Panhard Rods FAQ

What does a track bar do?
A track bar, or panhard rod, runs from the axle to the frame and stops a solid axle moving side to side. It keeps the axle centered under the vehicle as the suspension moves up and down.
Do I need an adjustable track bar after a lift?
For lifts of about 3 inches and up, usually yes. A lift pulls the axle off center, and an adjustable or longer track bar puts it back, while factory bars are generally fine under about 2.5 inches.
What are the symptoms of a bad track bar?
A clunk when you turn the wheel or hit bumps, loose or wandering steering, bump steer and, on Jeeps and heavy-duty trucks, death wobble. Watch both ends of the bar while a helper turns the wheel to spot play.
Is a track bar the same as a panhard bar?
Yes. Track bar, panhard rod and panhard bar are names for the same part, a single lateral bar that locates a solid axle.
Can a bad track bar cause death wobble?
It is one of the most common causes. A worn joint, loose bolt or wrong-length track bar lets the axle shift, which can start the violent front-end shake known as death wobble.
Do I need an alignment after installing a track bar?
On a solid front axle truck, yes, because the track bar length affects steering wheel center. Adjust the bar at ride height first, then get an alignment.
How much does a track bar cost?
On our store, the ACDelco OE-style track bar costs $107.99, adjustable truck track bars run $208.99 to $649.38 and panhard bars for cars run $144.99 to $577.50.