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Adjustable trac/panhard bar or PCK (panhard correction kit)

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by PorkRunner99, Sep 16, 2021.

  1. Sep 16, 2021 at 10:45 AM
    #1
    PorkRunner99

    PorkRunner99 [OP] CQ DX !

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    First Name:
    Angie
    So Cal - Inland Empire and SGV
    Vehicle:
    99 4Runner SR5 2WD / 250K mile
    Lifted 2” and new wheels and tires soon
    hello all. just curious as to what you guys think is the better option?

    sonoran steel - adjustable trac/panhard bar

    or

    EimKieth PCK bracket that needs to be welded on

    Im ready to perform this upgrade but dont know which route to go.
    I've read mixed reviews on both setups and wanted another opinion.

    Thanks!!!
     
  2. Sep 16, 2021 at 11:22 AM
    #2
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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    Is getting both an option? If I recall EimKeiths correction bracket raises the axle side mount of the panhard to correct for less desirable suspension geometry when we lift. But, having not installed one myself, someone else might have to chime in on whether it moves the panhard side to side. I suppose where you literally weld it would of course change the axle placement, but so does an adjustable panhard.

    As an aside, having swapped my panhard for an adjustable (Dobinsons, highly recommend), the new one compared to the old is WAAYYYYY beefier. More confidence inspiring for wheeling for sure :cheers:
     
    PorkRunner99[OP] likes this.
  3. Sep 16, 2021 at 4:45 PM
    #3
    PorkRunner99

    PorkRunner99 [OP] CQ DX !

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    First Name:
    Angie
    So Cal - Inland Empire and SGV
    Vehicle:
    99 4Runner SR5 2WD / 250K mile
    Lifted 2” and new wheels and tires soon
    thanks for reply. Did you do both the adjustable trac bar and the correction bracket kit? Looks like Sonoran steel is the only 3rd gen adjustable trac bar I could find. Everyone else is either out of stock or just don’t sell the product anymore.
     
    iamincrediboy[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Sep 16, 2021 at 9:30 PM
    #4
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    If you're lifting your vehicle, get the relocation kit.

    You need your panhard bar as parallel to the ground as possible.

    Keep in mind, even though the kit doesn't even recommend the need, I'd still get an adjustable one as well. Reason being, the bar can be set to the correct length needed to re-center your axle.

    If you do like I did and went with the adjustable panhard bar first (only because I don't weld yet), you'll want to keep the rear sway bar on otherwise you'll get some rear pull to the side as your suspension articulates.

    If you don't off road, don't bother with anything -

    20210209_114927.jpg

    20210428_135950.jpg

    There are, by the way....tons and tons of threads on this very subject.
     
  5. Sep 19, 2021 at 2:57 PM
    #5
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    OP disappeared :laughing:
     
    PorkRunner99[OP] likes this.
  6. Oct 5, 2021 at 10:57 AM
    #6
    PorkRunner99

    PorkRunner99 [OP] CQ DX !

    Joined:
    May 24, 2021
    Member:
    #21640
    Messages:
    36
    First Name:
    Angie
    So Cal - Inland Empire and SGV
    Vehicle:
    99 4Runner SR5 2WD / 250K mile
    Lifted 2” and new wheels and tires soon
    Hello all!

    I have not disappeared hahah
    .

    Took about 3 weeks for Sonoran Steel to send me an adjustable trac/panhard bar for the 3rd gen. Spoke to the owner and he's chill and gave me alot of tips for the install.

    I'm yet to do the install. I'll provide some updates once its in.

    I decided to go with the adjustable bar. I went with just the bar for now and not the correction kit. I don't offroad much and when I do its mainly on fire roads or dessert dirt usually at only around 5-15mph.

    Thanks again all for the help!

    Angelo
     
    Kwikvette likes this.
  7. Oct 5, 2021 at 2:19 PM
    #7
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    Sonoran Steel is good stuff.

    If all you do is fire roads, you wouldn't have needed the panhard bar even. Just a quality set of all-terrains, and a means of airing down and back up.

    Nothing wrong with a little upgrade though regardless.
     
  8. Sep 22, 2022 at 4:01 PM
    #8
    eimkeith

    eimkeith New Member

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    Hey, just now saw this! I’m in a webinar now, but I’d like to revisit this conversation to provide some clarity when I’m free

    (-sorry I didn’t see this before now!)
     
  9. Sep 22, 2022 at 5:05 PM
    #9
    eimkeith

    eimkeith New Member

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    If you've lifted the rear more than 2.0" on this platform (measured at the panhard bar ends at YOUR typical load level) then you'd benefit from panhard correction; even MORE on-road than off (although you'll have better fuel tank to driveshaft clearance at full articulation with the kit than without.) This will return the factory handling (which is a safety issue on-road) as it raises the rear roll center and takes away the top-heavy, tippy feeling that lifts have.

    Raising the roll center in the rear helps offroad as well - since you can side-hill more without losing confidence. (no one ever gets into that situation, right?) ;)

    As far as adjustable panhard bars go - their primary function is the cosmetic recentering of the axle - they make on-road handling worse, and they increase driveshaft to tank interference issues by themselves. However, once you've corrected the panhard angle, IF you need millimeter precision to stuff the tires up into the fenderwells (which I'm all about), THEN, yes, they have their place. :)

    Does that clarify what the PCK does? (hope so) - if not, hit me up and we'll continue! :)
     
    Kwikvette[QUOTED] likes this.

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