Found out the hard way that my rear sway bar is hitting my right stock Rubi rear wheel when I approach full flex. I have the Black Diamond 3" lift and went for the adjustable rear track bar. It is centered so that at full extension it barely clears the left wheel, but at nearly full compression it contacts the right one.

When the JK is lifted, the sway bar is moved up and out of the stock wheel depression. Lift it enough and the bar could make contact with rubber. In my case it contacts about 1/4" of the wheel.

Options that crossed my mind:

1. Use the drop bracket that came with the lift (didn't use it since I went with the adjustable). This would reduce the arc and presumably limit the axle movement. Clearance would still be tight.

2. Use wheel spacers to move the wheel out of the way. This is the easy fix, but what are the drawbacks? 1.25" would probably be the max I would want to go, studs permitting.

3. Spring for new wheels with more backspace. Big $$ item that's not in the budget (for now).

I've seen a few threads about this, but I'm curious if others are seeing the same problem and have a solution I haven't thought of. By the way, the front doesn't seem to have any issues.

Thanks!

 

If your passenger side tire is making contact with your sway bar link but not your driver side, that would suggest that your axle is not centered. In fact, it would suggest that your adjustable track bar is set too long and a drop bracket would only make the problem worse. I would try shortening up the track bar by a turn or two. However, if you are 100% sure that your axle is centered, try pulling on the sway bar itself towards the driver side. Could be that it just shifted over a bit in its bushings. And, if all else fails, I would recommend getting a set of Spidertrax 1-3/8" wheel spacers as that'll fix your problem for sure

 

Thanks - your response pretty much is in line with where my head is at. At full extension, I can get a piece of paper between the driver's rear wheel and the sway bar - probably less than 1/2 turn on the adjustable bar. Since it's making contact on the passenger's side during compression with still an inch or so to the bump stop, I don't think there is any room left for adjustment. Looks like wheel spacers for now.

Can't help but think this must impact nearly everyone with a lift that uses stock wheels (or stock backspacing)?? The sway bar link is only about 2" longer than stock.

I've read where some have removed the rear sway bar altogether, but that doesn't seem like a good idea for highway driving.

 

After my Black Diamond 3" lift installation on my 2007 JK Rubicon, I too had the rear BD supplied sway bar links contact the wheel after jacking the frame up to check clearances. My temporary fix was to reverse the links so that the threaded portion was facing the wheel. A recheck showed no contact at full extension.
Down the road I will install 35" tires with less backspacing on the new wheel. That should provide adequate clearance. I will then reverse the links.

 

That's a great idea! I poked my head under the Jeep and it looks like the links can be reversed on both sides freeing up a ton of room. There may be minor clearance issues with the track bar mounting - did you experience any interference? Why are you considering putting them back after you get the tires? Can't imagine there are any drivability or safety issues.

Thanks for the idea!