Sway bar trouble
12-16-2019, 08:16 PM
#2
JK Jedi Master
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
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Generally, it goes something like this:
Add a lift -> NEGLECT to add longer links -> flex it a bit -> swaybar flips around.
There are plenty of reports from folks who installed a lift but left short links up front, and did this while offroad. But their pics tend to show a lot more damage with the links turned into pretzels. You probably got lucky that it happened in a parking lot. (was it a speedbump a little too fast or something?)
Other than needing longer links, you may have also noticed that both axles are off-center after the lift, and the steering is a bit more flighty. These kinda things are fairly typical with cheap and incomplete lifts. But it is what it is. There are a couple posts stuck right to the top of this Modified section that talk about components and stuff, worth reading if you have some time.
For a fix, you could - lift the front and pop the links/swaybar back up into position - but it'll just happen again. Or, just unbolt the links and remove them. (you'll get a bit more sway/roll, but not a big deal if you know to expect it.) Then drive to 4wheelparts or where ever, buy new longer 'rear' links, and move the stock rear links up front (since the stock rears are long enough for a front lifted 2.5". Saves you buying 2 sets....) Or replace the front links with disco's, if you want.
Add a lift -> NEGLECT to add longer links -> flex it a bit -> swaybar flips around.
There are plenty of reports from folks who installed a lift but left short links up front, and did this while offroad. But their pics tend to show a lot more damage with the links turned into pretzels. You probably got lucky that it happened in a parking lot. (was it a speedbump a little too fast or something?)
Other than needing longer links, you may have also noticed that both axles are off-center after the lift, and the steering is a bit more flighty. These kinda things are fairly typical with cheap and incomplete lifts. But it is what it is. There are a couple posts stuck right to the top of this Modified section that talk about components and stuff, worth reading if you have some time.
For a fix, you could - lift the front and pop the links/swaybar back up into position - but it'll just happen again. Or, just unbolt the links and remove them. (you'll get a bit more sway/roll, but not a big deal if you know to expect it.) Then drive to 4wheelparts or where ever, buy new longer 'rear' links, and move the stock rear links up front (since the stock rears are long enough for a front lifted 2.5". Saves you buying 2 sets....) Or replace the front links with disco's, if you want.
Last edited by nthinuf; 12-17-2019 at 12:05 AM.