Rear Sway Bar Angle

raKnizek

raKnizek

Member
I am lifted about 2.5-3" in the rear using OME890 coils and Icon 2.0 shocks. I am suspicious that my rear sway bar is limiting flex more than it should be. Currently I have 2nd gen rear links up front and 3rd gen front links in the rear and my sway bar is nearly parallel with the control arms at ride height. My front is parallel with the ground but I suspect the rear should be flatter as well.

Also, my sway bars creak like crazy even w all new components. Another sign they may be over stressed?

I am not willing to remove the rear bar. I know this will be the one of the first responses :)

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
the sway bar is supposed to run parallel to the frame. if your links are short they are more than likely limiting the flex.
 
If that is the case than they are most certainly short. I am curious about that though because others have mentioned success with this setup with a similar amount of lift.

Appreciate the input
 
I'm not suggesting longer end links wouldn't be better, but I don't think the stock end links limit my articulation.
3d5369693bda8ec4318e4fd49119064d.jpg

ccc859fb25b2cdf8ad7a83ed13f199fd.jpg

The jack was maxed out, so I wasn't able to lift a tire- or even get full droop outta the pass side.
I'm also using stock 5th gen shocks, so they'll limit my droop some.
Point is- the sway bar is most effective when it's flat, and the shorter the end link, the more extreme the angle it is going to be when it's lifted/flexed.
That being said, the RSB is so small, it's not gonna do much of anything to limit rear flex- regardless of end link length.
Don't guys use 2nd gen links on the rear of 3rd gens too?
 
I'm using the same extended swaybar config as the OP with my 3" lift, but even before when I was using the stock swaybar config with the lift, I don't think the travel was ever limited. What limits the travel is the point when the middle section of the swaybar starts making contact with the diff and that has never happened even on the sketchiest of trails. When I switched from the OEM swaybar config to the extended sways, I never noticed any ride quality changes either.
 
nobb said:
I'm using the same extended swaybar config as the OP with my 3" lift, but even before when I was using the stock swaybar config with the lift, I don't think the travel was ever limited. What limits the travel is the point when the middle section of the swaybar starts making contact with the diff and that has never happened even on the sketchiest of trails. When I switched from the OEM swaybar config to the extended sways, I never noticed any ride quality changes either.
Click to expand...

I have never noticed contact with the diff but I will investigate that.
 
Tyler James Inc said:
That being said, the RSB is so small, it's not gonna do much of anything to limit rear flex- regardless of end link length.
Click to expand...

This actually raises an interesting point. I had to return two different sets of rear sway bar bushings because the inside diameter was too small for my rear bar. Both were sold as direct fit for the vehicle. I ended up using universal Energy Suspension bushings to mount the bar. Without it being in front of me right now I think the rear sway is the same diameter as the front. Does that sound right?
 
raKnizek said:
This actually raises an interesting point. I had to return two different sets of rear sway bar bushings because the inside diameter was too small for my rear bar. Both were sold as direct fit for the vehicle. I ended up using universal Energy Suspension bushings to mount the bar. Without it being in front of me right now I think the rear sway is the same diameter as the front. Does that sound right?
Click to expand...

The front sway bar is 1.07" diameter and the rear is .77"

I can attest to the rear sway bar hitting the diff. I actually rubbed a hole in my elocker motor housing from the contact. This problem is caused by sway bar links being to short. I also ended up permanently bending/deformed 2 sway bars while I was using stock length links.
After I bought my last sway bar from the junk yard I ended up using ES universal away bar links. I haven't rubbed my diff since or bent anymore away bars.

Yes, you can over flex a sway bar to the point it does not return to its original shape.
 
I custom extended my front links and left the rear alone. It flexed pretty good that way and eventually ripped the bolts out of the axle mount on the rear so I just removed it. I know that's not the advice you wanted, but I've been happy with it removed, rides good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
2002 Suspension/Bushing Swap Feedback
Replies
4
Views
11K
talkstometal
T
M
King Shocks & Lift Advice: Springs, Sway Bar Links, and anything
Replies
0
Views
11K
MtnClimbr
M
4Brewz
FS: 5th Gen 4R BP-51 Fitment Kit ARB VM80010028 Indianapolis/Ebay
Replies
0
Views
3K
4Brewz
4Brewz
K
FS 3rd Gen 4R Limited 4x4 $12,500 Northern Alabama
Replies
0
Views
894
Kokomodo
K
J
Front sway bar bushing. Different sizes!??
Replies
1
Views
10K
CutthroatSlam
C

Members online

Total: 486 (members: 3, guests: 483)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,056
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top