Removing Rear Sway Bar

[Mister_Seth92]

OK. I am replacing my original rear springs today with a set of FJ Cruiser coils with a topout spacer to level out my rig after installing the Rancho 9000XL quick lift. I was wondering if anyone has removed their rear sway bar? I am tired of the knocks I get whilst traveling over speed bumps/offroad and I am about ready to remove it instead of rebuilding my end links/ replace the bushings.

When I built my Jeep XJ (before my 3rd gen buddy led me to the light and saved me), I removed the rear sway bar when I went up 4.5" and there didn't seem to be any issues regarding drive-ability.

With our 4-link setup, I don't think it would drive much different, especially with the stiffer springs- anyone care to negate that reasoning?

Looking to do this today before I quit my job tomorrow and lose access to the lifts Then the journey with a loaded down Runner to Colorado begins MUAHAHA.


Any insight or advice is greatly appreciate, as always, and I look forward to hearing what y'all have to say!!!



Peace,

-Seth

 

[Luc r]

Our rear sway bars are tiny. I had bigger sways on my STi. I don't think you'll notice any difference especially with the stiffer springs

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

Mine is removed and has been for awhile and i just have my extended sway bar links dangling. No more funky sounds and you dont even notice it since its such a weenie sway bar anyways. You do notice in a good way though when out wheeling and no sounds when hitting dips and what not. Do it you will be happy.

The only other option is an Addco sway bar and its beefier than the OEM but that is it.

 

[07V8]

Mine is removed and has been for awhile and i just have my extended sway bar links dangling. No more funky sounds and you dont even notice it since its such a weenie sway bar anyways. You do notice in a good way though when out wheeling and no sounds when hitting dips and what not. Do it you will be happy.

The only other option is an Addco sway bar and its beefier than the OEM but that is it.

Did removing it improve the ride? I'm trying to decide if my short rear swaybar links are causing the figure-8 sensation I get in the rear when hitting bumps.

 

[4gin007]

Im not sure fj springs are stiff enough. You might have severe body roll. Although the sway bar is small it still does a good job at controlling the body roll.

I don't have any sway bars on my truck but I have stiff springs 885/ 895. I haven't noticed an increase in body roll. Rides fine for me.

 

[Drunner97]

I already get so much body roll without the front sway bar I'm not sure if I'd take the rear one off and my springs are stiffer than FJ all the way around.

 

[t-man]

I had mine off with stock springs. Leaned pretty good. My advice, disconnect and drive it for a week. If you don't like it put it back on. If you're cool with it, lose it forever!

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

Did removing it improve the ride? I'm trying to decide if my short rear swaybar links are causing the figure-8 sensation I get in the rear when hitting bumps.

It rides great!! and I have the FJ SPRINGS installed and I don't feel any crazy body roll minimal at best and i drive fast even in turns, hasn't effected anything I still take the same turns at the same speed. My chick didn't even know I took the Sway Bar off and she drives it every single day..when I told her and asked if the rig feels different on freeway or when turning she said no. That right there should answer that question.
And yes it is what is causing that figure 8 feeling. But also make sure the bolts are tightened down good and also that the bushings are slightly bulged agaist the washer. nThis may help with that and you may just keep the sway bar on.

 

[07V8]

It rides great!! and I have the FJ SPRINGS installed and I don't feel any crazy body roll minimal at best and i drive fast even in turns, hasn't effected anything I still take the same turns at the same speed. My chick didn't even know I took the Sway Bar off and she drives it every single day..when I told her and asked if the rig feels different on freeway or when turning she said no. That right there should answer that question.
And yes it is what is causing that figure 8 feeling. But also make sure the bolts are tightened down good and also that the bushings are slightly bulged agaist the washer. nThis may help with that and you may just keep the sway bar on.

Thanks for the feedback! Can you disconnect the swaybar at the end links and test it out or will it flop around into things?

 

[t-man]

Thanks for the feedback! Can you disconnect the swaybar at the end links and test it out or will it flop around into things?

I had mine disconnected for a couple months. Not an issue. If you go offroad and flex it out it will hit your lower control arm. Didn't hurt anything but it will hit it.

 

[Mister_Seth92]

Guys, just wanted to say thanks for the input!!!

I will be leaving it OFF when I do the springs, we will see how she does. The figure 8 motion yall are talking about... like when you go over a speed bump slowly and makes the rear end of the truck gyrate? That gets old and people look because it sounds like crap is breaking off my rig lol. Looking forward to that being fixed.


Thanks again yall, keep the thread going! I enjoy reading the different outcomes and suggestions.


Peace,

-Seth

 

[Rocket61]

This may be a stupid question, but wouldn't you run the risk of a spring falling out if the sway-bar isn't there to limit travel to a degree?

 

[t-man]

This may be a stupid question, but wouldn't you run the risk of a spring falling out if the sway-bar isn't there to limit travel to a degree?

Nope, you literally have to push the rear down all the way on one side with a ton of weight while someone pulls the spring out. Especially if you step up to aftermarket springs.

 

[Rocket61]

Nope, you literally have to push the rear down all the way on one side with a ton of weight while someone pulls the spring out. Especially if you step up to aftermarket springs.

Ah this is news to me. I've had my front sway-bar off for about a year now and this has been my main concern with taking the rear one off. I think my 885/895's will manage the body roll. How about the for the rear shocks, would you risk bottoming them out at full droop without a sway bar?

 

[t-man]

Ah this is news to me. I've had my front sway-bar off for about a year now and this has been my main concern with taking the rear one off. I think my 885/895's will manage the body roll. How about the for the rear shocks, would you risk bottoming them out at full droop without a sway bar?

Sway bar doesn't limit anything. I hit my bump stops all the time, no issues. Your OME will handle the lean very well. I've been waiting to replace my springs to take the rear one off again. Was a little to much lean with 5.5" of lift, 35's, and stock coils. As soon as I replace the front springs, I have FJ ones on the rear now, I'll pull mine completely.

 

[Mister_Seth92]

After removal, install of FJ Cruiser coils, I couldnt be happier! Drove home to Texas this week and the roads were PERFECT. Rode great, on/off ramps were no issue at 60-70mph with gear in the back (about 70lbs worth).