Sway bar link - broken - impressions...

uberhahn · 08-03-2006, 04:54 AM

Last night, leaving work, I drove out of the driveway. I was turning, driving roughly 20mph when I heard something snap.

Stopped, looked, and saw the driver's side sway bar link broken in half.
I will post some pics, as there seems to be a lot of cristalization within the fracture.

Driving impressions...using kayaking terms, the initial stability is considerably worse. It takes very little cornering force to load up a side. Secondary stability is still ok, given my springs are relatively stiff.

uberhahn

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BADLNDS · 08-03-2006, 05:23 AM

if it's the rear one you broke...don't worry about it. Mine broke wheelin'....drove with it broken for a bit...wasn't that bad. but its a dealer only part ($165 CDN)...that sucked

-B

lee · 08-03-2006, 05:48 AM

i disconnected mine for paragon and will be removing them completely now.

you dont need em, just be aware of your swaying in turns. you shouldnt be taking quick turns in these trucks anyway, esp if youre lifted!

uberhahn · 08-03-2006, 06:28 AM

Yah. The front driver's one broke. I don't drive it like a racecar. Just normal truck driving. My wife doesn't like the unstable feeling when she's in the vehicle, so I'll end up replacing the front pair, along with the bushings.

uber

ebelen1 · 08-03-2006, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberhahn

Yah. The front driver's one broke. I don't drive it like a racecar. Just normal truck driving. My wife doesn't like the unstable feeling when she's in the vehicle, so I'll end up replacing the front pair, along with the bushings.

uber

Just a thought but why not go w/ longer, stronger end links. My rears look pretty weak so I ordered up some from Wabfab and he put together some pretty tough looking endlinks w/ bushings for $100 shipped. I haven't had the chance to install them yet but if my fronts go, I'm pretty sure I'd go w/ Wabfab again.

Godzilla · 08-05-2006, 01:30 PM

Just as a note, you can get these aftermarket and do have the pivot joint like oem. I broke my front driverside and got it aftermarket from a local parts store..total cost was like 40 bucks CDN and it fit perfectly and is stainless.

KyleT · 08-05-2006, 02:39 PM

i owuld definately plan on replacing the front one, that can be dangerous.

cackalak han · 09-08-2006, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godzilla

Just as a note, you can get these aftermarket and do have the pivot joint like oem. I broke my front driverside and got it aftermarket from a local parts store..total cost was like 40 bucks CDN and it fit perfectly and is stainless.

Which store was this? I tried to call a few different parts stores, and they either didn't know what I was talking about or didn't have it available...

**Edit: Called NAPA and they said that they had some for a Tacoma. Hopefully, it's the same thing. They are $19 for the pair and come with bushings.

MTL_4runner · 09-08-2006, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleT

i owuld definately plan on replacing the front one, that can be dangerous.

Ditto, rears you can get away without, but no fronts can give you very dangerous body roll turning at highway speeds. If you do alot of offroading then you probably broke them while articulating so you might get a set of quick disconnects like Wabfab (Brian) makes (fronts and rears)

**waskillywabbit** · 09-08-2006, 06:36 PM

BeachRNR · 09-08-2006, 06:58 PM

Mine also just broke except it's the passenger side. Ordered mine from Evan at Northridge Toyota and payed something around $60.

aowRS · 09-08-2006, 08:12 PM

I will have both of my original fronts available later this week if you still need one.

Andreas

SC4Runner · 09-08-2006, 09:45 PM

I broke the front twice now (2nd time happend last week) and the rears are long gone. Im just going to go w/o swaybars. Just hopefully wont need to do a high-speed turn. :/

Godzilla · 09-08-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p nut

Which store was this? I tried to call a few different parts stores, and they either didn't know what I was talking about or didn't have it available...

**Edit: Called NAPA and they said that they had some for a Tacoma. Hopefully, it's the same thing. They are $19 for the pair and come with bushings.

It is a parts store in my town called Import Auto Parts...Always double check with napa as they may be the straight links with no ball joint type thing

Albuquerque Jim · 09-08-2006, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC4Runner

I broke the front twice now (2nd time happend last week) and the rears are long gone. Im just going to go w/o swaybars. Just hopefully wont need to do a high-speed turn. :/

Serious???

IMO, you are too tall for that.

I ran the LC coils with no rear sway bar and I could pull a front tire in the air a foot when making a sharp turn...

It scared the crap out of my a couple of times so I put it back on. I don't think it makes a difference wheelin' anyway.

drguitarum2005 · 09-08-2006, 11:10 PM

im lifted 6-7 inches total and have had my sway bars disconnected since i got the truck. i dont know how it feels without the lean as the lean feels normal to me. i take turns as fast as i did in my stock 4runner and im just fine. in my opinion, it is not needed. i dont know how many of you take sharp turns at highway speeds but i dont think any SUV/truck can handle that...

**waskillywabbit** · 09-09-2006, 05:48 AM

Sway Bar End Links and Quick Disconnects

Wazioc · 09-09-2006, 06:22 AM

LOL, when I rand mine into the ditch a little while ago, I bent my front passenger swaybar link pretty bad. And come to find out just last night that its broken in two now.

Albuquerque Jim · 09-09-2006, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drguitarum2005

im lifted 6-7 inches total and have had my sway bars disconnected since i got the truck. i dont know how it feels without the lean as the lean feels normal to me. i take turns as fast as i did in my stock 4runner and im just fine. in my opinion, it is not needed. i dont know how many of you take sharp turns at highway speeds but i dont think any SUV/truck can handle that...

It seems like you are comparing a lifted Taco and a lifted 4Runner COG...totally different truck in that context.

cackalak han · 09-09-2006, 09:55 AM

Ok, can someone give me some tips on how to remove the stock link? Since they've got a ball joint, I can't unscrew the nut off--it just keeps spinning. I pulled this picture off of Google search:

It's not the nut on top, but where the link attaches at the bottom. I can't get that off.

Suggestions?

**waskillywabbit** · 09-09-2006, 10:22 AM

Clamp the spinning part with some vice grips and soak the nut in PB Blaster.

Godzilla · 09-09-2006, 10:51 AM

on the side that the boot is on there is a metal piece that appears to be round when in fact there are two opposite flat spots which accomodates a wrench(OPtion1). also on the the bolt (now ont he side the nut is on) you will notice an indentation. this accomodates an allan key(option 2). Using either one of these while turning the nut will work. using the wrench area on the side the boot is on is the easiest

KyleT · 09-09-2006, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albuquerque Jim

Serious???

IMO, you are too tall for that.

I ran the LC coils with no rear sway bar and I could pull a front tire in the air a foot when making a sharp turn...

It scared the crap out of my a couple of times so I put it back on. I don't think it makes a difference wheelin' anyway.

hehe ive done that a few times now too. kinda makes for a good pucker factor. plus the looks of the people around is funny.

cackalak han · 09-10-2006, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godzilla

on the side that the boot is on there is a metal piece that appears to be round when in fact there are two opposite flat spots which accomodates a wrench(OPtion1). also on the the bolt (now ont he side the nut is on) you will notice an indentation. this accomodates an allan key(option 2). Using either one of these while turning the nut will work. using the wrench area on the side the boot is on is the easiest

THANKS!!!

For some reason, I could not find my wrench set, so I had to go with the allen wrench route. Just for future reference, the allen key is 6mm and I believe the wrench is 22mm.

Oh, and NAPA did NOT have the correct ones. I'll have to order wabfab's. But since I don't do much off roading, I really don't need quick disconnects. Is there a cheaper option? Dealership wanted $160, and I've called all of the parts stores and they either don't know what I'm talking about or don't have them...

**waskillywabbit** · 09-10-2006, 09:56 AM

I can make them disconnects or just regular end links...either way.

08-03-2006, 06:28 AM	#4 (permalink)
uberhahn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 142	Yah. The front driver's one broke. I don't drive it like a racecar. Just normal truck driving. My wife doesn't like the unstable feeling when she's in the vehicle, so I'll end up replacing the front pair, along with the bushings. uber __________________ Gettin' out, for now...

08-05-2006, 02:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
KyleT Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 1,087	i owuld definately plan on replacing the front one, that can be dangerous. __________________ - Kyle Former Owner of - 1996 Sunfire Red Metallic 4Runner Limited updated 10/31/06 OEM/TRD Lift Kit #1 from Sonoran Steel with 1 Top-out spacer - Lexus GX470 rims - 295/70r17 Nitto Terra Grapplers Yukon 4.88's, E-Locked Rear, Waiting to blow up front diff #2

09-08-2006, 06:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,472	__________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it.

09-08-2006, 08:12 PM	#12 (permalink)
aowRS Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 902	I will have both of my original fronts available later this week if you still need one. Andreas __________________ 2001 SR5 4Runner 4WD, Dorado Gold, 181,XXX miles 2007 Volvo XC 90 AWD V6, Silver 1995 Porsche 993, Polar Silver

09-08-2006, 09:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,869	I broke the front twice now (2nd time happend last week) and the rears are long gone. Im just going to go w/o swaybars. Just hopefully wont need to do a high-speed turn. :/ __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's - 6" of lift, MTR's, E-locked, ARB Tacoma Bumper, Sliders and a cut off tail pipe. 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

08-03-2006, 05:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
BADLNDS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 199	if it's the rear one you broke...don't worry about it. Mine broke wheelin'....drove with it broken for a bit...wasn't that bad. but its a dealer only part ($165 CDN)...that sucked -B

08-03-2006, 05:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
lee Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: boston, ma Posts: 6,756	i disconnected mine for paragon and will be removing them completely now. you dont need em, just be aware of your swaying in turns. you shouldnt be taking quick turns in these trucks anyway, esp if youre lifted!

08-05-2006, 01:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
Godzilla Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 2,147	Just as a note, you can get these aftermarket and do have the pivot joint like oem. I broke my front driverside and got it aftermarket from a local parts store..total cost was like 40 bucks CDN and it fit perfectly and is stainless.

09-08-2006, 06:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
BeachRNR Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NY Posts: 158	Mine also just broke except it's the passenger side. Ordered mine from Evan at Northridge Toyota and payed something around $60.

09-08-2006, 11:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
drguitarum2005 Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Houston (home), Atlanta (school), Cincinnati (work) Posts: 2,235	im lifted 6-7 inches total and have had my sway bars disconnected since i got the truck. i dont know how it feels without the lean as the lean feels normal to me. i take turns as fast as i did in my stock 4runner and im just fine. in my opinion, it is not needed. i dont know how many of you take sharp turns at highway speeds but i dont think any SUV/truck can handle that... __________________ -David 2000 Taco TRD Access Cab v6 \| 5spd \| 33" BFG A/Ts \| 33" PC Mud Terrains \| OME 882's \| Bilstein HD struts front \| Rancho shocks rear \| Chevy 63" leaf spring swap \| Custom sliders \| Custom front bumper \|3" BL \| U-Bolt flip \| Flowmaster exhaust \| Kenwood Speakers \| Grey Wire Mod \| Aux. Reverse Lights \| Deckplate Mod \| Lots of lights Pictures

09-09-2006, 05:48 AM	#17 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,472	Sway Bar End Links and Quick Disconnects __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it.

09-09-2006, 06:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
Wazioc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: 30 miles from anywhere, WV Posts: 187	LOL, when I rand mine into the ditch a little while ago, I bent my front passenger swaybar link pretty bad. And come to find out just last night that its broken in two now. __________________ '97 5-spd 4Runner Deck plate, Diff breather, ISR mod, OME 891/N86 rear, Tundra/Tokico blue front

09-09-2006, 09:55 AM	#20 (permalink)
cackalak han Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 1,767	Ok, can someone give me some tips on how to remove the stock link? Since they've got a ball joint, I can't unscrew the nut off--it just keeps spinning. I pulled this picture off of Google search: It's not the nut on top, but where the link attaches at the bottom. I can't get that off. Suggestions? __________________ 01 Tacoma DC TRD OR 4x4

09-09-2006, 10:22 AM	#21 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,472	Clamp the spinning part with some vice grips and soak the nut in PB Blaster. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it.

09-09-2006, 10:51 AM	#22 (permalink)
Godzilla Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 2,147	on the side that the boot is on there is a metal piece that appears to be round when in fact there are two opposite flat spots which accomodates a wrench(OPtion1). also on the the bolt (now ont he side the nut is on) you will notice an indentation. this accomodates an allan key(option 2). Using either one of these while turning the nut will work. using the wrench area on the side the boot is on is the easiest Last edited by Godzilla; 09-09-2006 at 10:56 AM.

09-10-2006, 09:56 AM	#25 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,472	I can make them disconnects or just regular end links...either way. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it.

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