Does anyone recommend an aftermarket front sway bar for my truck? Its easy to find parts like bushings for existing sway bars, but I am not seeing complete kits for my application. I want better cornering in around town driving, and more stability for my heavily loaded work truck, and I have no intention of off-roading. Thanks in advance, Mike

 

Belltech. Pricey, but good.

www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Suspension/Belltech-Anti-Sway-Bar?set-vehicle=1&autoselect=1

The front one is 25mm thick which is the same as the factory 1-ton Toyota anti-sway bar.

 

By the way GSP, do you know of the difference between regular front brakes and 1-ton front brakes? Are the disks and pads larger?

 

Great info. Thanks

 

I don't know about 1 ton brakes, but I do know that your 88 has better brakes than my 85. Bigger calipers and vented rotors. Have you gone completely through the brake system already? The bell-cranks for the rear drums are prone to seizing up. The rear brakes only account for a small fraction of stopping power, but it's still a big difference if they aren't working at all.

There's some info out there on upgrading to the 1" bore Landcruiser master cylinder. Worth looking into, imo.

 

Yes I have gone through the braking system, so the rears are already 1-ton. But I still wonder about the fronts, the standard offerings are identical to the 86 model year, which was my last truck. 86 was a big change-over year so I have always found myself lucky. I agree about the master cylinder, I just replaced mine and I did not think to upgrade, I put in the standard unit. so sometimes when I stop I feel the system run out of fluid as the wheels lock and I skid to a halt. I've flatspoted my tires so many times it feels like Fred Flintstone's car. i think fatter tires will help a little. Also new shocks and bars. Thanks man for the reply and the help.

 

Didn't even think about that, but yeah if any part of the suspension system gets too worn out it can negatively affect braking. Wider tires probably won't help that much because as tires get heavier brakes have to work harder, just something to think about.

If your old tires are worn out or never had a grippy compound, that might account for the burning rubber starts.

My last set of tires were old Kirkland signature a/t's that peeled out easily. Switched to new Hercules a/t's in a slightly smaller size and haven't been able to peel out again.

 

wow, you're talking about peeling out? Its my front wheels that are skidding when braking. I also have Hercules, by the way, on the front and they are some of the worst tires I have ever had. Yes I thought about bigger tires making the brakes work harder, but I think the circumference is more important than the weight because it is a matter of increased leverage against the brakes making the brakes work harder. I already have 900 lbs cargo so I figure extra tire weight is no big deal in relative terms. But I think bigger footprint will more than make up for the extra weight and circumference. I am having Cooper Cobras shipped in from Ohio because I dont like the look of Hankook Optimo. I'll let you know how the Coopers work out.

 

I used to live at the bottom of a steep hill, with the main road intersecting just before the crest. So I had to wait nose-up at the stop sign then floor it to get out on the busier main road. Progressively, I'd spin the tires for a few seconds and longer if it was raining. I'd actually start slipping back down before they grabbed. It's maybe the only time I've ever burned rubber, but it let me know those old shoes were shot!

I've heard some Hercs really were awful, but I can't say enough good things about their newer Terra Trac a/t2's. Soft-ish compound with deep treads that I've had on gravel, dirt, flooded streets, mud and snow. Made in Ohio by Cooper, also. Not trying to change your opinion, just that their top-tier tires are really good right now. The tires that came with my truck were nearly-new bfg at's, and they just weren't as good as these are in all the conditions I've had them in, especially heavy rain. I like Cooper Tire a lot so looking forward to seeing a photo of them mounted up and hearing what you think. Which are you getting?

 

Hi, been a long time. I am following up with you because you recommended belltech. Just got home from the alignment shop - turns out both sides bushings on my belltech front sway bar are torn after only 1 year in service. (My lawyers will be in touch with you lol) Have you had any similar experience?
--Mike