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Does No front sway bar = Damage?

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Old 05-11-2006, 04:37 AM
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Does No front sway bar = Damage?

I just recently noticed that my drivers side front sway bar end link is broken. Should I fix this immediatly? Will it do any harm if I drive it like that for a while?
Old 05-11-2006, 05:28 AM
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You'll probably do more harm with the potential of something getting caught on the broken end. I've been driving wihtout a front sway bar (it's totally removed) for about a month and don't plan on putting it back in.

It's a little loose up front, but nothing "bad".
Old 05-11-2006, 06:10 AM
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The bar you are referring to is actually an "ANTI-sway" bar, used to prevent excessive "lean" in cornering and it also tames the tendency to understeer. It will also help control induced oscillation (when you whip the steering one way they quickly back the other and the rear end gets "happy"). Many off roaders remove the bar entirely because it enables the suspension to keep both wheels on the ground in extreme flexing off road manuevers. Your choice, really. I'd retain it if you do an lot of highway travel, get rid of it if you run low mph & are off road.
Old 05-11-2006, 06:17 AM
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Got it. I was just worried about overstressing any front end equipment (i.e. ball joints, cv, etc) without the added support of the swaybar. Thanks
Old 05-11-2006, 06:18 AM
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I've had mine disconnected on my 91 for about 5 years. I was never able to tell any difference.
Old 05-11-2006, 07:32 AM
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It is a cheap fix, and easily done. I would repair it if you drive mostly on the road. Then you will know how to disconnect it for offroad. If you leave it as-is, it could get worse and stop flopping around.
Old 05-11-2006, 07:52 AM
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I have a link broken since something like 1 year ago... It's half/half between connected and disconnected hehehe

David
Old 05-11-2006, 09:40 AM
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I replaced the rubber grommets on mine, but while I was doing that, I had to run back to the store with no anti-sway bar. I didnt notice a difference, but when I put the new bolts, and rubber grommets (polyester style) I noticed a difference. Much less lean on and off highway ramps than before changing out the rubber cylinders.
Old 05-11-2006, 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Blizzard
I have a link broken since something like 1 year ago... It's half/half between connected and disconnected hehehe

David
me too (well, not a year - prob a month or so)
Old 05-11-2006, 07:19 PM
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Doesn't removing the sway bar create nasty CV angles?
Old 05-11-2006, 07:49 PM
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no. it just reduces body roll in taking corners.
Old 05-11-2006, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by TNRabbit
It will also help control induced oscillation (when you whip the steering one way they quickly back the other and the rear end gets "happy").

i like the sound of that!!! i might disconnect mine...haha...jk
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