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?

 

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".

 

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.

 

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

 

I've had mine disconnected on my 91 for about 5 years. I was never able to tell any difference.

 

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.

 

I have a link broken since something like 1 year ago... It's half/half between connected and disconnected hehehe

David

 

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.

 

me too (well, not a year - prob a month or so)

 

Doesn't removing the sway bar create nasty CV angles?

 

no. it just reduces body roll in taking corners.

 

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