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Sway Bar Linkage/bushings uneven

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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 07:30 AM
  #1  
Yellowtruck's Avatar
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From: Poulsbo, Washington
Sway Bar Linkage/bushings uneven

I was wondering if anyone else, with a lift, have sway bar linkages that are not aligned perfectly straight up and down?
I just now got around to replacing my worn out bushings and bolts. I went with poly bushings this time. The eye holes on each end of my sway bar do not sit even on the bushings. They didn't on the old set either. I'm afraid that if I install them, they'll create uneven wear on the bushings itself and may not give me the proper support my sway bar is intended to.
For now, I have kept it off until I get an answer or find another lifted yota to comparer to, besides a stock that is of course completely straight up/down.
It appears that the only way I could get my eyelets to sit evenly would be to raise each end of my sway bar up, which inturn would require a longer bolt and longer sleeve.
It's been so long, I can't remember how to upload pic's here.
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 07:36 AM
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Yes, a longer end links (or lowered sway bar brackets) are appropriate with a lift. helps restore the proper angles on the sway bar for optimal operation:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ayBarOperation

- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...enDiffDropKits
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 07:39 AM
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From: Poulsbo, Washington
I think I remembered how to upload pic's. Here goes:






Last edited by Yellowtruck; Jun 6, 2011 at 07:44 AM.
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 07:46 AM
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From: Poulsbo, Washington
Originally Posted by 4Crawler
Yes, a longer end links (or lowered sway bar brackets) are appropriate with a lift. helps restore the proper angles on the sway bar for optimal operation:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ayBarOperation

- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...enDiffDropKits
I have drop spacers underneath. Now I'm wondering if the previous owner installed a pair that are too short. At this point, it seems easier to just order longer bolts and sleeves, right?
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 08:02 AM
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Could be, those bolts and sleeves don't appear to be OEM. Likely the PO may have purchased a generic end link kit that is not quite long enough.
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 10:11 AM
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From: Poulsbo, Washington
You're probably right. Since the 9 years of owning this truck, I'm still finding little quirks that the PO did to it.
I ordered the set a few weeks ago through Napa. I figured with the drop spacers I should have been fine with what the computer came up with. I guess I would need to measure it out and try to order a longer bolt and longer sleeve for each side.

I have a particular highway near my house that is paved yet very uneven ground. My truck handles like crap everytime. I left my sway bar off yesterday and drove this stretch of road to see how my truck would react. It actually handled better.
I would like to throw my sway bar back on, but at this point I'm not so sure.
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 10:17 AM
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Easy enough to measure, just set the sway bar ends roughly horizontal and measure the center-center length required and then work back to the sleeve and bolt length to accomplish that with the bushings you have.

Or leave the bar off. Usually on rough, uneven roads, having the suspension move more freely can help with handling. After all, that was the whole idea behind the IFS setup over the older solid front axle. Sway bars tend to work best on smooth roads.
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 10:24 AM
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Very true. I'll go ahead and get the measuring done and locate the parts. At least I can have them on hand and ready to install if I ever decide to put it back on.
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