Sway bars or no sway bars

[nwcherokee]

I just finished my install of a Rusty's 4.5" lift & 33's. I didn't like how low the front sway bar was going to hang when using the drop brackets for the front bar & the rear I just simply couldn't re-install after the AAL's. The Jeep is NOT my DD. Anybody see any reason that I should need to install either or both bars? I figured they would just interfere & impede suspension travel with them in place, plus it was easier to ditch them. Opinions?

 

[anthrax323]

If it'll be driven on the street *at all*, you really, really should keep the front. You simply cannot predict when evasive action or quick side-to-side steering will be necessary and absolutely should not risk loss of control of the vehicle.

The rear is your call. Many XJs came from the factory with no rear sway bar, and many owners remove them anyway (they're roughly 1/2" in diameter and contribute a negligible amount to vehicle stability).

 

[trippled]

i dont remember the last time i had my front swaybar on. it is my dd (i will catch crap for this) but with the stiffer springs/shocks, the body roll is still not that bad. i have had to make evasive manuevers on more than one occasion, and its never given me any reason to think i should put it back on.

 

[great-white]

i took out my rear swaybar when i first put my lift in, same time, i instlled quick discos
an after gettin pissed about how much of a pain they where to put back on, i unbolted my front sway bar, an have been running no sway front or rear for over a year now.


an this is on my dd

 

[$700later]

some folks say you'll be unsafe with no front sway bar, but with the lift and big tires, your XJ won't be very evasive either way. i have the same amount of lift with 35s. i've just trained myself to not do anything quick with the steering wheel. when someone pulls out in front of me i just stand on the brakes.

also NOT my DD.

 

[crazyjim]

sway bars are over rated. Get good shocks!

 

[1990JEEPXJ]

i also do not run sway bars front or rear.

 

[98stocker]

I have been running no sway bars since my lift. I will probably put them back on since I hate body roll, but I don't think its much of a safety issue. Drive a little slower.

 

[rweaver138]

Been running no sway bars front or rear for about a year now. First on 33's now on 35's and this is on my DD. Don't drive like a retard and you'll be fine :thumbup:

 

[dutycalls87]

I took my rear swaybar out right after getting the jeep! after putting on my 4.5 rc x-series lift I had to wait for my quick discos to get to my place so I ran with out the front swaybar and it was not bad at all I almost did't put it back on!

 

[FiveNdime]

If its on the street at all put sway bars on it. If its not then take it off, thats how I look at it. More of a safety issue without it on the street, especially if you have to make an evasive maneuver rather quickly you could easily loose control. There really not that bad to disconnect and re-connect, or at least in my opinion there not.

 

[G.P_XJ]

Just take them both out, i drive my jeep daily and haven't ran sway bars since i bought it. Im sitting right around 5.5 inches of lift and 35's no problems so far.

 

[ktm racer 419]

theres swaybar safety advocates that will likely pop up in this thread.

but regardless. i havent run a swaybar on my past 3 built jeeps and about 100k miles and 2 40 mph accidents (not at fault)

decent shocks and stiffer springs make a world of difference. my jeep with no sways on 35's to 37's and 3-5" of lift and wider axles (lift and tires varied over the years) is much more stable than a stock xj without swaybars.

in my opinion it boils down to personal preference.

 

[muddeprived]

My jeep feels stable without them but I run a sway bar up front because it's safe and I can't pass inspection without one (there's a reason they don't pass you if you don't have a sway bar ).


But for a trail rig, take em off. No need for em.

 

[DoctorPhate]

No sway bars.

Also keep in mind if someone jumps infront of you you ARE NOT supposed to swerve. You're supposed to brake and stay in your lane. Swerving is what causes 10 car pile ups.

 

[xcm]

dont be a pussy, you dont NEED a front sway bar, it's just a band aid to a too-soft front suspension.

been driving without one for over 2 years, and i live in los angeles, home of bad drivers.

 

[tbburg]

I'd say take leave bars off and try it, but don't throw the front away yet. You'll find there are off-camber situations where the rig is going to feel really unstable. You may find that you want to put it back on.

Also, you don't have to use a sway bar drop bracket. You can make longer links.

 

[itbrokeagain]

I say no swaybar. I removed mine when I did my lift and it drives fine. Not a DD but I drive it often.

 

[outkast7222]

x-whatever.....No sway bar here either. My rig is also not my daily driver but still gets driven quite a bit on the street on weekends and what not. Even at higher speeds and quick lane changes it feels nice and firm and not a lot of body roll.

I really think it comes down to personal preference more than anything.

 

[Kiefer316]

Had a swaybar on my red 96... Never had it connected. My current 96 has the swaybar mounts cut off the axle side. And there is no swaybar on it... I DD it. Body roll is fun!