Can you run the upcountry front sway bar on a stock suspension XJ? I was thinking this would be a cheap way to to improve handling if it would would work.
I don't think the up-country package came with a larger swaybar. You want to search the junkyards for a limited, or any other XJ you find, with a 28mm front bar. Did that myself this weekend and got one at the pull-n-save for $10. It'll be going into my XJ this coming weekend.
Anybody want a slightly used, 26mm front swaybar from an '01 XJ?
They don't need a rear swaybar because the rear springs are stiffer. I know the Limiteds came with the 28mm swaybar, but I'm not sure about the Up-Country package. I would suggest getting a cheap caliper (if you don't already have one), something like this...
I definitely have an oddball XJ but maybe that's because it's an export model. I have all the UpCountry goodies plus the 28mm front antisway bar AND a rear antisway bar. I installed poly bushings on both antisway bars and the difference they made to the handling was incredible. Since my Jeep also has poly bushings on both sets of front control arms, it corners like it's on rails. The only downside is that the ride is harder and I can feel more road imperfections through the suspension.
__________________________________
Dino's "Mean Green Machine" 1992 XJ Laredo 4-dr - 4.6L I6 HO Stroker - 184k miles - AX15, NP231, D35c, D30
For an accurate measurement, you have to do it at or very near the uniframe attachments. I completely took mine off to get an accurate measurement, as the number varied from one location to another (albeit by fractions of a mm.).