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to sway or not to sway?

474 views 6 replies 2 participants last post by  **DONOTDELETE** 
#1 ·
I have a '90 bronco and the handling sucks. I have new shocks on all four corners. Going to put a mild 3" lift on in the summer. but want to know if I take my sway bars off now will my handling get worse? I have stock suspension now w/ 31-10.50-15.

Backyard Builder
 
G
#2 ·
yeah, absolutely. That's the reason that you want to take them off when you are off roading. It allows for more chassis flex, thus more suspension travel. Taking them off would prob take .05g's off the skid pad and lead for lots of body roll.

 
G
#3 ·
I've talked to several people who have already taken theirs completely off and claimed no real change in handling was noticed. I too am looking for what if any, are the real affects of getting rid of the swaybar?


 
#4 ·
A buddy of mine has an F-150 with no bars, and it handles like sh!# when there's a load in it (like a Bronco has all the time-campershell). My truck originally had only a front bar and when I put the rear one in, I noticed a HUGE difference. I would definitely reccommend leaving them in and looking for other problems.

I used to run 4 $20 1 1/2" shocks, but now I have 6 $35 2" shocks and they made an even bigger difference. If you have small shocks, try the larger ones. I got these lifetime "Bruiser" shocks at CarQuest.

Steve
83 Custom w/95 4.9L EFI, 78 NP435, 83 NP208, 83 D44IFS 3.07, 87 Ford 8.8ABS 3.08, Michelin LTX AT 31x10.50R15
 
G
#6 ·
For sure, sway bars are called that for a reason. I don't know much about truck's sway bars, but if they''re anything like a cars, the bigger and beefier the better! Lots of drag racers take theirs off their cars to get a bit better traction and reduce weight. But they're only going in a straight line. But Broncos are tall so I wouldn't advise any sharp corners regardless. :)


 
G
#7 ·
If you do any kind of wheeling, the only way to get decent articulation is with the bars off. I have both off on my 4" lifted truck, but use a stiffer front coil and high performance shocks (plus quads up front).

I put them back on whenever I'm towing or carrying a load.

I saw your other post about sloppy steering, and suggest you tackle that first. Worn bushings, ball joints or rod ends would be my first guess. Also, the adjustment screw on the steering box needs periodic tightening. Be careful on the last one, as overtightening can ruin the box.

 
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