ZJ sway bar upgrade question

[big66440]

I read the topic on upgrading to a ZJ sway bar but wanted to know if you guys can give some pointers on specific years,models,etc,obviously I'm going to measure them to make sure I am actually upgrading,thanks in advance.

[MJRemi]

I haven't done the upgrade yet but I believe you need the swaybar from any V8 ZJ. Be sure to grab the mounts and the end-links.

[cruiser54]

Actually, you can find 28mm swaybars on XJs. Ususally 87 to 90 Limiteds and Laredos with the factory tow hitch.

[Comanche County]

96'-98' V8 Sway bars are shaped slightly different to avoid the lower radiator hose and are an improvement over the 93'-95' design. If you don't find one on an XJ as mentioned above, look for a 2nd gen V8 ZJ. http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/techarticl ... grade.html

[87Chief]

So any 93-98 V8 ZJ will be an upgrade?

[HOrnbrod]

On an MJ, yes.

[87Chief]

Ok, just wanted to make sure because i'm going to the yard tomorrow.

[HOrnbrod]

Ok, just wanted to make sure because i'm going to the yard tomorrow.

 

If you find a V8 ZJ, grab the tie rod too. Also an upgrade. :cheers:

[Comanche County]

96' to 98' is preferable. Be sure to get the rotational sway bar links also. They're much better than the straight stud XJ style. The straight stud style will eventually bend and break. The ZJ swivel links are better for longevity.

[Jeep Driver]

Any of you guys ever install one on the rear?

[HOrnbrod]

96' to 98' is preferable. Be sure to get the rotational sway bar links also. They're much better than the straight stud XJ style. The straight stud style will eventually bend and break. The ZJ swivel links are better for longevity.

Never heard of this Jay. :hmm: Do they mount the same and are they the same length? Got a pic?

 

Any of you guys ever install one on the rear?

Didn't install it, but had an aftermarket Addco MJ rear swaybar. Because of the shock absorber mount difference between the LWB and SWB, it wouldn't fit my LWB. Fits the SWB MJ just fine though. This is the only one I know of that is still available.

 

http://www.andysautosport.com/jeep/1984_1992_comanche/suspension/sway_bars/addco/addc00097023.html

[Jeep Driver]

Thanks.

[mvusse]

ZJ (and TJ I believe) and probably some others use a tie rod end sort of end on top instead of rubber bushings. They do not fit correctly on an MJ/XJ sway bar, but could work, somewhat. I say use the links with the bar they were designed for. On a stock rig with the loner (newer) links I have never seen one bend or break, just on lifted rigs or using the older short links. Problem I have is that they break when twisting the top nut to remove them, or they rot away to nothing between the bushings.

[HOrnbrod]

ZJ (and TJ I believe) and probably some others use a tie rod end sort of end on top instead of rubber bushings. They do not fit correctly on an MJ/XJ sway bar, but could work, somewhat. I say use the links with the bar they were designed for. On a stock rig with the loner (newer) links I have never seen one bend or break, just on lifted rigs or using the older short links. Problem I have is that they break when twisting the top nut to remove them, or they rot away to nothing between the bushings.

Here's a pic of one for a 97 ZJ from the Autozone web site. Doesn't look like it will fit correctly.

 

[rynoshark]

Does the 97 ZJ one actually fit?  Isn't this the upgraded rotational sway bar?  If not, what are the part numbers for the ZJ rotational sway bar link ends?

[gogmorgo]

Ooooooold thread. 

 

When end put the ZJ sway bar on my MJ, I just used a minty set of XJ end links from the same yard. They've been on there about 20,000 miles with no issues. 

I don't really remember why not, but the ZJ links didn't look like they'd fit. That or they weren't in very good shape... or else the minty XJ ones were just almost new. It was a few years ago now. 

[rynoshark]

Interesting...end links with new rubber are so cheap now ($17 for a pair of ZJ sway bar end links).  It seems like it just makes sense to order new.

[gogmorgo]

I was going to say that, but haven't looked up prices. I also would've offered to go check my own ZJ's links but it's got a 2" lift from the last owner so I have no idea if they'd be stock or not. I'm also 350 miles away from my MJs and XJ or else I could've looked at those too...