Broken Stabilizer Bar

[USAFAGumby]

So today while driving through the obstacle below I heard a loud clank and it would continue to pop when the front axle was fully stuffed on one side. Crawled under and I found out the linkage where the stabilizer bar connects to the steering linkage had separated/broke. The brackets that connected the bar to the frame are still ok, just the smaller bushing and connection broke. I will get a picture when there is more light out if that would help clarify. 

 

My question is, is this dangerous to drive around on or is it effectively like driving with no sway bars connected? I drove it off the mountain and on the highway home with no problems.   

 

[Eagle]

If you are saying that you broke a sway bar link, yes it's dangerous to drive it that way on the street.

[benjy_26]

I don't have sway bars installed on any of my Jeeps or 4x4's. Just drive it like a truck and not like a Ferrari and you should be ok with driving with the sway bar disconnected till you either replace the links, or get used to driving without a bar.

[USAFAGumby]

I did some more research and it looks like it is also called a sway bar. I am driving more conservatively and noticed some more body roll but nothing major so I think I will wait till funds for a replaced bushing. Thanks for the advice!  

[Eagle]

The issue is not in normal driving. The issue is that the manufacturer put that sway bar there for a reason. It's lack would show up if you ever had to make a sudden evasive maneuver, such as a sharp swerve if a child ran out into the street right in front of you.

 

In the early days of NAXJA, one of the members rolled his XJ two blocks from home on a residential street for this very reason. He acknowledged it and publicly admitted that it was his own fault because he didn't think he needed the sway bar.

 

A complete replacement link is $16 at Advanced Auto. Are you really going to risk totaling your truck for $16?

 

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/driveworks-suspension-sway-bar-link-kit-dw-k3173/15510466-P?searchTerm=sway+bar+link+kit

 

[FrankTheDog]

Do both sides because the other one probably isn't in much better shape.

Or get a set of disconnects.

[danbyrambler]

Posted Today, 08:59 AM

The issue is not in normal driving. The issue is that the manufacturer put that sway bar there for a reason. It's lack would show up if you ever had to make a sudden evasive maneuver, such as a sharp swerve if a child ran out into the street right in front of you.

A complete replacement link is $16 at Advanced Auto. Are you really going to risk totaling your truck for $16?

http://shop.advancea...ay bar link kit

 

DITTO Above & This I know;  you don't wanna have to stand on your brakes at anything close to highway speeds - - - Use discount code TRT30 if you shop advance - 30% off & they'll have it waiting - - - Other discount stuff for autoPepRockO'riley at http://www.retailmenot.com

[USAFAGumby]

The issue is not in normal driving. The issue is that the manufacturer put that sway bar there for a reason. It's lack would show up if you ever had to make a sudden evasive maneuver, such as a sharp swerve if a child ran out into the street right in front of you.

 

In the early days of NAXJA, one of the members rolled his XJ two blocks from home on a residential street for this very reason. He acknowledged it and publicly admitted that it was his own fault because he didn't think he needed the sway bar.

 

 

Thank you for the advice and the link. That is the exact part that broke on both sides. I did not know they would run that cheap and will get it put in and replaced as soon as possible. I suppose I should have done some more research on the part before asking around  :doh:

[Incommando]

Many many people discard them entirely. it does effect your handling. Stay aware of it and it is not an issue.

 

 

The manufacturer set the factory ride height for a reason. To alter it is unsafe?

 

The manufacturer chose a tire size and tread type for a reason. To alter it is unsafe?

 

Any modifications from factory must be inherently unsafe?

 

Many vehicles were never equipped with anti-sway bars from the factory. To add them is unsafe?

[benjy_26]

^^^ That's what I was thinking. :-\

[Eagle]

Many many people discard them entirely. it does effect your handling. Stay aware of it and it is not an issue.

You don't always have the luxury of "staying aware of it." Example: A few years ago I was cut off on a highway by a ditzy soccer mom who zoomed up an entrance ramp and pulled immediately into my lane without looking to see if the lane was occupied. I was driving my wife's 2000 Cherokee, which was (and is) completely stock. I slammed on the brakes and put the Cherokee into a sideways slide at 60 MPH. I am absolutely certain that if I had no front sway bar the XJ would have rolled over rather than slid.

 

Emergencies don't make appointments, and they don't leave to time to remember that you disconnected a critical part that the factory engineers installed because it was considered necessary.

[benjy_26]

I've slammed my brakes from 40,50, 60, up to 75mph, with mud terrains and all terrains, dry and wet and have never gone into a sideways slide. I guess it depends on the situation.