Dumb Sway Bar Question

[AZJeff]

I want to re-install a front sway bar on my 1989 MJ, and I always assumed that all sway bars for the MJ/XJ family were the same, and only varied in diameter from year to year.

 

But...I several places I have searched, they talk about the sway bars for later XJ's only fitting vehicles from 1991 or thereafter.

 

Is there any limitations to putting a sway bar from a later XJ onto my MJ?  (Yeah, I know I need the right size bushings and appropriate end link kits.)

[Eagle]

No limitations. There are four diameters that were available, but they all have the same configuration and can be interchanged (subject to using the correct size bushings). Keep in mind that a larger front sway bar keeps the vehicle flatter, but it increases understeer in corners.

[AZJeff]

That's what I thought.  Now all I gotta do is find a swaybar....

[jeeppapa]

No limitations. There are four diameters that were available, but they all have the same configuration and can be interchanged (subject to using the correct size bushings). Keep in mind that a larger front sway bar keeps the vehicle flatter, but it increases understeer in corners.

Hay Eagle what’s the best sway bar upgrade I could find in a junk yard for a D35 D44 long bed. I’m up and down the Angeles Crest HYW frequently. It’s a twisting whining rd with deadly drop offs. I’d like to have allot less sway. I just can’t push it on that rd and inevitably I get traffic built up behind me. Would like to have a bit more control on those switch backs. It can be a hair razing experience when it’s socked in with clouds.


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[Minuit]

You want a 28mm bar from a high trim XJ (the XJ Limited seems like the most likely source) and maybe some ZJs - best to measure the sway bar yourself if in doubt. Use poly bushings with it too

[jeeppapa]

You want a 28mm bar from a high trim XJ (the XJ Limited seems like the most likely source) and maybe some ZJs - best to measure the sway bar yourself if in doubt. Use poly bushings with it too

Thanks that’s great info. Any idea what years to look for?


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[Minuit]

4 minutes ago, jeeppapa said:

Thanks that’s great info. Any idea what years to look for?


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Most people find them on late '80s to early '90s models. Mostly the fancier trims but there's no way to say for sure.

[jeeppapa]

Most people find them on late '80s early '90s models. Mostly the fancier trims but there's no way to say for sure.

Ill through a sewing tape in my tool box.


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[Eagle]

I just use an open-end wrench. 28mm is 1.102". 1-1/8" = 1.125, so that will fit over a 28mm bar. A 1-1/16" wrench is 1.0625, so that won't fit over a 28mm but it will fit over a 26mm bar (1.024").

[HOrnbrod]

Don't leave home without it.

 

[jeeppapa]

I just use an open-end wrench. 28mm is 1.102". 1-1/8" = 1.125, so that will fit over a 28mm bar. A 1-1/16" wrench is 1.0625, so that won't fit over a 28mm but it will fit over a 26mm bar (1.024").

Thanks Eagle great idea.


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[jeeppapa]

Don't leave home without it.
 

Got one of those now just have to find it.


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