Sway Bar Questions

[Vexel]

Hey folks,

So, as the sig says, I'm wheelin a 2007 JK X. It's a pretty capable jeep already and I'm looking to enhance it a bit.

I've ordered some JKS Quicker Disconnects for the front sway bar. I've searched a lot and found that most people prefer these. (I'm popping 33's on it in the spring.) So, with the 33's and disconnected I shouldn't have issues with rubbing on the JK. (I'm thinking about a 2 inch BB as well.. but, not for a bit.) Going with Pro Comp XTreme MT's.

My question is about the rear sway bar. I've noticed that no one makes a disconnect system for it.. and, I'm not even sure if that would serve a purpose. But, I've heard of a lot of people completely removing the sway bar system in the rear. What benefits would you guys figure I'd get out of removing my rear sway on the JK? Are there any negatives about this if I'm going to be on road? (It's also the Fiancee' and I's DD.)

Or, would you figure to just leave it in tact on the rear?

Thanks for any help guys and gals.

[powel24]

I read dont think youll notice much of a difference with it removed on road.
if they are anything like the ones on a tj they are tiny.
offroad you will be able to flex even more when ur fully disconnected

[HardKorTJ]

i remove the rear sway bar outta every jeep i have ever had, took it outta my grand and never noticed the diffrence

[Creepy]

since its a newer rig with unproven characteristics, girlfriend driven...i'd leave it in.

once you get tires/2"BB - get a few hours under your belt to see how it feels.

then remove the sway and drive it. see if you feel it is totally acceptable to put your girlfriend in and make turning panic stops.

removing the bar will increase bodyroll

I'd be the first guy to tell you to cut something off. but your situation doesn't warrant it yet on a stocker.

do you ever pick up your rear tires when wheeling now?

[Vexel]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies.

There are a couple of spots where I've had the rear tires lift, but they sure flex a lot more than the front. I think I'll try my luck with the rear sway bar in for a while. I don't need the Jeep changing it's driving habits too much on the road.. the GF wouldn't like that very much.. but, a lot of people were saying that it's not even noticeable if you have your front sway bar connected.

I guess the only way to do it is give it a try some day and see for myself.

Thanks for the help!

[Vexel]

Just to put this in perspective. This is 33" Toyo Open Countries on the JK with no lift.

They're saying there are no issues with rubbing with both sway bars disconnected. And, I really like the look of it.

[Creepy]

i find it hard to believe that setup doesn't rub anywhere. but it does look killer.

people doing things to their rigs will always give the most optimistic review.

really, its a few bolts. just try it if its buggin ya. but don't fire it at your g/f and expect her to remember its not there. its still gotta stop while sliding sideways without freaking her out. winter ain't done yet!

[Vexel]

Good info, Creepy. Thanks.

I think what I'm going to do is test if it rubs with the front disconnected. Ultimately, if it does rub, I'll be putting the Teraflex 2" BB on it.. but, I'm hoping to not have to go that far. I really think that putting the 33's on it is going to clear everything that I'll ever want to clear.. so, my concern isn't ground clearance. I'd just really like the Jeep to be able to get maximum flex out of its suspension with 33's. If that requires the BB, then I'll go for it.. it's not expensive at all.

Like you said.. I might not even need the rear disconnected on anything that I want to hit. But, I'll probably give it a shot for the heck of it.

[Creepy]

sounds like you need to read up on bumpstops if you are staying low with no lift.

cheap secrets.

[Johnniemac]

I just looked at the JK in the showroom. If you stay with a skinnier tire then it may work Roger. There is a lip on the flare of about 1 inch that extends under. Trim that if the tires hit the flare. The tires on the SR JK are about 30ish inches. In theory those 33's are only 1.5 inches closer the the top of the fender. There is approx 7inches from the top of the tire to the fender. Your BB and 33's should be OK (disconnected)

[Big G]

On the trail, with your front disconected, and your rear conected, you might find your body following your rear axle. Just something to think about.

I've removed my rear sway bar long ago. Didn't notice a difference... but then again, I've never tried some accident avoiding manuvers with and without either.

[Enos]

I always hate to be a nay-sayer, but one thing to consider is if you actually end up in an accident situation, your insurance company could use the fact that your sway bars were disconnected as a way out of paying....may sound far fetched, but I have read threads on forums on just that topic.

On a modified vehicle, they have lots of other things they can use as an excuse not to pay.

[Vexel]

You folks make some great points.

I think I'm going to consider going with 32" XTreme MT's. It's the size of the JK Rubicon's tires, so I shouldn't have rubbing issues then for sure. I'm also going to leave the rear sway bar connected unless I find myself lifting the back a lot. Some air travel isn't that bad really.. and it sure is fun

[wranglerunlimited]

I think your Unlimited is equipped with ESP (Electronic Stabilizing Program). This system keeps your Jeep level under hard steering or accident situations by applying braking to the wheels to correct possible rollover.
Not knowing the location of the sensors and their limitations, I think that the rear sway bar is included in the big picture, to keep your Jeep flat. If the rear sway bar is disconnected or removed , then the ESP may be more sensitive and mistake a simple turn for a sharp maneuver, resulting in overcorrection. This could be a bad thing.
My 2 cents.

[Vexel]

That's true, I hadn't thought of that. Mine's a 2 door, so not unlimited.. which, I'm sure cause of the shorter wheelbase is more rocky.

And, I'm certainly a fan of the ESP. It's great in all types of scenarios. I love the brake assist part of the traction control as well, it's darn near the performance of a limited slip diff. Not a locker by any means.. but, it sure helps.