Is this a normal angle for stock sway bar?
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CF Veteran


Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
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From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Currently sits on 235s, 2" leveling/lift spacers up front with about 2.5 lift in the rear. Pretty even height front & rear... slightly longer new shocks to accommodate the 2" lift
. It seems where it mounts between the bushings looks like it's not sitting straight to me. The Jeep is parked on level ground in the picture.
What I'm wanting to know is if this is a normal position or is there an issue with the sway bar angle connection with the ends?
Thanks!
Last edited by RocketMouse; Jan 26, 2021 at 08:52 PM.
Senior Member




Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 849
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From: Harrisburg,Pa.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I don't think you have any problems from the slight offset from ideal..You could try cranking the bushings down a touch to make them conform a little better.. But if you want to fine tune it, most quick disconnect kits have adjustable end links for this exact problem...
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From: District of Columbia
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Old fart with a wrench
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From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
The swaybar is forged spring steel and you shouldn't try bending it, even with heat. You need longer links.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Hangover, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
It will probably make a bit of difference in the way it feels and drives. I had to fix this issue on my XJ after buying it with a 3 inch lift already installed. It made a huge difference in handling on the road.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Long Island, New York
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 98 stroked 4.7
sway bar end links should be vertical and the bar should meet at right angles...either way your bushings are junk. The right side looks ok, the left end swaybar eye looks bent
Last edited by bluejeep2001; Jan 27, 2021 at 09:52 AM. Reason: more info
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
Yes, longer links for lifts. You need to keep the same sway bar geometry or the bushings and or the links will be compromised
Thread Starter
CF Veteran


Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
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From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Wow... Guess I learned something new today.... I was originally thinking that my lift was so mild that it wouldn't require any real adjustment or new parts....apparently I thought wrong...lol
So I guess the right question to ask now is.... what longer links do I need to order to correct the issue?
So I guess the right question to ask now is.... what longer links do I need to order to correct the issue?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
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From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
The rule of thumb is to use links that are long enough to put the sway bar in a position where the bushings are the same thickness on both sides
Thread Starter
CF Veteran


Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 275
From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
right... but what I'm asking now that I know I need to make a change... what set of links would be the correct length that I would need to order and install to correct the issue.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
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From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
Take the links loose from the bar, raise it to the proper position on flat ground. Then measure the additional length you would need. You will probably end up with the same as your lift height. However not all lifts are equal. So, like axle shims, I measure to be sure


