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Sway Bar Link Issue

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Old 03-22-2017, 08:38 PM
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Default Sway Bar Link Issue

After installing a RE 3.5" lift the sway bar links aren't lining up. Since they're crooked there is a lot of pressure on the bushing causing some metal on metal contact. I feel like I'm missing something on these. Any reason the rubicon express links are straight vs the stocks having a slight curve to them?


Old 03-22-2017, 08:45 PM
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Affordability. One less step in the manufacturing.
Old 03-22-2017, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by XJRed96
Affordability. One less step in the manufacturing.
So fix is get better end links than what came in the kit?
Old 03-22-2017, 08:59 PM
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Not necessarily though i'm sure there are better fitting parts out there. but theres been plenty of guys out there whove installed this kit hopefully someone will chime in I have seen some guys remove the lower stud and add a longer bolt with a spacer in there so that the bottom mounting point at the axle is more centered.

The fastest way is to use a ball joint press on the stud to press it out, using a hammer generally results in bending the tab unless you have a good torch that can get the surrounding metal hot enough to smack it out with a hammer. and not totally distort the tab.

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Old 03-23-2017, 06:12 AM
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I'm with XJRed96, I would pull the lower bolt out and get a longer bolt on there. Or you could make your own like I did. The offset distance is 1 inch. Here is a picture of the ones that I made for my jeep. I made them out of stainless steel and have teflon bushings in the ends. I have a lot of corrosion problems here in NJ end links keep getting eaten away.


Old 03-23-2017, 02:14 PM
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I would just buy some quick disconnects and not even run a front sway bar until you get the correct links. I've been without my front sway bar for over a 1000 highway miles and can't tell the difference.
Old 03-23-2017, 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by XJRed96
Not necessarily though i'm sure there are better fitting parts out there. but theres been plenty of guys out there whove installed this kit hopefully someone will chime in I have seen some guys remove the lower stud and add a longer bolt with a spacer in there so that the bottom mounting point at the axle is more centered.

The fastest way is to use a ball joint press on the stud to press it out, using a hammer generally results in bending the tab unless you have a good torch that can get the surrounding metal hot enough to smack it out with a hammer. and not totally distort the tab.
When I changed mine I had to put a torx bit in the outer end of the bolt to keep it from turning so I could remove the nut. Shouldn't have to drive or push it out unless they changed them after 85, it should break loose and just slide out.
Old 03-24-2017, 10:29 AM
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Thanks for the advice. I'll let you all know what I end up doing.
Old 03-25-2017, 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by jedijeb
When I changed mine I had to put a torx bit in the outer end of the bolt to keep it from turning so I could remove the nut. Shouldn't have to drive or push it out unless they changed them after 85, it should break loose and just slide out.
You either got really lucky or someone has already had yours out. everyone I've encountered has been pressed in or has completely rusted in place.
Old 03-25-2017, 01:23 PM
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The older Cherokees had bolts that were slide into the sway bar mount. My 90 was like that. I know the guy who owned it last, it was stock when he got it. Don't know what year they started pressing them in.

I suggest you get some JKS quick disconnects. I love mine. Very easy to disconnect when wheeling now.

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