sway bars

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D

discotec

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Has any one disconected there swaybars to get more flex out of the running gear?

Kurt
 

ColeCam

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search for "swaybar" under the search in top right corner.... there are a few good threads on the topic. especially the one titled "JKS disconnects"
 
B

bendrover

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Hey guys, someday I would like to put a lift on my 97 Discovery, but for now I've been paying attention to the topic of sway bars for off roading.
I saw this (much thanks Cole):
http://www.jonfund.com/technical/customswaybars.shtml
Would this work for someone like me with a stock suspension? Would it improve things?
Thanks,
Andrew
 

ColeCam

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If you take off or disconnect your sway bars, no matter what way you do it, it will greatly improve your articulation and allow more droop to keep traction, a little known secret (for rovers) is that stock suspensions without swaybars (90% of the time) have better travel than lifted suspensions without swaybars...the ramps don't lie :) Just remember to reattach them for road use or at the very least, remember it before you go 65 mph around that 50 mph curve.
 
B

bendrover

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So Cole, I can set the sway bars to disconnect on my stock vehicle? Very cool.
(I'm jumping up and down right now! Like a freaking kid in a candy store!)

Hey since i'm pretty much new to working my Rover much less any vehicle any photos anywhere so I might get a perspective? I'm about to look in my Rave...thanks
 
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ColeCam

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I skimmed the link you had up, seems like it would work...although I haven't really read it. JKS disconnects (if you can find them) or something like those would probably work best for you if you really don't have a lot of customizing skill...on vehicles like cherokees for instance you can just unbolt the ends of the swaybars, tie them up and then reconnect them at the end of wheeling (takes just a few minutes) Unfortunately Rovers are not quite as friendly in that department and are more difficult to take off and reattach...some people just run without them, but I wouldn't advise this because I don't want to ever see anyone get hurt because of a poor suggestion, but it is done. I will see if I can find a pic to show you location.
 

ColeCam

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Look behind the axle, there is a connecting bar that runs parallel with the axle, this is the sway bar, where it attaches (near the hub) is where one would put quick disconnects. (note: not the control arm which is keeps the axle from going front to back.) The sway bar is right above the control arm, then bends and runs across the vehicle, it has a mount connected to the frame (also it goes right below the exhaust).

newfront.gif
 
B

bendrover

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I found this for JKS Mods...
http://www.houstonlandroverclub.com/tt_10_04_2003_disconnects.html

But http://www.jonfund.com/technical/customswaybars.shtml seems a bit easier to do no? It doesn't seem as fancy, nor maybe as easy to quickly disconnect as that nice red handle JKS provides...

Do think this is something that I should try on my on with the help of backyard mechanic friend? Or should I take the advice of the gentleman in Houston and take it somewhere to be fitted? I suppose if I go that far I might as well buy the JKS...what do you think?
Thanks,
A
 

ColeCam

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Well...based on what the custom job states, I don't think it should be a problem, and due to the fact that you can drive without them, I would try the custom job first and see how well it works, then if it doesn't work, re attach them, and buy real disconnects.... It is not an irreversible procedure :) Have fun and let us know how it works.
 
D

dave_lucas

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What do you have a DI or DII??? The DI and DII use a different style of disconnects.

The article at HLRC is on a DII (NA 1999 – 2004)

The other article @ jonfund.com is for the original Discovery (NA 1994 – 1999)


If you have a DII the JKS disconnects can be used but it requires you to modify the sway bar and drill a ½” hole where the stock disconnects mounts to the axle. I do not recommend using the jeep disconnects from JKS since they require you to modify your sway bar and drill a larger hole.

Here is a sneak peak of my answer to disconnecting the sway bars on a DII (no drilling or grinding on the vehicle)

http://www.discoweb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4051

http://www.slickrockfabrication.com/sneakpeek.asp
 
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