Looking to install rear sway bar on 2001 Ex. and noticed a skid plate looking thing in front of passenger side rear shock. Two questions: 1. What is that, and 2. Do I need to remove it to put on sway Bar?
Thanks

 

Here is the installation procedure: Hellwig rear antiswaybar He doesn't say anything about the plate, but also doesn't show in pictures. Hope that helps.

 

It's for protection.

 

It sure as hell doesn't protect much. It's there to mount a stupid brake cable, IIRC. It really is a silly piece of metal. Why wouldn't they want to "protect" the other side, too??

 

I knew I would be wrong sooner or later. The spindly little cable bracket could have mounted on the shock bracket so that's not it either so I am going to go back to protection again but this time from the heat coming straight back from the cat and muffler which was probably ruining the shock mount or heating up the banjo. You are right about the other side so it's not protection from rocks etc. There is a ton of heat coming straight back due to the convection principle.

 

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So you mean I'm not missing one? It looks so odd I thought for sure there was one missing on the other side for some reason. Just hadn't gotten around to posting to ask what it was and where to find one yet.

 

You only have one!........just kidding. I think the inline exhaust system directly in front of it was either melting the shock bushing or causing fires so they added that.

 

I just always thought I was missing one. I have the same setup you guys describe. The exhaust explanation seems most logical. I guess it would make mine useless now since the exhaust pipe is up 8" over stock. I've been thinking about ladder bars for when I get really big wheels and lower gears... so maybe I have that stupid plate taken off at that point.

 

Funny, the first time I saw it I didn't even look at the other side and off-road protection came to mind but after putting it under the microscope I will go with my heat theory.

 

It's a rock catcher.

 

I looked at a Hellwig site and it shows install pictures with this guard. They have a bracket mounted to it and three bolts. Mine only has two bolts and unless I do some modification to it, the included bracket will not fit. The top of the plate is the issue. It is missing a hole and the angle of the guard faces forward at about 45*. Just wondering if anyone has installed a Hellwig with this plate there and we'd there any issues.

 

No issues with mine when I installed it.

 

I have the Hellwig and this plate, no issues. We did have to fab up some extra long links for mine, but that hasn't got anything to do with the plate.

 

Sacrificial anode for the rear end.

 

Forgot to attach the Hellwig pics...