Do I need to replace BOTH sway bars?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Do I need to replace BOTH sway bars?
I've got a 96 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 2 WD 4 Dr, and I'm going to replace the front sway bar for sure. I was wondering if I need to replace the rear sway bar as well. Everything I'm seeing on the net says that the front sway bar should be replaced with a larger/solid sway bar, but they say nothing about the rear. I don't want to spend $150 replacing a 7/8" rear sway bar with the same exact 7/8" rear sway bar. Thanks!
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Do I need to replace BOTH sway bars?
PS--I know that the Explorer express sway bar kit comes with larger diameter front and rear sway bars, but none of the other manuf. does this. They all go larger in the front, and 7/8" in the back. I'm also wondering if I can just replace the front bar only and see how much better it gets. Is that safe?
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Beach
Do I need to replace BOTH sway bars?
It's safe, but I would change both. You'll get greatly improved handling that way. I'm no physics professor, but if you're changing the front and not upgrading the back, there may be some effect in understeer/oversteer.
Also, since it sounds like your interested in better handling, lowering even an inch would help greatly. You can buy lowering kits for the rear in Autozone or Advance for $20.00 and just torsion twist the front until it matches the rear height.
Also, since it sounds like your interested in better handling, lowering even an inch would help greatly. You can buy lowering kits for the rear in Autozone or Advance for $20.00 and just torsion twist the front until it matches the rear height.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Kelseyville, CA
Do I need to replace BOTH sway bars?
In addition to Explorer Expresses swaybers, you can also get Addco (www.addco.net) and if you can find them Saleen (they apperently stopped making them). I installed Addco swaybars front and rear on my '97 4x4 lifted Sport and I can tell a definate difference. Your stock rear bar isn't 7/8", it should be 5/8". The aftermarket bars are usually 7/8" or slightly larger. I can't say how much of a difference just the front made though since I did both at the same time. Installing just a thicker front swaybar will tend to make your vehicle push (go straight when you want to turn) a little easier. You really should replace both to keep the system balanced. It won't be bad though with just the front since basically that is what Ford did to the Explorer starting in '98. They swapped out the huge (IE hollow) front bar that they used for the '95-'97 Explorers and put on a solid (IE thinner) bar that is much stronger. They left the rear untouched. A lot of swaybar manufacturers offer front/rear kits for '95-'97 but rear only kits for '98 and up since they claim the revised one from '98 is sufficient.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jermafenser
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
May 22, 2015 04:43 PM
EODguyJake
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Nov 10, 2014 08:51 PM
