sway bar broken!
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sway bar broken!
Two weeks ago I pulled a stuck Texas State Trooper out of a ditch with my '99 SCab 4x4. I had to put it in 4Lo to get him free. I was on a frontage road, pulling him up about a 10 foot bank. In order to keep from going off the other side, I had to turn my steering wheel a little bit, a big no-no if in 4x4 on pavement. I heard a loud pop, right after I did it, even though I only drove about 10 feet in reverse. My alignment was off after that, and I just figured it was from the torque of the motor, low range, and the tires turned. However, tonight I found that I had in fact broken the front swaybar where it connects to the lower A-arm. Does anybody have any idea how critical this is? There is a piece that looks like an hourglass that's about 4 inches tall that connects the swaybar to the A-arm, and that broke. I have to go on a road trip tomorrow, and was wondering if this is something I should fix before I go???
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From: Michigan
I have a 97 f150 4x4 standard cab/long bed. Mine broke a couple of months ago. I don't know what caused it. It is the end link piece that your talking about. It will affect your steering and alignment. front end will feel soft. I bought an end link kit from a local parts store for about$17.00. I replaced both sides, because when I took the one that wasn't broken off, it was cracked just under the bolt head. I don't know if this is a problem with Ford design. The aftermarket end links look different as they are not all encased with rubber material as the oem. It only takes about 30 to 40 minutes to replace both at home.
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Thanks 12swat and y2klarry, my alignment is off, not sure if it's because of the sway bar but I hope it is as $17 is not much to pay to get the alignment fixed. The only other thing I've noticed is when going over large bumps the end link hits the bar and makes a clunk. What parts store did you get your repair kit at? Any pointers or special tools? Take the tires off? Jack up the A-arms?
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From: Michigan
The parts store I went to is a local one called Campbells. I couldn't find the kit in stock at Autozone, PebBoys, etc. You may have to order it.
When I replaced mine I did take the front wheels off and did use a jack to raise the lower control arm to aid in installation. I used a sawzall to take my old bolts off of the end links. You'll need a torque wrench, sockets and maybe a breaker bar. Yours is newer than mine so maybe it will come apart easier. My truck drifted to the right (side that was broken). After I replaced the end links the truck drove straight. Maybe I got lucky with the alignment not being effected too much.
When I replaced mine I did take the front wheels off and did use a jack to raise the lower control arm to aid in installation. I used a sawzall to take my old bolts off of the end links. You'll need a torque wrench, sockets and maybe a breaker bar. Yours is newer than mine so maybe it will come apart easier. My truck drifted to the right (side that was broken). After I replaced the end links the truck drove straight. Maybe I got lucky with the alignment not being effected too much.
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i honestly dont know how the sway bar could affect alignment. it has to be a suspension design flaw. both mine broke off and i left them alone and like it because it rides smoother. havent noticed any problem with alignment. truck just seems a little looser.
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Originally Posted by 12swat
The parts store I went to is a local one called Campbells.
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if one side breaks it pulls the other side down or up. if both the sway bars are off, then the truck will drive straight, there will be a LOT more body roll and i have seen them flip over on a sweeping curve because of no sway bar. if you use the truck a lot offroad, find a kit that allows a disconnect as sway bars limit articulation off road making a hard ride and loss of traction sometimes if you have an old f150 with a solid live axle then you can get away without having the sway bar at all( removes weight and lets the axle move more). On the IFS truck on road they are VERY necessary on the F150 for safety reasons. PLEASE dont drive without them its dangerous on an IFS suspension.
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OK, replaced the sway bar endlinks. Paid about $17 for a pair and man what a difference. I'm starting to think that maybe the swaybar has been broken since I bought the truck (August) and maybe I just didn't ever notice it - because there is definitely a change in ride. It's far stiffer, and wayyyy less body roll when I turn. Thanks for the help guys.
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