Adding swaybar for stability
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 185
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From: Raleigh, NC
Adding swaybar for stability
1989 -F150 -351w -C6automatic -stock wheels, suspension
Hey all,
Anyone have any opinions on whether adding aftermarket swaybar helps all that much? My son is learning to drive and I'm concerned about the way my F150 handles for an inexperienced driver.
Would Ford have put them on at the factory, are there both front and rear? Don't know much about what to look for or if this may not be worth it.
Thanks - rlp
Hey all,
Anyone have any opinions on whether adding aftermarket swaybar helps all that much? My son is learning to drive and I'm concerned about the way my F150 handles for an inexperienced driver.
Would Ford have put them on at the factory, are there both front and rear? Don't know much about what to look for or if this may not be worth it.
Thanks - rlp
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
sway bar
I believe that in some situations the sway bar is needed. from what I have seen is that the f150's came with sway bars in the front on 4x4 and on 2 wheel drives...
I myself have posted a question to the community for my issue, I broke the link that the sway bar attaches, because of 4 wheelin' and am concerned about taking it off the truck for more free float of the rear end or called 'articulation'
and am wondering what the truck would do on the road and off.
the sway bars are for stability on the road when making turns and carrying loads in the bed, for example, making an eratic turn to avoid a deer and correcting the truck to straighten out, the sway bar helps.
I myself have posted a question to the community for my issue, I broke the link that the sway bar attaches, because of 4 wheelin' and am concerned about taking it off the truck for more free float of the rear end or called 'articulation'
and am wondering what the truck would do on the road and off.
the sway bars are for stability on the road when making turns and carrying loads in the bed, for example, making an eratic turn to avoid a deer and correcting the truck to straighten out, the sway bar helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I have two pickups - the 4x4 came with swaybars and the 4x2 didn't, so I can comment on both.
The 4x4 rides a LOT stiffer. I can go around corners considerably faster because of the reduced body roll. The 4x2 is a softer ride, and pitches and rolls around corners pretty bad. I had to make an evasive move once in that truck, and it took a week to get the stain off the seat. I thought I was going to roll it for sure.
The 4x4 rides a LOT stiffer. I can go around corners considerably faster because of the reduced body roll. The 4x2 is a softer ride, and pitches and rolls around corners pretty bad. I had to make an evasive move once in that truck, and it took a week to get the stain off the seat. I thought I was going to roll it for sure.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 185
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From: Raleigh, NC
Ok - I forgot to add I've got a 2 wheel drive and no off-road driving. I'm thinking its a good idea too for the reasons posted. I'll check to see if there's any swaybars on the truck now - any particular brand, type, etc. anyone could recommend if I need to add or replace?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 150
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From: Aurora,Colorado
I drove F150s 4x4s with and without the Ford factory handling package (front and rear stabilizer bars) and the difference in handling is like day and night.
I think that a F150 without stabilizer bars is dangerous--and would be especially for an inexperienced driver.
A F150 without bars cant corner at all--even empty. I cant imagine what the truck would do without bars and with a heavy load.
But a barless truck would handle the bumps in the road better--but will have little handling and accident avoidance ability.
I think that a F150 without stabilizer bars is dangerous--and would be especially for an inexperienced driver.
A F150 without bars cant corner at all--even empty. I cant imagine what the truck would do without bars and with a heavy load.
But a barless truck would handle the bumps in the road better--but will have little handling and accident avoidance ability.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 44
From: Concord, NC
My dad's truck (2 wheel drive, reg. cab, long bed) does not have any sway bars at all. My truck (same configuration) has front and rear sway bars. My truck rolls noticably less in turns, but I wouldn't consider my dad's truck dangerous, even for an inexperienced driver. Sway bars definitely make the handling crisper, but if you (me included) don't drive it like you stole it, it's not that big of a deal.
