Tire rub on sway bar

[nivensid]

1986 CJ7 running 31 x 10.50R15LT All Terrian TA on 8" rims with 3.75" back spacing. The tires are rubbing on the sway bar before full dock. Is there anyone with similar set up with the same issue? What back spacing would I need to change with to correct the problem or other solutions? Below are pics to show the suspension'

 

[nivensid]

Here are some more pics

 

[tarry99]

Look up the factor specs for wheel backspace on that model............Although I look upon spacers as a way to correct a mistake......in your case that would solve the problem

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That sway bar is NOT the OEM factory one.
It's to wide.
It's also held on with a lug nut.
http://www.jeepsite.com/andrew/cj7-1986/photos/susp.jpg

LG

 

[Posi]

Your sway bar is bent causing it to rub on the tire.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Hey Posi-Can you measure from outside to outside of the bar itself, and post up what you get?
Bet if the OP does the same-He'll see it's not the 'rite' bar that's in his CJ.
LG

 

[Posi]

The last sway bar I owned I used it for a handle on a metal brake I built, I grabbed that pic off the net. After looking at his pic I knew it was either bent or the wrong sway bar as you suggested.

I'm sure someone here has a stock one they could measure. Either way it needs to be replaced.

 

[nivensid]

Thanks everyone, I had no idea this was not the correct sway bar. I will have to check into finding the correct one for my model. Make you wonder why the PO would put one on that would cause this problem in the first place? That's the chance you take when you purchase a good ole jeep I guess.
Thanks again I was thinking I would have to get a new set of wheels.

 

[nivensid]

Found this on ebay, this should do the trick?

Item specifics


Condition:
Used

Seller Notes:
“Used front sway bar assembly for your 76-86 CJ5 CJ7 and CJ8 . This is the bar with the links and axle olates. Does not include the sway bar frame brackets.”

Placement on Vehicle: Front Brand:
Jeep

Manufacturer Part Number:
factory sway bar

 

[Torxhead]

A lot of guys like me have removed the sway bar, especially after adding aftermarket springs. The stiffer aftermarket springs will help eliminate the need for a sway bar somewhat and the suspension performs better without one when off-road. A temporary solution to your tire rubbing would be to adjust out the travel stops on the knuckles, this would require using longer bolts. Not sure which springs you have but you could try removing the bar for test purpose, do not drive it like a sports car.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Took my sway-bar off the day I drove mine home from the dealer in 1985.
LG

 

[Peanut Butter]

Sorry, getting in here kind of late, but here is a picture of what the OEM should look like. This is looking down on to the sway bar and steering knuckle.

 

[nivensid]

Sorry, getting in here kind of late, but here is a picture of what the OEM should look like. This is looking down on to the sway bar and steering knuckle.

Thanks for the pic

 

[shum8]

Your links are bent as well, most likely to make room for the incorrect sway bar. Ref the PO - What the heck is wrong with people????

 

[007]

I could measure mine, but it doesn't matter as that one's not right and you know where to get the correct one.

When you put the correct one on, go ahead and get a set of quick-disconnects, I'd suggest Rocky Road Outfitters in Utah.

I've ran mine with and without, and I have the heaviest duty OEM spring packs. It's fine without a sway bar, until you have an emergency.

My 2 cts.

 

[GatorBate]

I have sway bar disconnects on mine. When I undo the sway bar and rotate it up out of the way it touches the brake line mount on the frame on both sides.

 

[Belizean]

007 I was reading what you and LG said about your sway bars. You with and without. I have never removed mine for the 32 years I've had mine. You say it's fine without until an emergency. Are you talking like a blowout on the front end at 70 mph? I just never thought about removing it unless I was strictly always off-road

 

[007]

007 I was reading what you and LG said about your sway bars. You with and without. I have never removed mine for the 32 years I've had mine. You say it's fine without until an emergency. Are you talking like a blowout on the front end at 70 mph? I just never thought about removing it unless I was strictly always off-road

I've never had an "emergency", but I have had situations where I had to adjust or change lanes etc. and if you don't expect it there's more sway than you're used to. My swaybar is not attached, it's just tied up. Ieft it this way because I wasn't sure what direction I was going to go. I'm definitely going to add some disconnects.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Well I never died and did have a rear blowout at 70 mph many years ago.
I didn't 'lift' the gas-I push'd it down to stay straight till I could pull over and change the tire(and my underwear ).
You see where I live-Plenty of crosswinds to deal with out here. Don't miss that so-called sway bar one bit.
I also have a DL in the back.
YMMV,
LG

 

[nivensid]

Found this on ebay, this should do the trick?

Item specifics


Condition:
Used

Seller Notes:
“Used front sway bar assembly for your 76-86 CJ5 CJ7 and CJ8 . This is the bar with the links and axle olates. Does not include the sway bar frame brackets.”

Placement on Vehicle: Front Brand:
Jeep

Manufacturer Part Number:
factory sway bar

I purchased this one, will use quick disconnects when i install it.