Will This Sway Bar Work With This Jeep and What Other Components Will I Need?

[Papapegasus]

Got a few questions for you guys. First, I bought this Jeep about 2 months ago. The front end is all over the place, worse at speeds over 45-50 mph. Took is by a 4x4 lift shop here in Charlotte and they said first things first that there is no sway bar, and that would help a lot.

Would this one work, and if so, would I need any other components? There are already holes on the frame for one as well as the bolts/mounting location down by the axle.

1978 JEEP CJ7 Addco Performance Anti-Sway Bar Kits 712 - SummitRacing.com

They also pointed out that the bushings on the springs are badly worn out and need replaced, and that the axle looks like it is shifted over about 1/8 inch from all the bouncing around this thing does on the road.

I already replaced the tie rod ends and drag link end and had the alignment done, for all that's worth about a month ago.

Also the steering damper is leaking slightyly (just moist on the arm). I am assuming that is blown, would replacing that help?

Thanks for your help. If any additional pics would help let me know.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I would say a sway bar and getting rid of those shackles would help alot.

 

[Papapegasus]

That's not the first time I've heard about the shackles being too big. I'm looking online to try and figure out those too. The Jeep has a body lift, of how much I have no idea.

I know I want to go with the stock shackles, but how do I know the shackles will fit? Measure the width of the springs?

Also, Would I have to do anything to the rear springs to "level out" the Jeep.

Which part would be more bang for the buck, the shackles or the sway bar?

Thanks again.

 

[mtnwhlr]

If you get stock shackles for the year of your Jeep they will fit and I would replace both front and rear. As far as witch will give you more bang for the buck thats a hard one the sway bar helps with body roll when going around corners where those long shackles affect your caster in the front and will cause it to be all over the road. So if you can only do one now I think I would start with the shackles. I'm sure someone will chime in and disagree.

 

[Old Dog]

Thoes shackles are causing your problems, they gotta go.

 

[73CJ]

Definitely needs bushings. I would have put them prior to the alignment.

Looks like you have the stock sway bar mounts on the spring plates. I would look for a stock sway bar,used should be no more than $40. PM me if your interested.

I'm running Addcos on mine. The kit uses a tab on one of the spring
Ubolts For the lower mount. The length of the link will more than likely need to be longer due to your lift.

The steering damper really doesn't do much. I quit running mine. Especially with power steering.

 

[Papapegasus]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I went out and measured the shackles from eye to eye. The front shackles are 6 1/2" on 2" springs and the rear ones are not the stock ones but are 3" shackles on 2 1/2" springs. Scratching my head as to how that works? The Jeep looks level though. Any ideas what size of shackles to get with that spring setup?

Anyway, I've searched online for a shackle set for ever. Seems to be a lot out there. Anyone have a recommendation on brand or a website that they trust? Also, does getting grease-able shackles really matter?

Lastly, I feel confident in putting the shackles on myself, but what about all the other front end components? Won't they need adjustments when it lowers down? And if I put then on myself, will it be safe to drive to the local shop to get those adjustments and the alignment done?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[mtnwhlr]

The greasable ones are the best and you shouldn't have make any kind of adjustments afterwards. Quadratec has Currie greasable shackle that comes with everything you need PRT# 16051.201 front and 16051.211 rear.

 

[gaspipe]

Those are really long shackles on the front.

From the pic, the upper shackle bushings are really worn too. The spring eye and shackle bushings need to be in good shape or wheel alignment isn't really a possibility when the vehicle is rolling down the road.

 

[Papapegasus]

It's A New Jeep!

Holy Cow! Ordered the shackles from RockAuto, arrived yesterday, installed today.

The Jeep is a lot lower with the stock shackles, but handles like a dream! I think I'll save the sway bar for another time. Maybe put it on my Christmas wish list!

Again, thanks for all the help guys!

 

[73CJ]

Here is how the Addco mounts. I used a wire to fish the bolt through and slipped a wrench on it.

The stock Addco link was a double ended threaded straight rod. I used 3pt hitch parts and clevis pins for quick disconnects.