Well this is a very simple mod that even the novice with very few tools can do at home in their driveway, and it only cost me $4.28!!!
Disconnecting your swaybar before hitting the trails is a very helpful thing to do. Not only does it increase your articulation but will also be much safer when in off camber situations. The swaybar minimizes "Flex" which keeps a vehicle stable on the road, but when on the trails will cause the vehicle to teeter on two wheels when on rough or uneven terrain
This is a simple and CHEAP way to install DIY swaybar diconnects.
Shopping List:
2- 1/2 x 3" clevis pins
2- 1/2 id x 5/8 od x steel or brass sleeves
4 or more- 7/16 Grade 8 Washers
2- 5/32 x 2-15/16 Hitch pin clips
All of this can be found at Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and only cost about $5.00
The Installation:
1- Locate the swaybar links on both the driver and passenger side of the front-end. (there is a large round bar that runs between the frame rails and curves towards the rear of the vehicle at both ends, and the swaybar links connect to each end of this bar)
It should look something like this.
2- Grip the round end of the link bolt with Vice Grips or channel locks (I used channel locks because i couldnt find my vice grips.....) you may have to spray the bolt and nut with some pentrating oil or WD40 to loosen up the rust in the threads. using a 3/4 inch wrench or socket (i had to use a breaker bar because mine was rusty and the bolt actually broke instead of loosening) loosen and remove the nut and bolt keeping the rubber bushings in place. Some people have had to grind off the round end of the bolt but i didnt have any trouble doing it this way.
3- Insert the sleeve into the bushings in the link and line it up with the hole in the end of the sway bar. Insert 1/2" clevis pin into the hole with washers on both sides and insert hitch pin clip into the hole closest to the washer. You may have to add an extra washer or two to get things as tight as possible.
4- Repeat steps 1 thru 3 for opposite side....YOU'RE DONE!!!
Also these pins have been known to wear at the head of the pin so if you do this mod you should keep a check on this and replace them if you are the slightest bit concerned. After all the pins only cost $1.00!!
Also if you want you can do only one side and leave the other connected.
Here is mine after i finished it
