Rear Sway Bar

Any one ever run a sway bar on the rear axle of an intermediate?
Can’t say I have ever seen a factory one.

 

Factory never offered one for the CJ, AFAIK. A front anti-sway bar was first offered in 1976. There were changes to the rear suspension in 1976 to reduce sway, including a frame that widens at the rear, and increased spring width.

 

I fabbed a custom rear sway bar about 8 months ago, and I love it. It still flexes great, but body roll is much less than before. I basically copied the same type of setup as the desert trucks, Ultra 4's, Currie, etc. I ordered the parts through Kartek off-road, and I fabbed the frame mounts myself. I have pictures, but am having trouble getting them uploaded to this site. If this is the route you want to go, I can give you part numbers and prices.

 

I would say, if you dont have one in the front, start by putting one there.

As for the rear, when i did my frame swap i put on in the rear (i'm coil spring all around) wihtout one in the front. I was noticeable but not fabulous. 3 years ago i put one in the front (come from a YJ) i the difference is amazin. I have disconnect on front and rear, and i barely connect the rear. So i dont think having a front and a rear with a leaf spring set-up will make a big difference.

 

I would second the front first. Usually more mass there. I used an ADDCO 1 1/8" version for the 76+ CJ's on my 3B with JKS quick disconnect links for a JK. It hasn't been tested yet---- Likewise, that application would also work on the rear but I'm sure you would want a smaller diameter bar. I used modified Energy Suspension urethane mounts. The fit was pretty sanitary.

 

I have the factory front sway bar and the mounts from a cj7 ready to fab/install. I am researching so that I will have most of what I will need when I do my YJ spring swap. I do not do a lot of hard core off road, mostly local street or 2 track forest roads. I know that the YJ spring swap will limber/soften things up compared to the factory leaf springs, especially with them being a 2in. lift springs. I was speculating with the frame off during the install I might as well fab in a sway bar on both front and rear. The sway bar links length will have to be determined after the final assembly of the entire jeep when all the weight from the drive train, body, and winch all have been installed. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions.

 

A front sway bar off of a CJ7 will easily tie your jeep down in the corners. Unless you have some really soft suspension I can't imagine needing a rear sway bar.