Anyone permanently remove the rear sway bar? (1 Viewer)

[KraziAzn]

So the cushion retainer on my rear sway bar snapped off while I was wheeling. No biggie. I took off the end links and drove home. I have ICONS CDC, so I firmed up the rear shocks before I hit the freeway. During my 100 miles ride home, I dealt with crosswinds, turns on the freeway, many lane switches, several high-speed freeway mergers, and I really don't see any noticeable difference on road between rear sway bar connected vs disconnect. My max speed was 65mph, but avg 62mph during the trip home.

So this got me thinking...Why don't I just take it off since I can't feel any major difference on road and I assume it is more beneficial off-road? And can I compensate for the removal of the rear sway bar by stiffening my rear shocks?


Side-note | I have a 2.5-inch lift, ICONS Stage 3, OME T-Bars / light-duty rear springs. 33" E-rated tires. My Cruiser is not my DD, it is mainly my adventure rig, road trips, wheeling trips, etc.

 

[TheForger]

If it’s not a DD then I don’t really see the issue with it, plenty of people run with no rear sway bars in LC’s as well as other off road vehicles. Only thing to be conscious about is your ability to make an evasive maneuver if needed. You’ll probably notice a lot more rear end wiggle which could cause you to over compensate. But then again just keep your distance and pay attention to avoid that type of problem.

 

[Skidoo]

Would think it could increase chance of rollover when doing evasive maneuvers.
I haven't done the engineering to back this up, but know sway bars do control body roll.
Having weight shift around can get out of hand before you know it.
This video highlights how easily momentum and weight shift can bite you.
FJ Cruiser rolls on Black Bear
Also take a look at those Arab videos where they put 100s up on two wheels.

 

[KraziAzn]

Would think it could increase chance of rollover when doing evasive maneuvers.
I haven't done the engineering to back this up, but know sway bars do control body roll.
Having weight shift around can get out of hand before you know it.
This video highlights how easily momentum and weight shift can bite you.
FJ Cruiser rolls on Black Bear
Also take a look at those Arab videos where they put 100s up on two wheels.

Yeah I seen that video before. Funny you posted it, I was at that exact same spot 2 years ago during HIH8, my rear end came up in the air pretty high too. Thank god I didn't flip. That section of the trail is definitely deceiving.

Anyways, I took off the rear sway bar just now, going to firm up my rear shocks. I already disable VSC soooo I just need to make sure not to do any sudden evasive maneuvers than.

 

[Kabanstva]

Yeah I seen that video before. Funny you posted it, I was at that exact same spot 2 years ago during HIH8, my rear end came up in the air pretty high too. Thank god I didn't flip. That section of the trail is definitely deceiving.

Anyways, I took off the rear sway bar just now, going to firm up my rear shocks. I already disable VSC soooo I just need to make sure not to do any sudden evasive maneuvers than.

I have a picture of my truck literally looking like it's about to rollover too in that spot. Should I post it haha? You can't go down that drop diagonally like I did, not with the IFS at least.

 

[Skidoo]

Yeah I seen that video before. Funny you posted it, I was at that exact same spot 2 years ago during HIH8, my rear end came up in the air pretty high too. Thank god I didn't flip. That section of the trail is definitely deceiving.

Anyways, I took off the rear sway bar just now, going to firm up my rear shocks. I already disable VSC soooo I just need to make sure not to do any sudden evasive maneuvers than.

I have disconnects for front sway bar and the body can really surprise you when it whips to the side.
I have the same shocks as you so they help, still based on my experience I would be crazy to try highway speeds with out it.
Dodging a deer running out without a sway bar would be too exciting for me.
Sounds like you are looking for more excitement.

 

[l3n0x]

Mine's welded on by the PO.. Looks like an easy fix

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Yeah I seen that video before. Funny you posted it, I was at that exact same spot 2 years ago during HIH8, my rear end came up in the air pretty high too. Thank god I didn't flip. That section of the trail is definitely deceiving.

Anyways, I took off the rear sway bar just now, going to firm up my rear shocks. I already disable VSC soooo I just need to make sure not to do any sudden evasive maneuvers than.

I had the same issue when I replaced the sway bar bushings in the rear - one of the bolts snapped off into the frame. Just drill and retap it. Running without sway bar at highway speeds is a recipe for disaster. Sudden evasive maneuvers are called sudden because you can't plan for them!

Also, thanks for sharing your feedback on the ICONs - I love my TD shocks but ICONs are might be next upgrade when TDs give up ghost.

I have a picture of my truck literally looking like it's about to rollover too in that spot. Should I post it haha? You can't go down that drop diagonally like I did, not with the IFS at least.

Please share that pic. It would be a good reminder for all of us.

 

[CruiseLanderAZ]

In my opinion the minor benefits of removing it are not worth the risk of needing to make an evasive maneuver at high speed.

 

[nukegoat]

Shocks cannot substitute for sway bar

If you're into a little bit of fab work, you can rig up a 3-piece sway bar that mounts to the frame behind the axle

 

[tshandonay]

I welded both sides back on years ago....still good.

 

[Roosevelt T]

Shocks cannot substitute for sway bar

No they don't... But does night view?

 

[saudi]

If it’s not a DD then I don’t really see the issue with it, plenty of people run with no rear sway bars in LC’s as well as other off road vehicles. Only thing to be conscious about is your ability to make an evasive maneuver if needed. You’ll probably notice a lot more rear end wiggle which could cause you to over compensate. But then again just keep your distance and pay attention to avoid that type of problem.

What about insurance it may invalidate

 

[TheForger]

What about insurance it may invalidate

Doubt it. It’s still a road legal vehicle. Only thing that would be a possibility is if you live in a state where they do inspections and they say something about it that prevents you from renewing your registration. I’m not familiar with UK laws though.

To be fair my insurance company thinks I drive a completely stock cruiser...

 

[saudi]

Doubt it. It’s still a road legal vehicle. Only thing that would be a possibility is if you live in a state where they do inspections and they say something about it that prevents you from renewing your registration. I’m not familiar with UK laws though.

To be fair my insurance company thinks I drive a completely stock cruiser...

Illegal in uk . Cars inspect every 12 month. Same law over the full realm

 

[Brandon Ryder]

My 1st gen Tacoma doesn't have rear sway bars, and even with a shell and sleep system and hauling cargo, I've never had a problem with handling. Now from experience, I've had the fronts disconnected and when hauling heavy loads, the swaying can get excessive. So I think 1 set of sway bars in the front is probably enough.

That said, when disconnecting both sway bars off road, the LC suspension really shines. It's a night and day difference.

 

[KraziAzn]

Update: I decided to just spend the $20 for all new bushings. It seems like the cons out weights the pro. Gonna play it safe since my GF sometimes drives the 100. I wouldn't want anything to happen to her because I wanted some extra flex while off-roading.