Where to get sway bar quick disconnects?

[mike5]

I can't seem to find any company that makes sway bar quick disconnects for the front and rear (either really). My search has been online only. I have not called any vendors.

Anyone know a company or person that makes them? If not, anyone make their own? I've seen sites where people make their own but they are usually for Jeeps. Anyone make their own for the Montero?

BTW: I don't want to simply remove the rear although I realize that is an option. I want to utilize the bars on the road and disconnect when necessary for off road.

 

[off-roader]

Tried that. Bent the HELL out of the rears when I did in Moab. Ended up removing them entirely and throwing them into a dumpster in town they were bent up so badly.

The fronts cannot be disconnected effectively. Someone was looking at making a disconnect system for the front which allowed the bar to twist w/out disconnecting the ends but the cost was prohibitive and nobody wanted to buy them ($300 iirc and would require cutting the bar in the middle to install).

That said, I run w/out the rear bars. Yes it sways more however I don't drive the rig like a sports car, and it forces you to drive defensively and especially to look ahead for potential issues that could cause you to make an emergency avoidance maneuver.

 

[mike5]

Thank you sir for the info. Did the rear bend because they "got in the way" while disconnected? If so, is it not possible to fold the end link out of the way and maybe zip tie it to something? Any AU companies that make them?

On another note, who makes rock sliders for Monteros?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[off-roader]

Thank you sir for the info. Did the rear bend because they "got in the way" while disconnected? If so, is it not possible to fold the end link out of the way and maybe zip tie it to something? Any AU companies that make them?

On another note, who makes rock sliders for Monteros?

Thanks!
Mike

Yup. During articulation the bend down. If you zip tie them up, they just break the zip ties so no, tying them up is not a workable option. The reason for disconnecting them is to get better articulation right? The better articulation ends up moving the bars ends into harms way unfortunately.

No aussie companies I know of make them for the rear simply because of the problem I mention. One did make them for the front but that included cutting them in the middle and installing a piece you could disconnect in the middle to allow them to fully flex however those plans have been laid to waste as there wasn't enough demand for them based on their cost. IIRC, they were called 'Articulators' or something like that but don't quote me on it.

For sliders, 4crawler.com used to make kits for them but the ship un-assembled so you'll need to weld/assemble them).

Trailgear.com's medium length sliders for the tacoma fit the 4-door monteros (~60in or so?) and you only need to cut and weld the legs to the frame & slider.

Any others for the taco should also fit but the legs will have to be cut to fit and welded on. See my build thread for more details. The Trailgear units are what I'm running on mine.

 

[mike5]

Thanks so much for all the info. I'm starting to get a better feel of what I'm dealing with here.

 

[off-roader]

My advice? Remove the rear bars and try it out without them. Drive around local streets and see what they feel like. Drive on some 45mph roads and see what they feel like. Perform some evasive maneuvers gradually increasing their severity and check how they feel for yourself.

Remember though for off roading where you aren't crawling, this mod is usually not required.

Also, if you do this on a gen I, then be sure to replace the trailing arms with gen II trailing arms or re-enforce them with 1/4" plate in the thinnest areas or I guarantee they will break from the extra stress. It's one of the reason gen II trailing arms are thicker. In fact, I've seen them fracture even on rigs with the OEM suspension setup so beware it is a known weak point for off road use.

 

[off-roader]

Tried that. Bent the HELL out of the rears when I did in Moab. Ended up removing them entirely and throwing them into a dumpster in town they were bent up so badly.

I should add that in addition to bending the bars, they also flattened both rear tires by pushing into them and almost unseating them. I was able to air them up but dirt got into the bead when they began to unseat and kept leaking air all the way back into town. I ended up having to have them removed, tire bead/mating surface cleaned and then remounted at the local tire shop.

Fortunately this happened in Moab and town wasn't that far a way from the trail. If I was further, it would have been a real major pain.

 

[mike5]

it's a 96 SR.

Thanks for the description of the exact issues with leaving the sway in. I definitely have a better understanding of the issues with the quick disconnect idea. For now, the sway will stay on. The car is currently being serviced, next will be 33x12.5x15 tires. Once complete, then I can test it out on a trail and see exactly what I'm dealing with. Until then, I don't plan on any modifications.

Thanks!