I'm going to try removing mine one day, just to see how it feels. But as of now, the truck is/will be used for overlanding, not really offroading. Let us hear your thoughts on post sway bar removal maneuvering.
Eurosonic's Montero 2.5Gen Build Thread
- Thread starter eurosonic
- Start date
eurosonic
Expedition Leader
Removal of the rear sway bar allows for more rear suspension travel = better flex.
But is it beneficial for an overlanding vehicle? Ie. handling characteristics harmed or benefited while traveling in a loaded vehicle? etc
eurosonic
Expedition Leader
For strictly overlanding you might not need to remove it. I enjoy overlanding and the typical 4wheelin so its nice to have that extra stretch when going over rocks and such.
As far as handling Im pretty impressed how good it handles with the sway bar being off the vehicle. Just came back from a weekend trip to the mountains, so a loaded rig with all the camping gear handled pretty well on and off road. Of course having a sway bar is a bit more stable when going fast on turns but with a 33s and a body lift I take it easy on the turns either way so I don't really mind sacrificing the bar.
As far as handling Im pretty impressed how good it handles with the sway bar being off the vehicle. Just came back from a weekend trip to the mountains, so a loaded rig with all the camping gear handled pretty well on and off road. Of course having a sway bar is a bit more stable when going fast on turns but with a 33s and a body lift I take it easy on the turns either way so I don't really mind sacrificing the bar.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
Yeah, on road, it's barely noticeable and off road, there's a lot to like during medium to high articulation obstacles.
Only place I'd caution anyone is in an emergency handling situation on road. 'Theoretically' there could also be additional liability for you since you've made your vehicle more unstable by removing it.
Only place I'd caution anyone is in an emergency handling situation on road. 'Theoretically' there could also be additional liability for you since you've made your vehicle more unstable by removing it.
Silverwulf
Adventurer
I've had mine off for anout 6 months now. It does lean more in turns. The only time it felt sketchy was when I was headed up hwy1 to Gualala. There were some pretty tight hair pin turns around Myers grade. I had a bunch of camping gear on the roof rack (read: High center of gravity!) Having that weitght 7 feet in the air and no rear bar things got interesting. My solution was to slow the f DOWN. Funny part was my wife and kids stopped chattion and were white knuckeling the Oh S bars as there is no gaurd rail and if you were to go off the road its a long way down to the ocean!
off-roader
Expedition Leader
Nicely done. Unless the trail has changed dramatically you probably would have been fine. I did the slick rock in my 90 gen 1 4 door with a failing rear axle which broke mid trail but make it the rest of the way via a friendly strap from Lloyd Schwartz and Cap510.
mrwizard
Adventurer
Euro, I've been an admirer of your Gen2.5 for some time now. Actually you and one other build inspired me to pursue the Montero. I'm looking at a '98 Gen2.5, but it's about 250 miles away. I can't get a straight answer out of the guy selling it (mostly because he's never taken it off-road), do all the '98 Gen2.5 Monteros have the rear diff lock or only those with the winter package? He's supposed to be sending me a picture of the center console tonight and, if I understand correctly, the stock switch should be next to the 12v plug, correct? Thanks for your build up. It certainly is inspiring.
eurosonic
Expedition Leader
Thanks, this forum is a great resource for mods.
Not all 2.5gen's come with rear locker. Look out for a winter package, it should have a rear locker. The switch is next to the 12v plug below the stereo. Good luck on getting that 98, hopefully its what you want. Those are kind of hard to come by.