Hello everyone, I just want to share my experiences about the Addco rear sway bar.
Product:
Addco Rear Sway Bar w/ Energy Suspension Greasable Bushings
Why I decided to buy it:
First off, I have always looked into buying this bar but just never jumped at the opportunity mainly because I was lazy and I didn't hear much about despite it being a popular mod among WJ's. That was until I saw this very bar slightly used (less than 500 miles) for a steal (I'm talking 1/3 of the price or less) and it was local (less than a few miles away). So I decided to jump at the opportunity. :headbang:
Whats needed for install:
-A lift/floor jack (this isn't really needed honestly but this will certainly help with space and install but you can simply have your rig parked on a flat surface and swap out from there). WJ Jeeps does not recommend it but I did it anyway.
-Some WD40 or metal lubricant to loosen up the bolt area assuming you haven't removed these bolts before.
- A ratchet, but an impact wrench? (I don't know why the name is slipping my mind) would be a much more suitable tool given the bolts are really on there. And I'm sorry but I forgot which socket size you need, its not an unknown size though :lol:.
-(This particular item is suggested by wjjeeps.com especially if you have the older bar in order to avoid the Fuel Tank Skid Plate Clunk and to limit Sway bar movement) Two metal washers measuring 1 1/4 w/ a 3/4 inlet. I couldn't find 1 1/4 but I decided to use a 1 3/4 washer w/ a 3/4 inlet instead. For those with older bars, and who have placed washers but still have clunking, add another set of washer. I have been told they help.
- (This particular item is suggested as well) Energy Suspension 1" greasable bushing set (Energy # 9.5161G). I was fortunate enough to have these included in my purchase but these will be much better than what Addco supplied due to the fact that they are greasable which will lessen any sort of noise (squeal compared to the Addco bushings).
Install:
The install is very straight forward and I honestly mean that. I thought about making a writeup but its really not that hard. Its literally the removal of 6 bolts (all visible (2) from each bushing (2 bushings) and 1 from each end link (2 bolts all together). From there simply remove the old bar and bushings. I used my stock nuts and bolts since I did not have any from the sale so these will do just fine. Place new bar w/ bushing and install and your set :thumbsup:
Review:
This bar is one of the best mods I have done (the best suspension mod to do for the WJ). I definitely feel a great difference in turns and just regular driving. No problems or issues at all. Body roll and understeer is greatly reduced. The rear stiffened up nicely. The bar that I have received was black powdercoated and looked great, there was a light scratch from the previous owner but it didn't matter to me. To be honest, this bar should have been on the Jeep from factory. The stock bar is like a spaghetti strand while the Addco looks like a rope. The factory bar is very thin and hollow and weighs a feather, the Addco is solid tubing and has some weight to it. Heres some number specs for you:
Stock Bar: 9/16" (Garbage)
Addco Bar: 1"
According to WJ Jeeps, there is 700% improvement :lol:.
Anyway to sum up my long winded review, this is a must have for any WJ owner. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
Helpful reference:
http://www.wjjeeps.com/swaybars.htm
Product:
Addco Rear Sway Bar w/ Energy Suspension Greasable Bushings
Why I decided to buy it:
First off, I have always looked into buying this bar but just never jumped at the opportunity mainly because I was lazy and I didn't hear much about despite it being a popular mod among WJ's. That was until I saw this very bar slightly used (less than 500 miles) for a steal (I'm talking 1/3 of the price or less) and it was local (less than a few miles away). So I decided to jump at the opportunity. :headbang:
Whats needed for install:
-A lift/floor jack (this isn't really needed honestly but this will certainly help with space and install but you can simply have your rig parked on a flat surface and swap out from there). WJ Jeeps does not recommend it but I did it anyway.
-Some WD40 or metal lubricant to loosen up the bolt area assuming you haven't removed these bolts before.
- A ratchet, but an impact wrench? (I don't know why the name is slipping my mind) would be a much more suitable tool given the bolts are really on there. And I'm sorry but I forgot which socket size you need, its not an unknown size though :lol:.
-(This particular item is suggested by wjjeeps.com especially if you have the older bar in order to avoid the Fuel Tank Skid Plate Clunk and to limit Sway bar movement) Two metal washers measuring 1 1/4 w/ a 3/4 inlet. I couldn't find 1 1/4 but I decided to use a 1 3/4 washer w/ a 3/4 inlet instead. For those with older bars, and who have placed washers but still have clunking, add another set of washer. I have been told they help.
- (This particular item is suggested as well) Energy Suspension 1" greasable bushing set (Energy # 9.5161G). I was fortunate enough to have these included in my purchase but these will be much better than what Addco supplied due to the fact that they are greasable which will lessen any sort of noise (squeal compared to the Addco bushings).
Install:
The install is very straight forward and I honestly mean that. I thought about making a writeup but its really not that hard. Its literally the removal of 6 bolts (all visible (2) from each bushing (2 bushings) and 1 from each end link (2 bolts all together). From there simply remove the old bar and bushings. I used my stock nuts and bolts since I did not have any from the sale so these will do just fine. Place new bar w/ bushing and install and your set :thumbsup:
Review:
This bar is one of the best mods I have done (the best suspension mod to do for the WJ). I definitely feel a great difference in turns and just regular driving. No problems or issues at all. Body roll and understeer is greatly reduced. The rear stiffened up nicely. The bar that I have received was black powdercoated and looked great, there was a light scratch from the previous owner but it didn't matter to me. To be honest, this bar should have been on the Jeep from factory. The stock bar is like a spaghetti strand while the Addco looks like a rope. The factory bar is very thin and hollow and weighs a feather, the Addco is solid tubing and has some weight to it. Heres some number specs for you:
Stock Bar: 9/16" (Garbage)
Addco Bar: 1"
According to WJ Jeeps, there is 700% improvement :lol:.
Anyway to sum up my long winded review, this is a must have for any WJ owner. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
Helpful reference:
http://www.wjjeeps.com/swaybars.htm