How to Install a Universal Sway Bar

Modern vehicle suspensions use sway bars to minimize body roll through turns.

Universal sway bars work to keep a trailer or vehicle chassis level when it undergoes lateral G-forces that are normally encountered when navigating a turn. The sway bar works with the suspension to allow for normal deflection when changes in terrain are encountered. In its most basic form, an universal sway bare consists of a C-shaped bar that attaches to the chassis in the center and the axles at both ends. Urethane bushings are used at each attachment point to ensure a smooth ride and operation.

Things You'll Need

• Universal sway bar kit
• 1/2-inch drive socket set
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• Open end wrench set

Instructions

1. Install the sway bar bushings onto the sway bar, if your kit does not have them factory installed. Corresponding metal brackets in the kit should fit snugly over the sway bar bushings.

2. Bolt the sway bar mounting plate to the appropriate chassis cross-member located behind the axle.

3. Bolt the sway bar brackets, and thus the sway bar, to the mounting plate using the bolts supplied in the kit and a 1/2-inch socket and ratchet set.

4. Thread the sway bar end link washers and bushings onto the end links and then, while the sway bar is positioned above the axle, drop the links through the holes on the ends of the sway bar.

5. Thread another bushing and washer onto the end links underneath the sway bar and bolt them into place using an open end wrench. Follow this with another bolt, washer and bushing and then thread the end link through the axle links.

6. Install the last bushing, washer and bolt onto the bottom portion of the links protruding through the axle link and tighten into place.

References

• "Four-Wheeler's Bible"; Jim Allen; 2009;