XJ Swaybar Drop Bracket Installation
	Category:	Suspension
	Author:	MachineMan
	Date:	March 20th, 2005

This write up explains how to install anti-swaybar drop brackets for a Jeep Cherokee. If you’ve lifted your jeep and have longer lower control arms there’s a chance that your swaybar end-links are now very close if not touching the front coil springs. One solution is to drop and move the swaybar forward a bit. This write up is based off a 1990 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L 4x4 but will probably be the same for all years and possibly ZJs as well. Here’s a picture of my swaybar end touching my coil spring.

The swaybar nearly touching the spring
Parts
There are a few manufactures that make these drop bracket ranging from $18 to $28. I used a pair from Rusty’s Off-road which were only $18 (P/N SW-25). Rusty’s are made from 3/16” steel with slotted holes. They drop the swaybar about 3 inches. Rubicon Express also makes some for $28 (P/N RE9921). You can also probably find other venders as well or make your own.

Rusty's Offroad Swaybar Lowering Bracket (P/N SW-25)
Bracket Installation (30min)

1. Installing the brackets are easy and will only take you a half hour or so. First if you have quick disconnects, disconnect them. Then remove the 4 bolts (2 each side) that hold the swaybar and bushing to the frame. Be ready to hold it because it will fall off.





2. Install the drop bracket to the frame using the stock bolts. Tighten them up with the bracket pulled all the way toward the front of the jeep. This applies to Rusty’s brackets since they have slotted holes.


3. Next install the swaybar onto the brackets and again pull it all the way toward the front of the Jeep if the holes are slotted. The kit should come with bolts and nuts to re-attach the swaybar. Rusty’s brackets didn’t come with washers so I added some. Make sure that the sway bar is centered between the two bushings and brackets.

Swaybar Link Adjustment (15min)

1. My Jeep has JKS adjustable links that connect to the axle. JKS recommends that the Swaybar ends be set to about 10 to 20degrees above the pivot. You can do this by loosening the lock nut on the disconnect link and spinning them in or out until the angle is right. You will have to connect them to the lower mount to check the angle. Don’t forget to tighten the lock nut. You can probably get away with just eye balling the angle.





2. Looks like after my install I’ve gained about ¾ inch clearance between the swaybar and coil spring. It’s not much but its not touching anymore and that was my goal. The Rubicon Express brackets may move it forward more but the Rusty’s seem fine for my rig.

Tom K. March 2005
www.rustysoffroad.com
www.rubiconexpress.com