Effectiveness of Rear Sway bar

[JDGREEN8513]

Just throwing this one out because I do not have an answer. I have a friend who recently bought a rear sway bar to replace the stock bar on his 2001 Explorer Sport. After the install he claims that his X handles better through corners than his 97 Ford SVT Cobra Mustang. I thought this was ridiculous and have yet to ride in his newly modified X but if his claim is true this would be amazing. Any thoughts?????

 

[spindlecone]

If you get an EE bar, you will notice a major diff

 

[celly]

If you get an EE bar, you will notice a major diff

AGREED.

There is this flyover onto the freeway I take every night on my way home from work. Sharp left turn, almost banked. Before the EE bar, I had to hold off on the throttle. Felt like my Ex was going to roll if I took it too hard. Since the bar, I keep it on the gas hard and with ease.

Definitely one the best upgrades you'll ever make to an Ex.

 

[bipolarbob]

Still aint gonna make it handle like a 'Stang.

 

[JDGREEN8513]

Awesome..thanks for the input. I really may consider getting one now I hear they are a pretty straightfrward install.

 

[MONMIX]

yeah cake instal.
The sway bars from EE are an absolute must if you have a street machiene

 

[TJM623]

how much are these bad boys lol

 

[Flounder]

There is a group buy through another Explorer (derivative) site going on now. I believe they're $159 + shipping (usually $20)...

 

[kfkodiak]

New front endlinks are a good choice to go along with a new rear swaybar. I put the rear on first, then did the front about 6 months later. Both made a significant difference.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Still aint gonna make it handle like a 'Stang.

Maybe the SVT is without a sway bar...

Obviously, your friend is exaggerating but the result IS THAT dramatic.

 

[celly]

I can tell you that I drove an SVT Contour and there is no way any Explorer could out-handle that wolf in sheep's clothing. My wife's Subaru Outback outhandles my Ex with or without an EE swaybar, hands down.

Fact remains, the EE swaybar's effect on Explorer handling is dramatic. My Ex became much more fun to drive after I put one on. Outside of perhaps my SCT chip, the EE swaybar is the most noticeable mod I've made to my Ex.

 

[Cypher]

Would it be that dramatic of a change if the explorer has the warrior shackles and tt? and 31in tires?

 

[celly]

Probably more dramatic on street Explorers (like mine). I have no plans to lower mine and I love the way it handles at stock height and with stock tires. Given that an Ex with the mods you mention is much more likely to roll than mine, I'd imagine anything would be an improvement.

 

[Con Seann3ry]

I assume you're wheeling if you have a lift, if so, the new swaybar may limit articulation

 

[CDW6212R]

Change the front frame anti-sway bar bushings, to urethane. LOL,
Don

 

[the_tool_man]

...After the install he claims that his X handles better through corners than his 97 Ford SVT Cobra Mustang. ... Any thoughts?????

Well, I also have a Cobra (a '98). I have also made that claim, but I admit it was a bit of an exaggeration. No sway bar is going to get around the laws of physics! However, the "seat of the pants" difference between my '01 Sport before and after installing the bar was truly amazing. It definately feels much more "planted" when going around turns. Right now, with the bushings in my Cobra's rear 4-link worn out, I can't really say that about my Mustang. Keep in mind that stock pre-IRS Cobras used the same Fairmont-based 4-link suspension that's been used since 1983, and is notorious for having lots of lateral movement. This makes if feel a bit unsettled in turns, especially if there are any bumps. Right now, my Explorer "feels" better, even though I'm sure it wouldn't compete with my Cobra in a skidpad test.

If you're wondering whether to get the swaybar - do it. The difference is huge.

Regards,
John.

 

[Bored_2wd]

I replaced the front and rear swaybar on my ranger, and it made a HUGE difference. Replace both if you can afford it. Here's a hint: REALLY grease up those bushings that come with them, and use a whole pile of anti-seize on any bolts. Especially with the urathane, you'll want to loosen the bolts up and grease the bushings, so make it easy on yourself. Best 250 bucks I spent on the truck!

 

[lowflyingbird]

I bought a new IPD rear bar off ebay, made some difference. I upped my wheels to 17" with some Continental 255 65 17, that helped a bit to. I did one other thing, I custom fabricated a set of traction bars, I still have to send a photo out to one person,(if he sees this, I will) I can tell you that the traction bars made more of a difference in taking a turn than the swaybar. They did stiffen the ride ALOT though !!! I do NOT recomend them to anyone who goes off road. Basically I used the OEM shock plates and welded arms foward which clamp to the spring with a rubber bushing.
Keith

 

[spindlecone]

I bought a new IPD rear bar off ebay, made some difference. I upped my wheels to 17" with some Continental 255 65 17, that helped a bit to. I did one other thing, I custom fabricated a set of traction bars, I still have to send a photo out to one person,(if he sees this, I will) I can tell you that the traction bars made more of a difference in taking a turn than the swaybar. They did stiffen the ride ALOT though !!! I do NOT recomend them to anyone who goes off road. Basically I used the OEM shock plates and welded arms foward which clamp to the spring with a rubber bushing.
Keith

TRACTION MASTERS,S$$T I have'nt thought about those in 40 years, back in the days of big time H.P and smoken tires, darn I miss my first real car.
62 Galaxy, 390, 385 factory H.P, dual quads, no smog crap and 103 octane sonoco blue at 38 cents per gal. :

 

[JDGREEN8513]

Wow thanks guys...I appreciate the input and I will definitely plan on buying an EE swaybar asap...or in my world as soon as money allows. Gracias.