TJ sway bar question
 

Hey guys, I have a '97 TJ, stock, 88K mi, that has recently developed a
clunk/thunk when you turn, that is steadily worsening, and after doing
some research on here, and on my jeep, it seems that the sway bar link
arm and bushings are the problem. I plan on replacing them, but I
would like some expert advice for a few questions:

#1 - When people refer to the front stabilizer arm, control arm, and
anti-sway-bar links, are they all talking about the same piece of
equipment?

#2 - My understanding is that the bushing and the stabilizer arm are
apt to go bad, but that the actual long 'sway bar' itself, that runs
parallel to the axel, is unlikely to become damaged. (I am rarely
off-road, so I expect this to be the case). Since this problem has
been worsening for a few weeks, I think there is a low likelihood that
I damaged the sway bar with regular on-pavement driving. Can someone
second this?

#3 - I need to actually purchase the equipment, and was planning to
install it myself, even though I haven't done much sort of mechanic
work on the jeep myself (I want to start! ;). I read about making a
'DIY' quick disconnect by using the stock link, and changing the bottom
bolt with cotter pin. That sounds like a great idea for a $5
conversion. I saw where an earlier post mentioned buying the links at
quadratec for $20, but there is no picture.
(LINK-FRONT STABILIZER 97-04 TJ 52087771) Would $20 be for a pair of
OEM style links? would this include the bushings? (the guy on the
phone from quadratec didn't know).
I found some polyurethane sway bar bushings for $21 at 4WDHardware.com.
I'm sure they're available elsewhere, that just happened to be the
catalog I had at my house.
So, since I don't expect to really need to be disconnecting often in
the future, would you folks recommend me, mechanical novice, to proceed
with the stock-style parts, or buy something like the JKS connects for
$130 or so.
I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm more concerned
with value and time at this point (ie, I don't have a lot of free time
to spend more than a few hours replacing these parts).

#4- since I can't do the replacement today, but I do want to order the
parts in the next day or two, should I disconnect the links to prevent
wear-and-tear on my sway bar until I can get the parts replaced? I
understand that it violates some street-legal aspects of the car, but I
only have to drive a few miles every day to work and back, and I'm
capable of driving that with extreme caution.

Thanks a lot for the advice!

rich

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

You have a pile of areas that will make a clunk/thunk in the front end
of the Jeep starting with u-joints which you have 5 of up front....

Shock bushings, control arm bushings, track bar bushings and ball joint,
anti sway bar bushings, anti sway bar links, ball joints, tie rod ends
and brake parts can all make noise on a turn if bad to just name a few
that come to mind.

I recommend you find out just what has gone bad before tossing random
parts at it.

Oh and most bad accidents happen within a mile of home eh....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

richlassiter@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Hey guys, I have a '97 TJ, stock, 88K mi, that has recently developed a
> clunk/thunk when you turn, that is steadily worsening, and after doing
> some research on here, and on my jeep, it seems that the sway bar link
> arm and bushings are the problem. I plan on replacing them, but I
> would like some expert advice for a few questions:
>
> #1 - When people refer to the front stabilizer arm, control arm, and
> anti-sway-bar links, are they all talking about the same piece of
> equipment?
>
> #2 - My understanding is that the bushing and the stabilizer arm are
> apt to go bad, but that the actual long 'sway bar' itself, that runs
> parallel to the axel, is unlikely to become damaged. (I am rarely
> off-road, so I expect this to be the case). Since this problem has
> been worsening for a few weeks, I think there is a low likelihood that
> I damaged the sway bar with regular on-pavement driving. Can someone
> second this?
>
> #3 - I need to actually purchase the equipment, and was planning to
> install it myself, even though I haven't done much sort of mechanic
> work on the jeep myself (I want to start! ;). I read about making a
> 'DIY' quick disconnect by using the stock link, and changing the bottom
> bolt with cotter pin. That sounds like a great idea for a $5
> conversion. I saw where an earlier post mentioned buying the links at
> quadratec for $20, but there is no picture.
> (LINK-FRONT STABILIZER 97-04 TJ 52087771) Would $20 be for a pair of
> OEM style links? would this include the bushings? (the guy on the
> phone from quadratec didn't know).
> I found some polyurethane sway bar bushings for $21 at 4WDHardware.com.
> I'm sure they're available elsewhere, that just happened to be the
> catalog I had at my house.
> So, since I don't expect to really need to be disconnecting often in
> the future, would you folks recommend me, mechanical novice, to proceed
> with the stock-style parts, or buy something like the JKS connects for
> $130 or so.
> I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm more concerned
> with value and time at this point (ie, I don't have a lot of free time
> to spend more than a few hours replacing these parts).
>
> #4- since I can't do the replacement today, but I do want to order the
> parts in the next day or two, should I disconnect the links to prevent
> wear-and-tear on my sway bar until I can get the parts replaced? I
> understand that it violates some street-legal aspects of the car, but I
> only have to drive a few miles every day to work and back, and I'm
> capable of driving that with extreme caution.
>
> Thanks a lot for the advice!
>
> rich

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

You have a pile of areas that will make a clunk/thunk in the front end
of the Jeep starting with u-joints which you have 5 of up front....

Shock bushings, control arm bushings, track bar bushings and ball joint,
anti sway bar bushings, anti sway bar links, ball joints, tie rod ends
and brake parts can all make noise on a turn if bad to just name a few
that come to mind.

I recommend you find out just what has gone bad before tossing random
parts at it.

Oh and most bad accidents happen within a mile of home eh....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

richlassiter@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Hey guys, I have a '97 TJ, stock, 88K mi, that has recently developed a
> clunk/thunk when you turn, that is steadily worsening, and after doing
> some research on here, and on my jeep, it seems that the sway bar link
> arm and bushings are the problem. I plan on replacing them, but I
> would like some expert advice for a few questions:
>
> #1 - When people refer to the front stabilizer arm, control arm, and
> anti-sway-bar links, are they all talking about the same piece of
> equipment?
>
> #2 - My understanding is that the bushing and the stabilizer arm are
> apt to go bad, but that the actual long 'sway bar' itself, that runs
> parallel to the axel, is unlikely to become damaged. (I am rarely
> off-road, so I expect this to be the case). Since this problem has
> been worsening for a few weeks, I think there is a low likelihood that
> I damaged the sway bar with regular on-pavement driving. Can someone
> second this?
>
> #3 - I need to actually purchase the equipment, and was planning to
> install it myself, even though I haven't done much sort of mechanic
> work on the jeep myself (I want to start! ;). I read about making a
> 'DIY' quick disconnect by using the stock link, and changing the bottom
> bolt with cotter pin. That sounds like a great idea for a $5
> conversion. I saw where an earlier post mentioned buying the links at
> quadratec for $20, but there is no picture.
> (LINK-FRONT STABILIZER 97-04 TJ 52087771) Would $20 be for a pair of
> OEM style links? would this include the bushings? (the guy on the
> phone from quadratec didn't know).
> I found some polyurethane sway bar bushings for $21 at 4WDHardware.com.
> I'm sure they're available elsewhere, that just happened to be the
> catalog I had at my house.
> So, since I don't expect to really need to be disconnecting often in
> the future, would you folks recommend me, mechanical novice, to proceed
> with the stock-style parts, or buy something like the JKS connects for
> $130 or so.
> I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm more concerned
> with value and time at this point (ie, I don't have a lot of free time
> to spend more than a few hours replacing these parts).
>
> #4- since I can't do the replacement today, but I do want to order the
> parts in the next day or two, should I disconnect the links to prevent
> wear-and-tear on my sway bar until I can get the parts replaced? I
> understand that it violates some street-legal aspects of the car, but I
> only have to drive a few miles every day to work and back, and I'm
> capable of driving that with extreme caution.
>
> Thanks a lot for the advice!
>
> rich

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

You have a pile of areas that will make a clunk/thunk in the front end
of the Jeep starting with u-joints which you have 5 of up front....

Shock bushings, control arm bushings, track bar bushings and ball joint,
anti sway bar bushings, anti sway bar links, ball joints, tie rod ends
and brake parts can all make noise on a turn if bad to just name a few
that come to mind.

I recommend you find out just what has gone bad before tossing random
parts at it.

Oh and most bad accidents happen within a mile of home eh....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

richlassiter@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Hey guys, I have a '97 TJ, stock, 88K mi, that has recently developed a
> clunk/thunk when you turn, that is steadily worsening, and after doing
> some research on here, and on my jeep, it seems that the sway bar link
> arm and bushings are the problem. I plan on replacing them, but I
> would like some expert advice for a few questions:
>
> #1 - When people refer to the front stabilizer arm, control arm, and
> anti-sway-bar links, are they all talking about the same piece of
> equipment?
>
> #2 - My understanding is that the bushing and the stabilizer arm are
> apt to go bad, but that the actual long 'sway bar' itself, that runs
> parallel to the axel, is unlikely to become damaged. (I am rarely
> off-road, so I expect this to be the case). Since this problem has
> been worsening for a few weeks, I think there is a low likelihood that
> I damaged the sway bar with regular on-pavement driving. Can someone
> second this?
>
> #3 - I need to actually purchase the equipment, and was planning to
> install it myself, even though I haven't done much sort of mechanic
> work on the jeep myself (I want to start! ;). I read about making a
> 'DIY' quick disconnect by using the stock link, and changing the bottom
> bolt with cotter pin. That sounds like a great idea for a $5
> conversion. I saw where an earlier post mentioned buying the links at
> quadratec for $20, but there is no picture.
> (LINK-FRONT STABILIZER 97-04 TJ 52087771) Would $20 be for a pair of
> OEM style links? would this include the bushings? (the guy on the
> phone from quadratec didn't know).
> I found some polyurethane sway bar bushings for $21 at 4WDHardware.com.
> I'm sure they're available elsewhere, that just happened to be the
> catalog I had at my house.
> So, since I don't expect to really need to be disconnecting often in
> the future, would you folks recommend me, mechanical novice, to proceed
> with the stock-style parts, or buy something like the JKS connects for
> $130 or so.
> I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm more concerned
> with value and time at this point (ie, I don't have a lot of free time
> to spend more than a few hours replacing these parts).
>
> #4- since I can't do the replacement today, but I do want to order the
> parts in the next day or two, should I disconnect the links to prevent
> wear-and-tear on my sway bar until I can get the parts replaced? I
> understand that it violates some street-legal aspects of the car, but I
> only have to drive a few miles every day to work and back, and I'm
> capable of driving that with extreme caution.
>
> Thanks a lot for the advice!
>
> rich

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

Why would you want quick disconnects if you don't go off-road a lot?

I don't think you want to drive on the street with them disconnected. I'll
second Mike's comment about finding out exactly what is wrong.

Good luck,
Dennis
<richlassiter@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1107545171.464812.245650@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hey guys, I have a '97 TJ, stock, 88K mi, that has recently developed a
> clunk/thunk when you turn, that is steadily worsening, and after doing
> some research on here, and on my jeep, it seems that the sway bar link
> arm and bushings are the problem. I plan on replacing them, but I
> would like some expert advice for a few questions:
>
> #1 - When people refer to the front stabilizer arm, control arm, and
> anti-sway-bar links, are they all talking about the same piece of
> equipment?
>
> #2 - My understanding is that the bushing and the stabilizer arm are
> apt to go bad, but that the actual long 'sway bar' itself, that runs
> parallel to the axel, is unlikely to become damaged. (I am rarely
> off-road, so I expect this to be the case). Since this problem has
> been worsening for a few weeks, I think there is a low likelihood that
> I damaged the sway bar with regular on-pavement driving. Can someone
> second this?
>
> #3 - I need to actually purchase the equipment, and was planning to
> install it myself, even though I haven't done much sort of mechanic
> work on the jeep myself (I want to start! ;). I read about making a
> 'DIY' quick disconnect by using the stock link, and changing the bottom
> bolt with cotter pin. That sounds like a great idea for a $5
> conversion. I saw where an earlier post mentioned buying the links at
> quadratec for $20, but there is no picture.
> (LINK-FRONT STABILIZER 97-04 TJ 52087771) Would $20 be for a pair of
> OEM style links? would this include the bushings? (the guy on the
> phone from quadratec didn't know).
> I found some polyurethane sway bar bushings for $21 at 4WDHardware.com.
> I'm sure they're available elsewhere, that just happened to be the
> catalog I had at my house.
> So, since I don't expect to really need to be disconnecting often in
> the future, would you folks recommend me, mechanical novice, to proceed
> with the stock-style parts, or buy something like the JKS connects for
> $130 or so.
> I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm more concerned
> with value and time at this point (ie, I don't have a lot of free time
> to spend more than a few hours replacing these parts).
>
> #4- since I can't do the replacement today, but I do want to order the
> parts in the next day or two, should I disconnect the links to prevent
> wear-and-tear on my sway bar until I can get the parts replaced? I
> understand that it violates some street-legal aspects of the car, but I
> only have to drive a few miles every day to work and back, and I'm
> capable of driving that with extreme caution.
>
> Thanks a lot for the advice!
>
> rich
>

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

Why would you want quick disconnects if you don't go off-road a lot?

I don't think you want to drive on the street with them disconnected. I'll
second Mike's comment about finding out exactly what is wrong.

Good luck,
Dennis
<richlassiter@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1107545171.464812.245650@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hey guys, I have a '97 TJ, stock, 88K mi, that has recently developed a
> clunk/thunk when you turn, that is steadily worsening, and after doing
> some research on here, and on my jeep, it seems that the sway bar link
> arm and bushings are the problem. I plan on replacing them, but I
> would like some expert advice for a few questions:
>
> #1 - When people refer to the front stabilizer arm, control arm, and
> anti-sway-bar links, are they all talking about the same piece of
> equipment?
>
> #2 - My understanding is that the bushing and the stabilizer arm are
> apt to go bad, but that the actual long 'sway bar' itself, that runs
> parallel to the axel, is unlikely to become damaged. (I am rarely
> off-road, so I expect this to be the case). Since this problem has
> been worsening for a few weeks, I think there is a low likelihood that
> I damaged the sway bar with regular on-pavement driving. Can someone
> second this?
>
> #3 - I need to actually purchase the equipment, and was planning to
> install it myself, even though I haven't done much sort of mechanic
> work on the jeep myself (I want to start! ;). I read about making a
> 'DIY' quick disconnect by using the stock link, and changing the bottom
> bolt with cotter pin. That sounds like a great idea for a $5
> conversion. I saw where an earlier post mentioned buying the links at
> quadratec for $20, but there is no picture.
> (LINK-FRONT STABILIZER 97-04 TJ 52087771) Would $20 be for a pair of
> OEM style links? would this include the bushings? (the guy on the
> phone from quadratec didn't know).
> I found some polyurethane sway bar bushings for $21 at 4WDHardware.com.
> I'm sure they're available elsewhere, that just happened to be the
> catalog I had at my house.
> So, since I don't expect to really need to be disconnecting often in
> the future, would you folks recommend me, mechanical novice, to proceed
> with the stock-style parts, or buy something like the JKS connects for
> $130 or so.
> I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm more concerned
> with value and time at this point (ie, I don't have a lot of free time
> to spend more than a few hours replacing these parts).
>
> #4- since I can't do the replacement today, but I do want to order the
> parts in the next day or two, should I disconnect the links to prevent
> wear-and-tear on my sway bar until I can get the parts replaced? I
> understand that it violates some street-legal aspects of the car, but I
> only have to drive a few miles every day to work and back, and I'm
> capable of driving that with extreme caution.
>
> Thanks a lot for the advice!
>
> rich
>

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

Why would you want quick disconnects if you don't go off-road a lot?

I don't think you want to drive on the street with them disconnected. I'll
second Mike's comment about finding out exactly what is wrong.

Good luck,
Dennis
<richlassiter@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1107545171.464812.245650@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hey guys, I have a '97 TJ, stock, 88K mi, that has recently developed a
> clunk/thunk when you turn, that is steadily worsening, and after doing
> some research on here, and on my jeep, it seems that the sway bar link
> arm and bushings are the problem. I plan on replacing them, but I
> would like some expert advice for a few questions:
>
> #1 - When people refer to the front stabilizer arm, control arm, and
> anti-sway-bar links, are they all talking about the same piece of
> equipment?
>
> #2 - My understanding is that the bushing and the stabilizer arm are
> apt to go bad, but that the actual long 'sway bar' itself, that runs
> parallel to the axel, is unlikely to become damaged. (I am rarely
> off-road, so I expect this to be the case). Since this problem has
> been worsening for a few weeks, I think there is a low likelihood that
> I damaged the sway bar with regular on-pavement driving. Can someone
> second this?
>
> #3 - I need to actually purchase the equipment, and was planning to
> install it myself, even though I haven't done much sort of mechanic
> work on the jeep myself (I want to start! ;). I read about making a
> 'DIY' quick disconnect by using the stock link, and changing the bottom
> bolt with cotter pin. That sounds like a great idea for a $5
> conversion. I saw where an earlier post mentioned buying the links at
> quadratec for $20, but there is no picture.
> (LINK-FRONT STABILIZER 97-04 TJ 52087771) Would $20 be for a pair of
> OEM style links? would this include the bushings? (the guy on the
> phone from quadratec didn't know).
> I found some polyurethane sway bar bushings for $21 at 4WDHardware.com.
> I'm sure they're available elsewhere, that just happened to be the
> catalog I had at my house.
> So, since I don't expect to really need to be disconnecting often in
> the future, would you folks recommend me, mechanical novice, to proceed
> with the stock-style parts, or buy something like the JKS connects for
> $130 or so.
> I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm more concerned
> with value and time at this point (ie, I don't have a lot of free time
> to spend more than a few hours replacing these parts).
>
> #4- since I can't do the replacement today, but I do want to order the
> parts in the next day or two, should I disconnect the links to prevent
> wear-and-tear on my sway bar until I can get the parts replaced? I
> understand that it violates some street-legal aspects of the car, but I
> only have to drive a few miles every day to work and back, and I'm
> capable of driving that with extreme caution.
>
> Thanks a lot for the advice!
>
> rich
>

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

Thunk thunk when you turn is probably a CV joint.

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

Thunk thunk when you turn is probably a CV joint.

Re: TJ sway bar question
 

Thunk thunk when you turn is probably a CV joint.