WabFab Swaybar Quick Disconnect Installation
I know I should have practiced what I preach. I have an excuse, though it may not be a good one, I got lazy. We lifted the 4Runner at the end of 2010 but neglected to upgrade the swaybar end links. Fast forward four years and I begin to notice the 4Runner, which is tipsy because of the Lexus rear suspension, begins to exhibit a lot of body roll around corners and seemed unstable on the interstate. Low and behold our front driver-side swaybar end link had snapped, rendering the swaybar useless. It was time to call up Brian at WabFab Off-Road and buy a set of his 3rd-Gen End Links.
Specifications:
- zinc coated and galvanized for rust resistance
- no welding or drilling required
- completely bolt on
- all metric hardware
- new Energy Suspension end link bushings (red)
- adjustable for various lift heights
- Price: $300 (as tested)
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| New Quick Disconnect vs OEM End Link |
Installation:
I chose to purchase WabFab's 1996-2002 4Runner Front Quick Disconnects and Rear End Links package so that I could go ahead and replace all four end links. I chose the front quick disconnect option so that I could disconnect the front sway bar for added articulation while traveling off road (look for a test on that later) and they were the same base price ($165) as the standard end link.
Installation was very straight forward. I jacked the 4Runner up and supported the frame and axle on jack stands. I then removed the tires to gain access to the end links and set out to remove the links. Brian has provided a simple how-to, on his website, which explains the steps it takes to remove the old end links and properly install and align the new set. The installation was quick and our 4Runner is back to normal! We are running Old Man Emu 882 coils up front with our Nitrocharger struts. This is the very suspension combination Brian modeled the front end link dimensions from. If you are running a slightly smaller lift, the excess length can be cut off using a saw.
The added benefit of going with the WabFab End Links is they are longer than OEM end links. As you increase the suspension height, the frame moves away from the axle/lower control arm and causes both the end link and swaybar to rotate. The added length allows the swaybars on lifted vehicles to sit more in the original position, improving the swaybar's performance and overall vehicle handling. This is something we look forward to on our next adventure!