1. Has anyone consider a spring over axle conversion in the rear?
Why/Why not?

2. Has anyone tried removing the front sway bar for better articulation when off-roading? Is there a safety concern?

Richard

Originally posted by hobbes69
1. Has anyone consider a spring over axle conversion in the rear?
Why/Why not?

2. Has anyone tried removing the front sway bar for better articulation when off-roading? Is there a safety concern?

Richard

1. Lots of people have considered it. I don't think anybody's done it.

2. Lots of people do it off-road. I believe many people have quick disconnects, so they can put them back on after getting off the trail. I don't, but I know people who do.

The bad thing about removing the front sway bar for off-roading is it is a little bit of a pain in the butt. If you have to drive any distance, you want it on there for the drive. You can just pull the links, but then the sway bar will clang and bang off-road. If you have zip ties or something maybe you can tie it up. Those who have air capabilities (power tank, CO2 or on-board air) can simply bring an air gun and pop it off in minutes. Those who don't have to do it the old fashioned way, by hand tools. I removed my rear with my new suspension system since it really is no longer needed. But the front will stay until I get to a serious destination and I will use my impact gun to remove it prior to the off-roading and reinstall it afterwards.

This thread has a conversation about SPOA conversion:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t5440.html

This will give you 5"+ lift in the rear with stock springs, and make a harsher ride with more axle wrap. Replacing springs with a National spring set like SLR's or AC's will be prohibited due to their increased thickness, makein lift in the rear more like 8". Diff breather tubes and brake lines would need to be addressed as well. Driveline angle issues should at least be thought about before doing something like this.

If one were to do a SPOA, it would probably be best to remove the stock rear forward spring perch (discussed in other threads as well).

Keep in mind that the largest front end lift at the moment is 3". Can we say Starsky and Hutch? I would say that the SPOA is not the way to go unless you are doing an SAS in the front, or Trailmaster comes out with a 4+ inch lift similar to their 4" lift available for the Harbody and Pathy.

I've got a B&D cordless 6V drill that is more than up to the task of removing and re-installing my front swaybar endlinks. Just keep a nice coat of anti-sieze on the threads and all you need is the drill with the correct socket on the end and the appropriate wrench to hold the nut at the top and you'll have 'em on and off in a minute or two.

Brent

War was talking about removing the whole bar. I often disco on trails and find that my swaybar has hit my tierod adjusters. When the SB is disco'ed I hear it banging around a lot.

My QD's have a plastic knob on the end so I can remove them in only a couple minutes with just a socket. I forget the size, 14mm?

What I'd really like to see is somebody stick some Unimog portal axles under their Xterra.

http://www.superjens.com/junk/mogaxle.jpg

There's a guy on the 4x4parts.com board that just started the process of putting his Hardbody body and engine on top of a 'Mog chassis and driveline: The Unissamog!

Brent

Actually that pic I posted up there is from a guy here on Vancouver Island who just put the 'mog parts underneath his Bronco or Blazer or whatever it is. He calls it Hulk (how original), there's a write up here:
Unibrow ... I mean Unibroke ... nono Unibronc ... (http://www.bc4x4.com/fv/2002/hulk/)