Sway bars and air bag conversion

**MLD** · 10th December 2018, 06:32 PM

I'm planning on an air bag conversion in the new year. Read most i could find on the topic from the likes TimNZ, Bush65, Hally, Cal415, Isuzurover, Rovercare and Rangier Rover. One point that hasn't received air play is the need for sway bars with air bags. The mechanic that will do the work says sway bars are recommended if you want to avoid scaring yourself. Anyone with bags on 4 corners care to offer their real world experience. Before people start speculating about the base knowledge of the mechanic. He has bags on his 110 for several years now and is working on air bag conversions on a regular basis to have a valid opinion.

The second part of the query alternatives to X eng disconnect sway bar for a long travel set up. Is there a home made solution?

thanks in advance

**weeds** · 10th December 2018, 07:57 PM

Will be following this thread for sure.....I only have bags on the rear with no sway bar...still have sway bar up front.

I have moved my shocks outbound and considering bags up front, I would have assumed I’d be keeping the bar.

**grey_ghost** · 10th December 2018, 08:00 PM

I am no mechanic or expert. But my understanding is that a sway bar prevents twisting - so regardless of airbags, coils or springs - I think that its a good idea for handling...

**Cammo** · 11th December 2018, 04:33 PM

I followed cal415 to the expo one year when it was in Castle Hill. I know he had at least 1 swaybar removed. I cannot remember which one. He definitely "rolled" earlier, and further, and for longer than I did. But under normal highway driving I didn't think it was too bad. Roundabouts and emergency maneuvers could very well be a different story.

LRA do disconnects I believe... even a pneumatic one if your wallet stretches that far

**MLD** · 11th December 2018, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by Cammo

I followed cal415 to the expo one year when it was in Castle Hill. I know he had at least 1 swaybar removed. I cannot remember which one. He definitely "rolled" earlier, and further, and for longer than I did. But under normal highway driving I didn't think it was too bad. Roundabouts and emergency maneuvers could very well be a different story.

LRA do disconnects I believe... even a pneumatic one if your wallet stretches that far

Ta Cammo, i'm hoping that Mick or the others pipe up.

I looked at the LRA manual hub disconnect sway bars, they say it's for Land Rover, RRC, D1 and D2. I haven't asked if they include Defenders. It's a pricey bit of kit. Chook used a bolt with a cone head and pin but said it was a RPITA to refit on uneven ground. Mick made a good point about adjusting the bags to suit the height to reconnect. This might be a cheap alternative. Ironically i'm happy to pay top $ for some things, but sway bar disconnects is hard to justify the $ asked.

**Vern** · 11th December 2018, 07:12 PM

Rovercare had sway bars on his (x-eng deflex on the rear), and it needed it. It did handle very well with that bar.

**Ranga** · 11th December 2018, 09:05 PM

I only have bags in the rear, and am very happy with the difference made by a Terrafirma heavy duty sway bar. Unladen it corners much better, and with the ~600kg camper on the tray, it behaves much better. Not cheap, but worth it.

**steveG** · 11th December 2018, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Vern

Rovercare had sway bars on his (x-eng deflex on the rear), and it needed it. It did handle very well with that bar.

And from memory he also had issues with bending/twisting the arms as they weren't strong enough.

That bit of gear is essentially a torsion bar with a locking hub for the disconnect.

Steve.

**steveG** · 12th December 2018, 04:06 PM

Just did a bit of digging as I was keen to refresh my memory.

Here's the thread: https://www.aulro.com/afvb/archive/i.../t-114567.html

Rovercare's post on 24 March 2011 refers to it being "very rolly" without the bar fitted.

Steve

**MLD** · 12th December 2018, 05:43 PM

Thanks Steve

the wisdom of those that know have fitted one to the rear. What about the front?

I had a google look at the LRA kit. The rear seems to use 2 straight pieces not a curved arm like the D Flex version. The front torsion bar is mounted forward of the diff. If my googling is correct the RRC is a rear of diff mount like the Defender which means some welding is required. For an air bag conversion it would interfere with the shock if the shock is mounted forward of the diff.

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