Sway Bar Disconnects
Well, not being satisfied with paying ~$500 for anti-swaybar disconnects, I
decided to fab up my own, and have been testing them for the last 2 weeks;
I'm pleased to say that they seem to work perfectly, and are true quick
disconnects, but reconnecting takes a little more time ...
Here's the parts list to create 1 disconnect (you need 4 for the whole truck)
1 universal hitch pin, 5/8" diameter
2 snap rings or pins, largest size you can fit in the hitch (I found it to
be 1/8" with the universal hitch pin I used) ... the 2nd is a safety factor
in case the first one breaks
2 washers to fit over hitch pin
1 bronze collar, ID 5/8", OD 3/4"
The collar is necessary because the ID of the bushings on the joints is
3/4", but the ID of the anti-swaybar is 5/8" ... I know, I know, they're
metric, but these sizes work, and are a heck of a lot easier to find at
your local hardware store.
The images should explain everything; The above picture shows all of the component
parts (I ended up getting 2 collars, and cutting the 2nd in half to fit
perfectly inside the bushings); Below you can see what it looks like put
together; The first picture shows it installed. Disconnection is easy, pull the
pins, push out the universal hitch pin, and lash the bar to bumper in the
rear via zip ties, and to the frame in the front. Reconnection takes a
little elbow grease to get everything tight, but requires no tools :-)
That's it! Can't believe I waited so long to make these up ... usual
disclaimers apply, in that if you snap a pin while taking a corner too
fast, and the bar disconnects, it ain't my fault! I suggest you check them
often, at least everytime you fill up.
