Ford F150 - Sway bar hits steering linkage on lifted F150

little_monster_truck

I have a 2000 F150 S-CAB with a 4" Trailmaster lift kit. I had an alignment done about 6 months ago and the guy adjusted everything, Caster, Camber, and Toe-in. I had a problem recently with the sway bar hitting the center linkage on the steering crossmember (looks like a long tubular A-frame, stock or with the lift, I don't know) and there is a short (about 6-7" long) tie-rod that attaches from the center of the frame in the front to the crossmember. It broke the 5/16 light grade plate that connects the linkage to the crossmember, so I welded it and put it back in, but when I hit a bump it hits again and broke it again. I now re-manned one out of hardened 1/4" plate in our shop so it WILL NOT break, but now it is on to the next weakest link to break. How do I put more room between the center of the sway bar and the linkage (short tie-rod) so it doesn't break more next time. I have tried tightening as well as loosening the torsion bars, but it doesn't help, or not enough. I need some advice quick before my front end is mutilated.
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Fat Chicks can't jump... So, lift your truck high.

forddope · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 11:16 pm Post subject:

since you have the facilities to fab stuff, would it help or is it possible to lower the mounting points/brackets where the anti-sway bar would normally be mounted to the frame? obviously i can't really see what your up against, so i'm just brainstorming on what or how you might take the stock components and remount or modify them to be in a more stock-type configuration.

500hpf150 · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:21 am Post subject:

sorry to get off the subject little monster truck but what size tires are u running

little_monster_truck · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

little_monster_truck · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

Raven129 · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:00 pm Post subject:

I'd just get rid of the sway bar, it just limits your articulation when off-roading.

little_monster_truck · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 8:13 am Post subject:

Would getting rid of the sway bar adversely affect handling or anything as far as on road driving because this is also my daily driver. Thanks!
_________________
Fat Chicks can't jump... So, lift your truck high.

supercrew dude · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: sway bar!!!

You know I just ran upon this same issue I gotta 02 supercrew with a fabtech lift on 20s/35s. But supposed to hear back from head tech guy @ fabtech tomm. Will keep you posted!

supercrew dude · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: sway bar!!!

You know I just ran upon this same issue I gotta 02 supercrew with a fabtech lift on 20s/35s. But supposed to hear back from head tech guy @ fabtech tomm. Will keep you posted!

supercrew dude · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject: sway bar!!!

Well I received a call from fabtech this morning and they said if the sway bar was not flipped then this needs to be done and that should handle the problem! well good luck!

little_monster_truck · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 6:44 pm Post subject:

I think it is the stock sway bar, anyway, took it in to my buddy at the local Muffler Man and he fixed my upper balljoint, suspension problem, and gave it an alignment when he was done. I was impressed, it was done right, and it works perfectly now... Anyways, thanks!