Front Sway Bar Disconect for 2 Wheel Drive?

[PhotographerMike]

I'm happy with my rear drive only '96 but had a question about off road driving and front wheel drop.

Since the front wheels can't pull me out, should I leave the sway bar connected to keep the wheels from dropping too much and getting stuck in a hole?

I see front the flex with disco'd 4wd and I "think" I don't want to go there.

I have a PowerTrax limited slip in back so should be able to keep going foreward if I don't follow the people in the Modified Tech section too far.

Thanks,
Mike

[CommandoXJ96]

im no expert; but i know if you disconnect the front end - you 'll have better pressure/traction to your rear wheels in situations where you might otherwise not have them planted as well. other then that - it wont help your front end in the traction department.

[rocklandxjer]

Why do you "think" that you don't want to "go there"

disconnecting your sway bar allows your front axle to droop. when your terrain changes, you need this downtravel (or uptravel) to keep all four tires on the ground. with one tire in the air (even in 2wd) youll have uneven weight distribution creating slip and less traction.

also, sometimes in some situations, you need front flex to keep your REAR tires on the ground. luckily you have a locker, but i think it would be smarter to keep the tires on the ground and drive through an obstacle, rather than risk breaking a shaft or somehting trying to push your locker to get you through...

[PhotographerMike]

When I look at some of the "wheeling" photos the front wheels are hitting rock faces straight on and crawling up and over. Since all I can do is push forward I was thinking it might be better to keep the fronts as level as possable even if one was off the ground.

"Luckily you have a locker" yea, nothing like getting stuck on wet grass . . . (We went to the Los Angeles Auto Show last night and when I looked under one of the new Wranglers I discovered that you can get one with 2wd, now that could be embarrassing.)

This is my D.D. and I don't have the time or $ to break and fix, besides I just want be comfortable with my ability to get back home under my own power.

And thanks for all the help! I will probably be loosening things up before we take it out again.

Other opinions still accepted though.

[rocklandxjer]

its really quick to take them off.

leave em hooked up until you feel the need for more flex. believe me, correct weight distribution will help significantly even in a 2wd. the flex helps a lot.

[badron]

I my self run in 2WD 85% of the time anyway (off road) . So do many others on the easy trails around here. The extra flex with disconnect has proven itself many times over in 2WD. If anything you will see a bigger improvement in 2WD with them then a 4WD will.
You have just 2 wheel to push you along. Do anything you can to keep them on the ground.
Try unbolting the stock rods and give it a try. If you don't think it helps. No money spent.
Hang in there, you are NOT the only dud willing to take a 2WD offing and loving it
What gears you running?.

[PhotographerMike]

Hang in there, you are NOT the only dud willing to take a 2WD offing and loving it
What gears you running?.

I hope you meant "dude" or are you trying to tell us 2wd'ers something??

I bought the Jeep partly to replace a 1977 Chevy Caprice that Calif. Air Resources Board was willing to pay $1000- to get off the street. I needed something to haul stuff for work. Plus, years ago (before 20+ yr. old kids) we had a DYI off road VW bug. The Jeep replaces a car and distant memories.

Now for the Cherokee;

Interestingly optioned 1996 SE. 4 cyl., 5 speed manual, Chry. 8 1/4 diff. W/4.11 GEARS, two door, HD alt, HD cooling, air, cruise, AND "Bright Jade Satin Glow" paint with "Show Vehicle Tracking", which according to my neighbor who works for D.C.; "Usually means special attention to exterior paint, sometimes an extra coat of paint. May or may not have been used as a display vehicle at a show." I might add, it sure looks nice.

And since so many factory parts bolt right up I've added a bit more; Full gauge cluster, more interior lights than I really need, factory skid and hitch, heavy duity rear springs off a 2001 and soon 4 door pockets.
Non factory items; 235/70SR-15 Firestone Destination A/T tires, Brembo rotors, Monroe Gas-Matic shocks, modified the gas tank to hold 23+ gallons and more than I want my wife to know about . . .
The PowerTrax came from a fellow NAXJA member who was so excited to find one he forgot his rear end was 29 spline, mines 27.

Just a note for those of you that haven't joined NAXJA;

Spend the $$ and JOIN NAXJA!

I've saved several $100- using info here and learned how to modify and repair more than I possably could without "YOUR" help.

Mike