Mag Hytec on Dana 80, Rear Sway Bar on 98

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When my mag-hytec was installed a 1" spacer was placed on the passenger side sway bar bracket. 1. It appears to have negatively affected the ride and 2. I don't see why it was necessary. It looks to me like there would be enough room without it. Anyone else have the max-hytec on their dana 80? Did the sway bar require a spacer? I wouldn't expect the spacer to change the ride characteristics but since they only put a spacer on one side the bars geometry has been altered. Seems like the smart thing would be to put a spacer on both sides if a spacer is required -- so the bars geometry isn't altered.

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Big MAK
https://www.turbodieseltrucks.com

 

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I just put my Mag HT Dana 80 cover on last weekend, and I'm happy to share what I found... .

Before I started, it sure looked to me like there was enough room all along, but just in case, I bought the spacer since they said I would need it.

Well, I started the job by loosening the shock bolts and sway bar mount just like it says to. My sway bar mounting pads already had 3 holes drilled in them, which allows two different positions, so I figured all I had to do was move them. Well, after trying to get the damn sway bar stud plate loose for a few minutes, I said screw this, and proceeded to swap covers and see how the new one fit.

The result??? The Mag HT cover fit perfectly like a glove, with ample clearance around the bar. The shape of my bar actually looks like it was designed for the Mag cover. Could it be that DC actually... . NOT! Only thing I can think of is maybe they changed the shape of the bar since '98. 5 and earlier, because the guys at Mag HT swore I would need the spacer.

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'99 3500 QC 4x2, Auto, white/agate, 4. 10 LSD, camping & towing pkg. , Mag-Hytec rear cover & trans. pan, Auto Meter gages, Mopar bed liner & mud flaps, Tekonsha Sentinel brake controller, Rancho step rails

'97 Pace American 28' "Aerosport" tag race car trailer

 

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Thanks for the input "drag racer".
Now -- anyone whos ever removed the rear sway bar. I'm going to take that spacer out and am wondering if there is anything peculiar about it I should be prepared for. Do I have to take the weight of the rear axle first? Or can I remove it while the trucks setting on the ground? Any tension in the bar requiring me to jack it up? Or will I be able to bolt it right back in place?

Thanks!

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Big MAK
98. 5 ISB 5spd 4x4 Quad Cab 3500, 4" Exhaust elbow down, PowerMax1
https://www.turbodieseltrucks.com

 

[Archive]

Hey Mark, you shouldn't have to support the truck in any way to remove that spacer. I put the spacer on mine and didn't have any problems, but now I'm thinking about going back under there and taking it off to see if I have clearance. My question to you is where was the difference in the ride? I haven't noticed a difference unloaded or when towing. I also have a 2wd.

John

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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 5 spd, 4:10 LSD rear, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Speedliner spray in bed-liner, Smittybuilt step rails.
Rammin' and Runnin' the roads

 

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The rear-end has a lot more bounce. Does the sway bar have any effect on rear end bounce? I thought it might but perhaps not.

 

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I don't think it effects bounce, just side to side motion unloaded or loaded. I get bounce in my truck, but not like my old 95 1500. Heavier truck. I'll probably leave the spacer in since I haven't noticed any difference. It took me an hour and a half to put the damn thing on and an hour of that was the drilling! To much effort put in to undo, you know what I mean?

John

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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 5 spd, 4:10 LSD rear, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Speedliner spray in bed-liner, Smittybuilt step rails.
Rammin' and Runnin' the roads

 

[Archive]

Received a response from Ron at Mag Hytec; and my suspicions are correct. A spacer is NOT needed on a 4x4. So off it comes.


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Big MAK
98. 5 ISB 5spd 4x4 Quad Cab 3500, 4" Exhaust elbow down, PowerMax1
https://www.turbodieseltrucks.com