2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Pic Needed: '94 Rear Sway Bar Attachment

[Extreme1]

I'm trying to get a '99 rear swaybar installed and my '94 axle housing doesn't have the same mounting that the newer trucks have. I've got the fische of both the '94 and '99 rear bar assemblies but the '94 looks like it attaches to an auxilery bracket. My dealer checked the rear axle fische (it's not on the swaybar fische) and says it's part of the housing. I'd appreciate it if someone could take a picture of a rear factory ** '94 *(Edit - it did say '99)* install and post it (or send it to me) so I can see more detail.



The fische does call out the same bars, grommets, grommet retainers, link brackets and stud plates but different links. I might end up fabbing the bracket and welding it on to make mine attach like the newer trucks. If someone also has a pic of the newer bracket (front of the lower driver side shock bracket on the rear diff) I'd appreciate that too.



Dang, I was at Scheid's last week and I probably could have photographed a few of each.

 

[jabird]

Eric, stop trying to get your truck to handel like a sports car. If you need, I'll drive up and bolt the thing in for you

 

[Extreme1]

Thanks for the offer Jeff, I'll be at an autocross tomorrow (Sunday) but Monday is W I D E open. You probably wouldn't mind getting out of the XX chromosome triple threat around the house anyway. I'll even buy the beer!



You're welcome.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

On my '96 the bar bolts to the lower shock brackets. There are 3 holes in the bottom of each of these. The bar mounts to the middle & rear holes on the passenger side, middle and front holes on driver's side.



There are two holes in the frame on each side which the end bracket pieces bolt up.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Photos

Hope these help. My truck is a '96 with an '01 swaybar which bolted right up.



Top two pics are taken from the rear of the truck. Bottom pick is looking toward back of truck.

 

[Extreme1]

Thanks Vaughn! I think I'm going to have to fab some brackets and weld them on after modifying my brackets. My lower shock mounts don't look anything like that. They stick rearward on the driver side and forward on the passenger side. There are 2 holes that are about half a hole off from lining up with the bushing retainers but they aren't in line with each other. The bottom surface is also tipped the direction that the bracket sticks out, driver side up toward the rear, passanger side up toward the front. I'll try posting some pics.

 

[Joe G.]

I don't think the '94 had a stock sway bar in the rear. There was an article in the TDR mag a few years ago by John Holmes describing installing a sway bar on his '94. My '95 does not have one either.

 

[Extreme1]

It was an option, I have the fische showing it. I'll have to get my scanner working to post it.



The '94 (and probably the '95) put the swaybar on top of the diff. All parts are the same except for the links (probably shorter). The brackets on the diff look like bolt ons but my dealer thinks they are welded to the housing - no seperate part number.



Joe, do you recall which issue that was that John installed the bar? If you don't have it off the top of your head I can look it up, I have them all.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

My lower shock mounts don't look anything like that. They stick rearward on the driver side and forward on the passenger side. There are 2 holes that are about half a hole off from lining up with the bushing retainers but they aren't in line with each other. The bottom surface is also tipped the direction that the bracket sticks out, driver side up toward the rear, passanger side up toward the front. I'll try posting some pics.

My shock mounts are as you describe . . . point rearward on passenger side (first photo above) & forward on driver's side (2nd photo from top). They tilt the same way as you describe too. Is the difference with yours mainly the bolt holes and/or your brackets are shaped differently?



One difference I'm sure of. . . your axle is probably cleaner than mine



Vaughn

 

[Joe G.]

Joe, do you recall which issue that was that John installed the bar? If you don't have it off the top of your head I can look it up, I have them all.

No I don't. It's been some time.



Was it an option for the diesel powered trucks? I think I recall quite a bit of complaining about it. I don't recall it being an option when I bought mine. If it had been I would have bought it. I got every option except the pen striping.

 

[Extreme1]

My shock mounts are as you describe . . . point rearward on passenger side (first photo above) & forward on driver's side (2nd photo from top). They tilt the same way as you describe too. Is the difference with yours mainly the bolt holes and/or your brackets are shaped differently?



One difference I'm sure of. . . your axle is probably cleaner than mine



Vaughn

The bracket on mine is shorter. On yours the bar attaches to both and is parallel to the axle, the brackets on mine are shorter and if I got the bar mounted to it it would be at about a 5-10 degree angle.



I'll try to get the fische posted, you can see it on there.

 

[drtrox]

There was a TSB 02-01-96 Rev A that addressed installing the auxiliary springs and sway bar. You can view it here: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996/02-01-96A.htm check out line #21 (Figure 12) as it shows the necessary bracket (that you could fabricate) to complete the install

 

[jabird]

Eric, if you come down here you have the use of the mig and the tig. That is if you finally show me why I cant weld aluminum correctly with the tig.

 

[Extreme1]

drtrox: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Oo. I'll call my "Friendly Local Dodge Dealer" tomorrow and see what the TDR discount is for the brackets and the link bracket template (no holes for those either). Actually, thanks to all of you for the help! Once again TDR pays for itself. This site has almost saved me as much in parts and time as it has cost me in "improvements".



OK, maybe the "money saved" number it's still a bit short of the "improvements" number in the financial spreadsheet but without it, I'd be driving a stocker with a shift kit.

Eric, if you come down here you have the use of the mig and the tig. That is if you finally show me why I cant weld aluminum correctly with the tig.

I think I see the problem, the frequency of electricity at your house just isn't 60 Hz like it should be, my Miller Mig works great. You better bring that TIG up here to test and leave it here to make sure it isn't the weather or something. You can always cruise up here to use it!



The Fische:

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Dr Trox saves the day



Yep those brackets are a lot different than mine Extreme1

 

[Bob4x4]

It was an option, I have the fische showing it. I'll have to get my scanner working to post it.



The '94 (and probably the '95) put the swaybar on top of the diff. All parts are the same except for the links (probably shorter). The brackets on the diff look like bolt ons but my dealer thinks they are welded to the housing - no seperate part number.



Joe, do you recall which issue that was that John installed the bar? If you don't have it off the top of your head I can look it up, I have them all.

The 94 did not have a sway bar option... ... ..... how ever there was a retrofit kit that was released later,about 96 I think,It was a camper pkg with brackets,and helper springs. I installed it on my 94,the sway bar mount under the axle similiar to the factory install of later years. The center bushing brackets are a little different and you have to drill the frame for the link mounts. It made a night and day difference in cornering. The helper springs are just like later year production pieces



Bob

 

[Extreme1]

Thanks Bob, the upper fische on the first page is the '94 sway bar install. It might have been a later option or something but for some reason they have a parts list for it.



The TSB drtrox posted (2/1/96) is the retrofit you are refering to. Unfortunatly, the brackets are no longer available and there are none in dealer stock anywhere.



I guess I'll have to fab something after all.



UPDATE: The complete kit is available. $367



I guess I'll still have to fab something...