Suspension Questions

I've got one of the freak years ('96-'97) Rodeo LS 4wd. Love the thing and plan on keeping it, but the suspension is pretty sloppy and needs, at the least, new sway bar bushings (the front ones are about to fall out where the bar mounts to the frame).
Here's the problem- no one makes a sway bar kit (including Calmini and Energy Suspension) for '96- strictly '91-'95. I've had a look at the stabilizer links in front, and they are pretty "different" looking. Universal bushings for the frame mounts can be had, but I'm outta luck when it comes to buying off-the-shelf stabilizer bushings or end links of any kind. It appears that i'm equally out of when looking for an upgrade for the bars themselves.

Does anyone know if the '91-'95 bars/stabilizer links can fit to the '96?
Thanks

I dont know if your sway bar links are the same as the '98+ years but if they are check out http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB86&Number=807668&Forum=c15&Words=sway%20%2Blink&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=807668&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=25706&daterange=1&newerval=1&newertype=y&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post807668

As far as mount bushings, just measure the diameter of the bar (slide an open end wrench on it to measure, if a 1" wrench fits perfectly then its a 1" bar). Then measure the distance between bolts for the correct mount size and order a set of prothane or energy suspension mounts to fit. You'll be much happier.

If you post the bar size and distance for the bolts I know we can find the right part number for you.

I feel your pain - have one of the odd-ball year's myself.

Can't find any aftermarket accessories for this year; but had an earlier '91 Rodeo that I could have bought everything for.

Gizmo- excellent, great idea! my stabilizer link looks almost exactly like the newer ones. It took me awhile to figure out that they aren't bushed (right?).
I'll locate the frame mount bushings from energy this week, and have everything on this weekend- provided it doesn't get above 107.
Thanks again.

Right, no bushings on the end links. They are a cheap ball and socket design. The four "dots" on the cup are actually whats holding them together. They pulled through on one of mine and the ball and socket seperated. A lifetime of working on race cars made me think of heim joints and I liked the idea of making 2 better links for $40 rather then buying 1 poorly desinged link for $30.

This design also allows you to make them longer when you lift your rodeo. And you WILL lift it if you keep reading these boards :rofl:

Gizmo...am actually thinking about a 2" pre-runner lift (especially since my front torsion bars are pretty anemic at this point), re-bushing the sway bars with urethane, and a set of 18" x 8's w/ 285/60's (this ends up being close to a 31"x11")

Will "lifted" shocks be neccessary for a 2" lift?
Thanks