Sway bar on FX4 lvl II

[drzee]

Sorry if this question has already been addressed, couldn't find another thread.

I have a 2007 FX4 Level II, bought it new and always had it serviced by the local Ford dealer. I had a flat last week and changing the tire I noticed the front sway bar is not connected. No sway bar link to the lower control arm, both sides. It looks like it was just never there. Makes my life easier if I put a lift on, but was this normal from the factory to not connect the sway bar? I couldn't find anything in the manual on this.

Anyone else have this?

 

[adsm08]

That is most certainly not normal. Think about it logically? What purpose could it serve if it's not connected to anything?

The links are a common failure point. One breaks, all the force is transferred to the other, and then it breaks. They probably broke and fell out along the road.

Go get new aftermarket ones. Ford's design was weakened by the fact that the sheaths retain water and make them corrode faster. The Moog ones don't do that.

 

[drzee]

Thanks for the quick reply,
If these did break on the road, wouldn't something still be connected? A bolt or bushing at least? - there is nothing at all on the control arm or the sway bar, on either side.

I'll take a look at the Moog ones, thanks

 

[adsm08]

What usually happens is the bolt head pops off and all the crap that builds up inside keeps the lower part from falling out.

If you drove around like that for a while I'd be surprised if they were still there.