Front Sway Bar

Looking to get some input on the pros and cons to removing the front sway bar. From what I've gathered so far, I would be gaining some front wheel independence/articulation for off-roading but would have more body roll through turns. Are there any other considerations to take into account before taking it off? Any additional risks with emergency maneuvers at high speeds?
For reference purposes, I have the full MCM mid-travel setup (~3" lift) and larger tires.

For anyone that's considered removing it but hasn't, what were your reasons?
For anyone that has removed it, what were the main reasons and would you recommend it?

 

If your truck is lifted, you’ll have a very hard time controlling the sways on the highways from the wind among other things. In my opinion, the ride quality is severely compromised because the Tundras are big heavy vehicles. Plus, the safety issues associated with the truck not being properly controlled.

How that I know these things, it’s because I did it to one of my old 1999 Ram once. I modified the truck for hunting purposes by removing the front sway bar and lifting it 8” it was tough driving off-road, but, it got the job done. However, I could not control the truck much, for street driving.

If this is your primary vehicle for commuting, I would strongly suggest that you leave it alone.

 

Mine is removed for over a year now. 2010 Crewmax 4x4. Stock wheels, AT tires stock size. 2.5 inch lift, King shocks, 500lb springs on front, stock leafs on rear with Roadmaster helper springs. Shocks are pressurized to 200 psi. I don't have compression adjusters. At this set up, the roll is manageable. With 600 lbs in bed (gravel bags), the truck doesn't roll as much. Off road feel is excellent due to more articulation on the front suspension.

You can try it for a few days or for a day for both road and off road driving. If you have compression adjusters, you can play with the setting to minimize some roll. Play with the truck and know it's behavior/limitations. And then from there, decide.

I haven't towed with this set up or have hauled items with high center of gravity. I have a rear trd sway bar also from my previous Tundra that I can install quickly.

I recommend no sway bar off road for technical trails. For high speed off road driving, no comment cause I have not done fast off road Baja Racing style. And my front springs are not stiff enough.

 

I have the ADS setup too. I drive hwy 17 in Ca. all too often. This road is less than 20 mi long and averages 3 accidents per day, 980+ in 2017. I've got no problem handling the curves (I don't drive like a blue haired raisin either) at the speed limit and above. I, of course never speed.
But really, if you take it off and don't like it,,,,, put it back on. Only takes a few minutes.

 

I was a bit cautious about removing mine. I daily drive my truck and so far it's been fine. I'm actually surprised how well it handles without sway bars. I have 650 pound springs on my ADS shocks up front. Worst case like @831Tun said you can always put the sway bar back on.

 

So do you keep the gravel bags in your vehicle for regular street driving? I noticed that you do not have an aggressive lift on your truck, so that minimizes the role and maximize the wind resistance with a truck without front sway bar. I would describe the driveability experience that I had with my Ram back then, as driving a lifted Jeep Wrangler. I always felt drained after driving that truck. Plus, I believed that I gained a lot of upper body and arm muscle definition

 

Really appreciate the feedback, guys. Stoked that a couple of fellow ADS owners have removed theirs with favorable results. I have the 700lb springs and clickers up front so I feel like I can tune a bit more to account for the sway bar than if I had stock or non-adjustable shocks. The rear I have the Deaver U748 with the 3-way bypass ADS shocks (which I might swap for the non-adjustable bypass ones but that's for another thread). I think between the adjust-ability I have with the suspension, and the modest amount of lift, I'm leaning towards removing it and to at least try it out.

It's a stupid reason but I've been holding off trying it because my skid plate is hard to put back on with the diff drop lol but I could use the ab workout anyway.

 

I've got the 700lb springs and clickers too. I've gotten used to the body roll. I feel it's just as sure footed on the road as before, though physics may disagree.

 

What do you run the dampening at for the front for daily driving? I have mine at +10 clicks from the softest setting and feel it's pretty good overall; not too soft but still handles good.

 

+3 clicks from soft.

 

And my nitrogen is at 200psi

 

A bit off topic but... when you come to a somewhat abrupt complete stop, can you feel a fast, but low displacement, bouncing (not sure how else to explain it). If I run below 10 clicks it feels bouncy from the stiff spring. Thinking a heavier bumper would stop that but curious if it's just me.

 

I haven't noticed anything like that. I'll be paying attention next time I drive it though. Do you know what valve stack you've got?

 

No idea. I just talked to Matt and told him what I wanted to do with the truck and what I was looking for... didn't get into the different valving.

 

Pretty much what I did too. And I don't know what I've got. I know it's not a flutter stack.
I wonder if a little nitrogen might be the call for ya. It' certainly doesn't hurt to have it checked.

 

I have a 6" lift with devers, fox 2.5 coilovers with DSCs on the front and for 2.0 on the rear... Removed them and never looked back. I do a lot of daily driving as well as heavy off-road in AZ... You will love it .

 

Took the sway bar off today. Only went for a quick drive so far but no noticeable difference in handling. I'll post up again if I start uncontrollably half-piping the road at 80mph.