Install the Explorer Express Rear Sway Bar

on your Sport Trac

by Pat Freeman

May 29, 2002

Explorer Express sells an upgraded sway bar for our Explorer Sport Tracs. Part number ZD5622 (1.125” sway bar) in the online Explorer Express X Spec suspension catalog provides increased handling and includes the split collets which prevent the bar from moving laterally inside the bushings. The Sport Trac corners much better after performing this upgrade! There's no need to jack the ST. Some feedback from others that installed the bar said it was easier to access everything with the spare tire removed. Some also felt it was easier to install the bar by disconnecting the lower shock bolts, getting the shocks out of the way.

The Sway Bar comes with poly bushings, a tube of grease and split collets.

 Identify the 18mm and 13mm nut and bolts which connect the sway bar to the axle and linkage.

Use a 18mm socket on the linkage nut.

And a 13mm wrench on the axle bolt. A wrench is preferred due to little clearance with the shock.

Remove the nuts and bolts on both sides of the bar.

Disconnect the linkage and twist & shift the bar to get it out. 

Here you can see the difference in sizes, stock bar on top.

Twist & shift the new bar into position. Slide the linkage bolts through and attach an

axle bolt to hold it in place on both sides of the bar. Open the grease package and coat

the inside of the bushings. They split in the back, so open them and slide them over the bar.

Check to make sure the bar is centered on the axle, then install and tighten the axle bolts.

Then, install and tighten the linkage nuts.

The bar is installed.

Finally, install the split collets on the inside of both bushings. Use a 3/16" allen wrench.

If you are not satisfied with the bar being evenly centered on the axle, remove your collets, loosen the axle bolts, slide the bar, tighten the axle bolts and resinstall the collets. Enjoy the improved handling of your new Sway Bar!