Outer Tie Rod End Contacting Sway Bar on 05 KJ 3in Lift

[JasonTheOverlander]

Has anyone else had issues on lifted Liberties with tie rods contacting the sway bar? It happens at full lock on both sides. When turning to the right the left outer tie rod end contacts the sway bar and vice versa. At first I thought I had installed the outer tie rod ends on opposite sides because they do have a weird curve to them and are not identical, but I checked and they are both labeled R and L and installed on the correct sides. However, it appears that if I were to switch them, I would have more clearance at full lock.

 

[Shankster]

Has anyone else had issues on lifted Liberties with tie rods contacting the sway bar? It happens at full lock on both sides. When turning to the right the left outer tie rod end contacts the sway bar and vice versa. At first I thought I had installed the outer tie rod ends on opposite sides because they do have a weird curve to them and are not identical, but I checked and they are both labeled R and L and installed on the correct sides. However, it appears that if I were to switch them, I would have more clearance at full lock.

I have not - I seem to have very good clearance with a similar lift. Can you include photos? Seems unusual, like something is upside down or mounted wrong or you got the wrong parts. And probably a dumb question, but are you considering right and left as you sit in the driver's seat? Photos would hopefully help us help you diagnose.

Or check some videos like this one and see if you can spot anything different vs yours:

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If it ends up being just a peculiarity with your vehicle, some adjustable sway bar end links might help - not sure if you'd need to go longer or shorter?

 

[JasonTheOverlander]

I have not - I seem to have very good clearance with a similar lift. Can you include photos? Seems unusual, like something is upside down or mounted wrong or you got the wrong parts. And probably a dumb question, but are you considering right and left as you sit in the driver's seat? Photos would hopefully help us help you diagnose.

Or check some videos like this one and see if you can spot anything different vs yours:

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

If it ends up being just a peculiarity with your vehicle, some adjustable sway bar end links might help - not sure if you'd need to go longer or shorter?

I just realized it only happens when the suspension is unloaded more, so probably not much of an issue in most everyday scenarios. Could also be due to the sway bar link bushings being absolutely cooked, will be getting new ones anyway. I used that same TRQ video when I first installed new tie rods a few years ago and everything on mine looks exactly like what is shown. Can't get any pics to show the contact unless I lift the thing up.

 

[Celticlady]

Has anyone else had issues on lifted Liberties with tie rods contacting the sway bar? It happens at full lock on both sides. When turning to the right the left outer tie rod end contacts the sway bar and vice versa. At first I thought I had installed the outer tie rod ends on opposite sides because they do have a weird curve to them and are not identical, but I checked and they are both labeled R and L and installed on the correct sides. However, it appears that if I were to switch them, I would have more clearance at full lock.

Yes. On my 06. Same as you described. I solved this by going to this sway bar link. You can adjust the hight of the swaybar to clear the sway bar. Which does not hinder its performance. Plus they are 100x better quality then OEM Links. No more clunk clunk.

I have a detailed installation on my page here. As it's not plug and play as not for a jeep. But not difficult. The date is 12-25 or 1-26. Picture date is 12-27-25.

Happy so far.

 

[Shankster]

Good to know Celticlady - do you know what stud to stud length you ended up adjusting those to? My only reservation with those is that the stud diameter is M10 and you need a spacer washer to adapt to the Liberty's M12 mounting holes. Something the same length but with M12 studs would likely be more durable.