Hello all. New SMB owner/member here: '05 4x4 RB 6.0 w/180K. Third owner and I've been as happy as a kid in a candy store since I acquired it over the Xmas weekend. 28 nights spent in it so far. So yes, I am USING it.
I've been intending to make an introduction in the Welcome Mat thread... and will still do so soon, but something more urgent came up for which I'd like to tap the vast reservoir of knowledge available here.
During yesterday's off-road excursion, heard a snap followed by an occasional knocking over uneven bumps. A quick glance inside the wheel well revealed this...
Was able to make it home just fine, taking it easy of course.
Questions:
1. What is the best source for a replacement? Is it a super specific item or something any decent 4x4 shop should be able to either replace or repair? I am by no means a mechanic, but am not totally inept either and would gladly install a new rod myself if the consensus is that it's an easy job.
2. What was the likely cause? I understand this to be a "quick-disconnect" rod, but have not been disconnecting for any of my excursions thus far... it was not something the prior owner went over with me. Should I be disconnecting the sway bar for most/all off-road driving? I've been doing what I would call mild to moderate stuff, but more and more challenging (for me) as I become comfortable with the rigs capability. I understand it's not as super-easy of a process as the "quick" part of the name would indicate.
3. I live in the Palm Springs area; any recommendations for shops near me?
This forum has been an indispensable source for me both prior to the purchase and since, so thanks for all the shared info that's gotten me to this point and thanks in advance for all future info and for whatever responses this post may get.
Also included a shot from a camp spot a few weeks ago... just because
-Jeff