BWI Bronco Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Technical Information

[MotoCeptorMan]

I found the July 13th announcements below that show the BWI Group is building the Bronco's Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect, thanks to a tip from @Aman in another thread that they were the supplier. Below is some of the information on how the unit functions. This unit is only available on the Badlands and First Edition trims, there has been no information to indicate it will be an a la carte option on any other trims. As a reminder, this is a hydraulic system unlike the Jeep Rubicon's electronic sway bar disconnect system.

What are your thoughts, it seems like some very innovative engineering.


BWI Operational Video

BWI product page

BWI Group Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect announcement 7/13/2020

BWI Bronco Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect 7/13/2020 2021 Ford Bronco The available front stabilizer bar disconnect off a unique to the segment design for increased articulation across the vehicle to help you up, over and around large obstacles. BWI Group Piston Stabilizer bar ends are disconnected and free to move on their own. The solenoid valves are open and the piston (immersed in fluid) is free to move as fluid flushes in and out of the chambers on both sides of the piston. Full suspension travel is possible. Wheel articulation is not limited by the stabilizer bar. Stabilizer bar ends are now connected. Both solenoid valves are closed, preventing fluid flow. The piston is hydraulically locked. Total suspension roll stiffness is increased and vehicle body roll angle limited while cornering.

BWI Operational Video

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This looks heavy. Does anybody have an idea of how much the SBD weighs over a standard sway bar?

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[North7]

This looks heavy. Does anybody have an idea of how much the SBD weighs over a standard sway bar?

I don't know the weight but if I had to guess I would say 30-50 lbs vs the standard sway bar at 15-20 lbs, again guesses. But what matters is how does it compare to the competition, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL with Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect, see the picture below, it looks every bit as heavy as the Bronco if not heavier. The second picture is a G2 CORE Dual Rate Sway Bar System, which is an aftermarket Jeep setup, even larger.

So weight is relative, it is the tool for the job, it is only available on the Badlands and First Edition, so if you don't need the benefits of a Sway Bar Disconnect any other trim level will not have it.

The Bronco looks to be the lightest of the three.

2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon Electronic Disconnect Front Sway Bar 68251036

G2 CORE Dual Rate Sway Bar System

 

[Hoofnmouth]

see those end links thats all you need to modify to disconnect why would i want to carry all that monkey motion around? I have made plenty of swaybar disconnects with simple piece of tubing or just wait for aftermarket. Whats next trained squirrels to check your oil?

 

[BigFootie]

Thanks for posting!

 

[Cappy]

... Whats next trained squirrels to check your oil?

Alvin and the Dipmunks.

 

[MotoCeptorMan]

I don't know the weight but if I had to guess I would say 30-50 lbs vs the standard sway bar at 15-20 lbs, again guesses. But what matters is how does it compare to the competition, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL with Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect, see the picture below, it looks every bit as heavy as the Bronco if not heavier. The second picture is a G2 CORE Dual Rate Sway Bar System, which is an aftermarket Jeep setup, even larger.

So weight is relative, it is the tool for the job, it is only available on the Badlands and First Edition, so if you don't need the benefits of a Sway Bar Disconnect any other trim level will not have it.

The Bronco looks to be the lightest of the three.

2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon Electronic Disconnect Front Sway Bar 68251036

G2 CORE Dual Rate Sway Bar System

Thanks for the response North7. The Bronco SBD design is innovative and does look lighter than the others. But my offroading travels may never need that extra articulation. With all of the GVWR discussions, I'm seriously thinking about dropping from BL to BD if it improves available payload. That extra 25-30 lb for a SBD could be an extra backpack to a trail head. Hopefully Ford will release more detail trim and powertrain specs before order time so we can make better-informed decisions.

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[North7]

I've updated post number one with actual photos of the unit as show at Moab thanks to the great photos taken by @The Bronze at Moab as shown in this link:

Dixie Expo Ford Display - hydraulic sway bar disconnect & Bronco builds highlights (4WP / RTR)

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