Parts for your 1986 Suzuki Jimny-Sway bars & links

1986 Suzuki Jimny (SJ413/Sierra) sway-bars & links

For the 1986 Suzuki Jimny—sold in Australia and New Zealand mainly as the SJ413/Sierra—a sway bar (front stabiliser bar) and its link rods are factory equipment. This is documented in the Suzuki SJ413/Sierra Factory Service Manual (Suspension: Front Stabiliser Bar) and echoed in the Haynes SJ410 & SJ413 Owners Workshop Manual. The factory parts catalogues for Sierra models also list the front stabiliser bar, D-bushes, brackets and link rods. Rear sway bars weren’t typical on 1986 leaf-sprung models in this region, though some variants and aftermarket kits exist.

On this tough little leaf-sprung rig, the front sway-bar-and-links set-up helps rein in body roll on bitumen without killing its off-road character. The bar ties the left and right sides of the front suspension together, when the body leans in a corner, it twists the bar, resisting that roll so the Jimny feels steadier and more predictable. The links connect the bar to the axle/spring plates, while chassis-mounted D-bushes cradle the bar and let it rotate smoothly.

Owners who daily their Sierra will appreciate a healthy sway bar because it sharpens steering feel, reduces the “tippy” sensation and keeps things calmer in crosswinds. Off-roaders sometimes disconnect the bar for extra articulation, but for road use it’s best left fitted—both for safety and to stay onside with WOF/RWC expectations.

Good servicing of the sway-bars-&-links is quick, cheap and pays off in confidence behind the wheel. Every 10,000 km (or at each service), give it a once-over:

• Look for perished or cracked D-bushes and link bushes.
• Listen for clunks over small bumps—often tired links or loose hardware.
• Check the bar for bends, and inspect brackets for rust or distortion.

When replacing parts, choose quality rubber for an OEM ride or polyurethane for a firmer, more direct feel (just remember poly can squeak without proper grease). Fit new nyloc nuts, align the bar evenly and final-tighten with the vehicle on its wheels to avoid bush pre-load. Always refer to the factory manual for torque specs. If the Jimny is lifted, consider extended links to keep the bar geometry happy.

DIYers with basic spanners can swap links and bushes in under an hour. If the bar is off for other work, take the chance to clean the brackets and apply anti-seize to fasteners—your future self will thank you. Keep it sorted and the little Sierra stays sure-footed on the open road while still game for the rough stuff at the weekend.

Popular questions

Does a 1986 Suzuki Jimny/Sierra have a rear sway bar?
Most 1986 leaf-sprung Jimny/Sierra models in AU/NZ have a front sway bar only. Rear sway bars weren’t common from factory on these early models, though some later or specific variants differ, and aftermarket kits are available if you want to tune on-road balance.

Is it legal or safe to remove the front sway bar for off-roading?
Disconnecting or removing the bar can boost articulation off-road, but it reduces on-road stability and can affect roadworthiness (RWC/WOF). Many owners use quick-disconnects so the bar is engaged on the road and free for the trail. Check local rules before making changes.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes for my Sierra?
Rubber keeps the classic ride and is quiet. Polyurethane is firmer, sharpening steering and reducing roll a touch, but may transmit more vibration and can squeak without the right grease. For a daily driver, rubber is easy-going, for a more planted feel on-road, poly is a tidy upgrade.