If you own a Jeep Wrangler TJ, you probably already know that coil springs and links afford gobs of flex-enough for virtually any moderate trail scenario. However, until you disconnect the factory antisway bar, you may not realize how much articulation it conceals. To unleash the full potential of Chrysler's award-winning link suspension design, we recommend installing sway bar disconnects, or better yet, a replacement antisway bar setup like the SwayLOC setup from Off Road Only (ORO).
The SwayLOC is available in two configurations. The first version is air operated via a small pneumatic ram. The second design is much simpler, with a manual "flip-a-lever" interface as shown here. Both designs achieve the same result, but the air-powered version, like many modern conveniences, requires additional equipment, not to mention a bit more of an investment. While push-button operation is nice, we like things to be simple, and that is exactly the case with the manually operated version of ORO's SwayLOC.
SwayLOC Availability
Current applications include TJ and JK, but by the time you read this, applications for XJ and ZJ should also be available; the TJ application can fit the YJ with additional tabs to mount the lower links to the axle.
1. This is how it works:...
1. This is how it works: Simply flip a lever on the latching system to select between firm and flexible mode. We like this setup because it allows for easy engagement of each individual antisway bar rate, even if the vehicle is parked on uneven terrain.
2. This is the complete...
2. This is the complete SwayLOC system from Off Road Only. The kit includes all necessary hardware and each component bolts on with ease-no special tools necessary.
3. To install the ORO...
3. To install the ORO SwayLOC system, our friends at Overkill Jeep Fabrication in Campbell, California, removed the factory antisway bar and front bumper. Removal of the front bumper was not necessary, but it allowed us an unobstructed vantage point to photograph the installation process. The majority of aftermarket and even stock TJ bumpers requires slight clearancing to allow room for the SwayLOC arms' range of motion. Notice that each of the factory TJ frame rails is tied together with a tubular crossmember. This crossmember is what houses the new SwayLOC setup.
4. This photo shows...
4. This photo shows how the two individual torsion bars fit inside the factory crossmember. The smaller bar in the center features a low resistance rate to minimally reduce body roll while significantly enhancing suspension flex for the trail. The hollow bar sandwiched between the inner bar and the isolation bushing features a high resistance rate to provide great on-road handling. The graphite-impregnated polyurethane mounting bushings ensure noise-free operation.
5. Here, you can see...
5. Here, you can see how the high-resistance, outer torsion bar attaches to the powdercoated steel cam plate. One bolt secures the cam plate to the torsion bar. Notice that the bar has a flat side; this design is a simple and effective way to lock the torsion bar and the cam plate. Other aftermarket antisway bar setups feature splines that can sometimes strip as mounting hardware stretches with use. The ORO arrangement, on the other hand, is virtually fail-safe and because it can only be assembled one way, it is easy to install, too.
6. With the inner cam...
6. With the inner cam plate secured to the outer torsion bar, the next step was installing the outer link arm as shown here. Again, notice the way that the arm interfaces with the inner torsion bar. The flat side of the torsion bar creates a keyed method of attachment, enabling the up and down movement of the suspension to be transformed into rotational twist, opposed by the spring rate of the torsion bar connected in a similar manner on the other side of the vehicle. We think the simplicity of this design is clever.