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SwayLOC Dual Rate Swaybar System | |
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CONTENTS 1) Vehicle Setup 2) Overview / Performance Review 3) Installation 4) Resources 1) VEHICLE SETUP This can be installed on any TJ regardless of lift setup. However, some clearancing and grinding needed to be done on the stock bumper for upward rotational clearance of the swaybar arms. More extensive grinding may be necessary depending on aftermarket bumpers. Additionally, there needs to be sufficient tire clearance and wheel back spacing. This can be adjusted via the steering stops or by using long enough end links. 2) OVERVIEW / PERFORMANCE REVIEW Conceptual Overview: This is a dual-rate swaybar system that allows you to switch between a softer offroad setting for maximum articulation and a stiffer on-road setting for improved high speed stability and cornering / body control. Offroad Setting: Offroad this is nearly identical to the Currie Antir-rock swaybar system. I uses a thinner swaybar that is constantly connected. When coupled with the rear stock swaybar it evenly balances the suspension forces on the TJ beween the front and rear axles. This improves stability and traction on the trail. On-road Setting: Switching to the onroad setting engages a stiffer torsion rod (while still keeping the offroad bar hooked up) for improved on-road body control where articulation isn't as critical. The stiffness is slightly more than the stock swaybar to help lifted rigs maintain a stock-like cornering feel. Switching Modes: With the manual SwayLOC you simply flip a lever next to the front passenger fender forward or backward to switch between the modes. The lever connects to a spring-loaded engagement pin. By design, just flip the lever and drive off. Once the suspension cycles enough the pin will engage or disengage (as desired) on it's own due to the spring loading. Truely a set and forget method. No need to line any pins or holes up. Best of Both Worlds: The SwayLOC offers the best of both-worlds. Anti-rock like offroad articulation and body control with outstanding onroad handling and cornering. After running the Anti-rock for two years, the first drive in the SwayLOC equipped TJ felt like I was in a go-kart with crisp steering and handling. Bottom Line: For dedicated trail ONLY rigs that only need a single rate swaybar the Anti-rock is an awesome system that outperforms quick disconnnect links. But for Jeeps that are driven on both the trail and the road the SwayLOC offers all the same offroad prowess but with superb street handling. 3) INSTALLATION Anti-rock Removal / Inspection: First step was to remove the Anti-rock swaybar (Fig 1). The winch plate bolts were loosened (Fig 2). and the front bumper slipped out (Fig 3) for easier working access. Close-ups of the Anti-rock can be seen in Figures 4 - 8. Given that the Anti-rock saw zero maintenance for two years of wheel'n through dirt and mud it held up very well. Only cosmetic dirt, some light rusting were evidence of wear. The end links were a bit worn but not unexpected after a lot of use. SwayLOC Installation: Great instructions came with the SwayLOC so I'll skim here. Unpack the torsion rods (Fig 9) and the control arms and end links (Fig 10 and Fig 11). Grease up the inside of the bushing and slip it over the outer torsion rod, then insert into the front frame crossmember (Fig 12). Grease up the inner torsionrod along its entire length and reinsert into the outer torsion rod. Finish installing the arm components according to the SwayLOC instructions. It's really that easy and takes maybe 1-2 hours. 4) RESOURCES Offroad Only (ORO) makes the SwayLOC in two versions, a manual flip-a-lever that I purchase and an air-actuated version control by a dash-mounted switch for those with on-board air. See the Anti-rock review for detailed off-road benefits of having an trail swaybar. See link below. |
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