Installing Sway Bar Disconnects on a Jeep Cherokee
One of the simplest ways to increase the off road traction on a Jeep Cherokee is to remove or disconnect the sway bars. While the rear bar can be removed entirely and never missed, having a front sway bar greatly improves on road handling. It feels unsafe to drive one on a curvy road without the front bar.
Therefore, a quick and simple method of disconnecting and reconnecting the front bar is needed. The sway bar is connected to the axle by end link bars. The end links can be unbolted from the axle to disconnect but since the axle is normally covered in dirt and mud, the bolts can be stubborn to deal with.
One very simple way to make a cheap disconnect is to replace the axle end bolt with a pin from a tractor supply place. This trick works well but does allow some slop and will eventually degrade the rubber in the end link.
For a more advanced disconnect method, Jenny chose the JKS disconnects. These mount to the swap bar with a bolt and hinge mechanism. The axle end bolt is replaced with a large pin that the link slips over. It is help in place by a clip.
To install the JKS links, first remove the Jeep end links. Start at the sway bar and remove the two 15mm nuts. The rubber grommets will likely be compressed into the threads so they will be difficult to remove. Use a hammer or pry bar to pull the bar up and of the end links.
Next remove the 18mm nuts from the bolts holding the axle end of the links. The other end of the bolt has a torx head but you seldom have to hold it as on most axles, this bolt is pressed into the axle tab. Once the end links are out of the way, drive the old bolt out of the axle tab. Use a back up while pressing the bolt out so as not to bend the tab. If you do bend it, straighten it back into position before proceeding.
Assemble the U section to the end of the sway bar putting the washer in the hole of the sway bar and the U section on top of the bar. Tighten the bolt securely and align the bracket. Make sure it is aligned and tight as you can’t access the hex drive on the screw after it is installed on the link. Connect the U to the top of the link and tighten the bolt.
Install the pin in the axle tab paying attention to where you want the pin hole to be. Slip on the spacer and the end link. Then set the clip in place. Do the same on both sides.
When running disconnected, you will need some way to secure the end links to the bar and the bar needs to be flipped up into the highest position to keep it form hitting the springs as the axle moves around.
To reconnect for the drive home, find a flat place to park the Jeep. If one side is higher, it will be difficult to get both links connected. Have someone press on the bumper to move the Jeep around if need to get the pins to line up. Set the clips and you are good to go. It is a good idea to have some spare clips in case these get lost or damaged.
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