Purpose of sway bar disconnect?

[Fawkes]

Hello friends,

Hypothetically lets say I were new to off-roading. What does the sway bar do and why would I want to disconnect it? hypothetically

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[Renegade]

Hello friends,

Hypothetically lets say I were new to off-roading. What does the sway bar do and why would I want to disconnect it? hypothetically

It allows the front suspension to flex more, increasing traction, and smoothing the ride.

 

[LostWoods]

Sway bars connect sides of an axle together so that when you corner, your vehicle suffers less body roll. In a corner, the outside suspension compresses and the inside suspension extends as the weight shifts. When you connect the two, the tension on the sway bar tries to force a more neutral position between the two - reducing compression of the outside and extension of the inside. The thickness and stiffness of the sway bar (also length of the "arm" part of the bar) determines how much difference between the two is allowed.

Off road, this isn't really desirable at lower speeds because it also prevents suspension from drooping independently. When moving together you get full suspension travel but when you have a difference left to right, the bar greatly limits your articulation. If your right side tire is up on a rock, the left side can float above the ground because the sway bar is trying to reduce the suspension extension. By disconnecting the sway bar, the two move independently again and the left side will be allowed to extend as far downward (hopefully, to some other surface) as the arms and shocks allow. This added articulation allows for better traction in more scenarios.

 

[PDiddy]

Sway bars connect sides of an axle together so that when you corner, your vehicle suffers less body roll. In a corner, the outside suspension compresses and the inside suspension extends as the weight shifts. When you connect the two, the tension on the sway bar tries to force a more neutral position between the two - reducing compression of the outside and extension of the inside. The thickness and stiffness of the sway bar (also length of the "arm" part of the bar) determines how much difference between the two is allowed.

Off road, this isn't really desirable at lower speeds because it also prevents suspension from drooping independently. When moving together you get full suspension travel but when you have a difference left to right, the bar greatly limits your articulation. If your right side tire is up on a rock, the left side can float above the ground because the sway bar is trying to reduce the suspension extension. By disconnecting the sway bar, the two move independently again and the left side will be allowed to extend as far downward (hopefully, to some other surface) as the arms and shocks allow. This added articulation allows for better traction in more scenarios.

Man, you could write a book on this. Well said.

 

[Fawkes]

Sway bars connect sides of an axle together so that when you corner, your vehicle suffers less body roll. In a corner, the outside suspension compresses and the inside suspension extends as the weight shifts. When you connect the two, the tension on the sway bar tries to force a more neutral position between the two - reducing compression of the outside and extension of the inside. The thickness and stiffness of the sway bar (also length of the "arm" part of the bar) determines how much difference between the two is allowed.

Off road, this isn't really desirable at lower speeds because it also prevents suspension from drooping independently. When moving together you get full suspension travel but when you have a difference left to right, the bar greatly limits your articulation. If your right side tire is up on a rock, the left side can float above the ground because the sway bar is trying to reduce the suspension extension. By disconnecting the sway bar, the two move independently again and the left side will be allowed to extend as far downward (hopefully, to some other surface) as the arms and shocks allow. This added articulation allows for better traction in more scenarios.

Thanks brother, indeed you could write a book. I am now better informed......hypothetically.

 

[Gvsukids]

Without one, it can cause a vehicle to roll at high speeds.

 

[CerOf]

I know, old thread, but great info. Wanted to add a photo fir anyone else searching this:

Photo credit: https://www.rtsauto.com/how-do-sway-bar-works-and-what-size-of-swaybar-is-best/

 

[Wet Willys]

Follow-up question...........How many of you are running quick discos (non-Rubi) vs just carrying 18mm wrenches?

 

[zuke]

Follow-up question...........How many of you are running quick discos (non-Rubi) vs just carrying 18mm wrenches?

I do both, for the most part, I've found the quick disconnect systems frustrating, because they usually aren't all that quick, and I end up losing/breaking the linch pins/retainers, and bolts are more easily replaced...

My dedicated off road rigs don't have swaybars at all, my 3 mixed use Jeeps, one has Disco's (the Wife's wheeler) and the other two I just take the bolts out..

 

[DocMike]

Yup. Make this a sticky and be done.

Sway bars connect sides of an axle together so that when you corner, your vehicle suffers less body roll. In a corner, the outside suspension compresses and the inside suspension extends as the weight shifts. When you connect the two, the tension on the sway bar tries to force a more neutral position between the two - reducing compression of the outside and extension of the inside. The thickness and stiffness of the sway bar (also length of the "arm" part of the bar) determines how much difference between the two is allowed.

Off road, this isn't really desirable at lower speeds because it also prevents suspension from drooping independently. When moving together you get full suspension travel but when you have a difference left to right, the bar greatly limits your articulation. If your right side tire is up on a rock, the left side can float above the ground because the sway bar is trying to reduce the suspension extension. By disconnecting the sway bar, the two move independently again and the left side will be allowed to extend as far downward (hopefully, to some other surface) as the arms and shocks allow. This added articulation allows for better traction in more scenarios.

 

[AZCooWhip]

I know, old thread, but great info. Wanted to add a photo fir anyone else searching this:

Photo credit: https://www.rtsauto.com/how-do-sway-bar-works-and-what-size-of-swaybar-is-best/

This....??

 

[DocMike]

I am installing the JKS. Wanted to wait til my steering box was replaced. Did not want to give jeep a reason to deny the repair...I know I know.... but some dealers...

Follow-up question...........How many of you are running quick discos (non-Rubi) vs just carrying 18mm wrenches?

 

[GladnotSad]

Is there a speed at which you would not want to exceed with your sway bar disconnected?

 

[CerOf]

I can’t tell you an exact speed, but if it feels tippy, probably is and you should slow down and/or reconnect.

 

[GoVR46]

Is there a speed at which you would not want to exceed with your sway bar disconnected?

The Jeep has a set speed which it will automatically re-engage the swaybar. I believe it is 14 mph if you have a Rubicon of course.

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