As Jeep owners, we're always looking for ways to improve our Wrangler’s performance, around town, on the highway and out on the trails. We love taking Tinker Toy Jeep off-road, but it’s also one of our daily drivers, which means we need it to handle well on pavement, too.
We lifted the Jeep using the JKS Manufacturing 3.5" lift about 6 months after getting the Jeep. As many know, their kits come with their quick disconnects for the sway bar. They are nice, adjustable end links that are easily removed and replaced with R-keys. They're great, when they are clean. But, we found ourselves driving home too often without a sway bar because we'd made everything muddy and didn't want to put the disconnects back on. That’s why we decided to upgrade to the Off Road Only SwayLOC sway bar system. If you’re like us, constantly switching between highway driving and off-road adventures, then the SwayLOC is definitely worth considering.
We did a lot of research before pulling the trigger, comparing it to other sway bar systems like the Currie Anti-Rock, but the SwayLOC’s dual-rate feature ultimately won us over. Here’s how it has changed our Jeep’s performance for the better.
What is the Off Road Only SwayLOC?
The SwayLOC is a dual-rate sway bar system, designed for Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, that lets you switch between two modes:
- Street mode for improved on-road handling and stability.
- Trail mode for increased articulation when you hit the trails.
What really sold us was the convenience. You can switch between street and trail modes with just a lever or button, meaning we no longer had to wipe away the mud to reconnect the sway bar before heading off-road. This makes it perfect for anyone who uses their Jeep for both daily driving and off-roading.
Our Experience with the SwayLOC On the Road
We drive Tinker Toy to work every day, so on-road performance is a big deal for us. After installing the SwayLOC, we noticed an immediate improvement in handling.
- Stability on Curves and Turns - The Jeep is lifted 3.5" and has a 1" body lift, so body roll was always something we had to watch out for, especially on sharp turns or highway ramps. Once we switched to street mode on the SwayLOC, it made a huge difference. The Jeep feels much more stable, and we don’t have that uneasy leaning sensation when we're driving through curves.
- Smooth Daily Driving - The improvement in handling is something we notice every day. Whether we're merging onto the highway or just driving through town, the SwayLOC keeps the Jeep feeling more controlled and responsive. It’s honestly made daily driving a lot more enjoyable.
- Increased Safety - We also feel safer driving with the SwayLOC installed. It helps with emergency maneuvers and reduces body roll during sudden lane changes or quick stops. Plus, it’s a bonus if you’re towing something with your Jeep—the added stability really helps.
How the SwayLOC Performs Off-Road
Of course, the real test of any sway bar system is off-road performance, and the SwayLOC absolutely delivers. Switching to trail mode is super easy, and once it’s engaged, the system allows the Jeep’s suspension to flex and articulate just the way we need it to when the terrain gets rough.
- Incredible Articulation - Whether crawling over rocks or navigating deep ruts, the SwayLOC gives the Jeep the articulation it needs. The increased suspension travel keeps my tires in contact with the ground, which is critical for maintaining traction on uneven terrain. We’ve noticed a big improvement in how the Jeep climbs over obstacles, especially compared to the stock sway bar.
- Quick Switch Between Street and Trail - What we love most is how easy it is to switch between modes. Before, we had to manually disconnect the sway bars before hitting the trails, which was a hassle when things got muddy. Now, with the SwayLOC, we just flip a lever, and we're ready to go. This saves us time and effort, especially when moving between different types of terrain.
- Maintains Control Off-Road - Even in trail mode, the SwayLOC provides just enough stiffness to keep body roll under control without limiting articulation. We feel like we have the best of both worlds—great flex for off-roading, but not so much that the Jeep feels out of control on side slopes or when climbing tricky obstacles.
- Built to Last - The SwayLOC is also incredibly durable. In the past few years with it, we’ve taken Tinker Toy through some rough terrain—rock gardens, muddy trails, and steep inclines—and it’s held up without any issues. The quality construction gives us confidence that it’ll last for years, no matter how hard we push it.
Why We Chose the SwayLOC Over the Currie Anti-Rock
Before settling on the SwayLOC, we seriously considered the Currie Anti-Rock. It’s another well-known sway bar system for off-roaders. While the Anti-Rock is great for constant off-road articulation, it doesn’t provide the on-road stability that we need for daily driving. Since we use the Jeep for both city driving and off-roading, the SwayLOC’s dual-rate system was a better fit for us.
With the SwayLOC, we get the benefit of a stiff sway bar on-road, which reduces body roll and makes the tall Jeep feel much safer. Then, when we want to hit the trails, we can switch to trail mode for great articulation. This versatility is what made us choose the SwayLOC, and we’ve been really happy with that decision.
Is the SwayLOC Right for You?
If you’re like us and use your Jeep for both daily driving and off-road adventures, the Off Road Only SwayLOC is a great investment. It’s perfect if you want:
- Better on-road stability, especially if you have a lifted Wrangler or Gladiator.
- Increased suspension articulation for off-roading, without losing control on tricky trails.
- A sway bar system that’s easy to switch between street and trail modes.
Final Thoughts on the SwayLOC
Upgrading to the SwayLOC sway bar was one of the best decisions we’ve made for Tinker Toy Jeep. The ability to effortlessly switch between on-road and off-road performance has transformed how we use the Jeep. Compared to other systems like the Currie Anti-Rock, the SwayLOC offers more versatility, making it perfect for Jeep owners who need a reliable daily driver that can still handle tough off-road conditions.
If you’re ready to upgrade your Jeep’s suspension, we highly recommend giving the Off Road Only SwayLOC a try. It’s made a huge difference for us, and we're sure it will for you, too.