Trailwise | Sway Bar & Lockers Explained

Nena Barlow demonstrates how to use the sway bar disconnect and axle lock features on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to conquer difficult terrain safely and effectively. In this week's Trailwise video, we show the difference between using low-range 4wd alone, then with the front sway bar disconnected, and finally with the assist of 4-wheel axle lock. See how the Jeep's built in traction control system works to help you climb rugged trails too. Don't forget to like and subscribe if you'd like to see more from Trailwise - and tell us what you'd like to see more of in the comments below. Thanks for watching and happy trails!
Barlow Adventures: barlows.us/
Instagram: / barlow_adventures
Twitter: / trailwisemedia
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Music courtesy KZbin Audio Library, creative commons license.
"Short Guitar Clip" courtesy of Audionautix, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
"River Crossing" By ALBIS - KZbin Audio Library

[@scottgrayson33]

Without a doubt one of the best explanations of these features. While I’m not new to Jeeps, these JL features are new to me. Thanks for taking the time to explain them 👍🏼

[@dl3988]

Same here - thanks for the clear and simple explanation!

[@josephwade7633]

Same. I have a 2024 JL rubicon. This helped a ton

[@myemailiscool]

@@josephwade7633 Me too, don't wanna be caught watching a youtube video *after* I get stuck 😂

[@lotlizzard2209]

When someone asks what those buttons are i send them this video. Great job.

[@ComonSava]

You give the perfect explanation and examples for us noobs. Thank you! Finally, an answer to this question I’ve had for years.

[@joemama8762]

These tutorial type videos are great! I’m fairly new to off-roading and have learned a lot from some of your videos. Please continue to make these, they are much appreciated! Thank you

[@biglance2033]

Great video !

[@joesmith250]

This is the perfect video. Explained everything I needed to know that all other videos combined couldn’t explain. I’m very visual and enjoyed the way you went step by step showing and explaining how each function works.

[@codekeeper32]

Thank you! Great video! First time jeep owner and these explanations are exactly what I need. I feel like I need to take an “off road class”. Lol

[@tb8317]

Good video 👌

[@josephwade7633]

Thanks for the video. Im not new to Jeeps. But i am new the the 2024 Rubicon features. 😀 so you helped me a ton.

[@philly816]

Excellent lesson on Rubicon Sway bar and lockers usage.

[@indubitablywatson2525]

The very Best video I've seen on KZbin explaining Sway Bar and Locker use/application by far!! Tyvm!

[@benignocervantes6131]

great video!

[@rickfinnstrom9346]

As a born raised Arizonan 68 years it is really great to see someone from this state make videos! { I have not had a vehicle of my own 30+ years cant afford payments insurance so I just watch videos like yours and drool) I have seen 2 of your videos and found them to be VERY informative .This one is the perfect one for learning,I watch a lot of 4x4 videos...Re: "()" majority just show them on the trails, but do not offer information what and how they are driving through the trails Ie lockers no lockers, All i have seen is " we let the air out of our tire at such such psi" And off they go. I think it would helpful if they showed what system they are using at that time. This video did a fantastic job showing when what how to use the 4x4 system. Keep up the good work Rick

[@JustLikeAJewel]

This was an awesome lesson. For someone like myself who is interested in getting into a Jeep and getting into off roading. I had 0 clue what these features really did and why they were important and how to correctly use them. Thank you!

[@norm5785]

Great explanation of proper use of these features on the Rubicon

[@samhouston5217]

well done. Thank you.

[@abdallahboulgheraif286]

Excellent explanation, thanks

[@xxxGETTSOMExxx]

GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[@ajyadamiec]

This video was insanely helpful, thank you so much!

[@4x13]

You are a great teacher! Great explanation of these features.

[@hulkhogansnutsax766]

I'm hitting the trails more and more now thanks darlin

[@seanconnery5683]

Great explanation! Thank you. Perhaps the best video explaining the features I have seen. Perfect length too.

[@dustykatz2744]

You're a great teacher

[@thomasbaird5213]

Best video I saw describing the sway bar and lockers on a Jeep. Also, fantastic explanation about power distribution between tires.

[@kwerner]

That was a nice explanation for Jeep noobs like myself. Thanks. ✌

[@muchoCakes1]

Thanks for the easy to follow explanation!

[@BronxBomber1105]

Thank you for step by step explanations. Now I know what these functions are for.

[@MrBobbynips]

You ARE FREAKIN AWESOME‼️‼️ Thank you little sis. 😎👍

[@GarethOlson]

This is awesome. Great explanation and demo at the same time. Some videos out there explain without showing and it’s hard to figure out

[@ebo2421]

I don’t have any questions, but just wanted to thank you for this awesome video. I’m a new Jeep owner and I’m going on my first trails this weekend. Between helpful videos like yours and Wikipedia, I feel more confident to go forth safely and with more understanding of how it all works! Thanks again 🙌🏼

[@davidmata4786]

Great tutorial and explanation of the 4 wheel drive features and appropriate times to use them. The only thing I wish you would have done different is shown the full gear positions (Drive/Neutral) as you made the changes so we could see what position the gear box was in when you engaged the lockers and disengaged the sway bar. I know I'm a visual learner and you did a great job explaining why and what you were doing, but seeing is believing. Thanks again. Subbed.

[@martincorona5641]

Best explanation ever. Thanks.

[@theterahertzshow]

This is great

[@kimcornelius8185]

This is great! I was confused about the sway bar. When it should be connected and disconnected, so thank you,

[@waltermora8520]

Great video! Just one correction, there is a roundabout way to lock your read diff in 4H, if your vehicle is equipped with the "Off-Road +" button. This is the sequence of events that needs to happen: 1. Shift into 4H, 2. Push the Off-Road + button and let it do its thing for a few seconds, 3. Push the Traction control button once to turn traction control and ESD back ON, 4. push and HOLD the traction control button until both traction control AND esd are turned off. 5. Push the rocker switch for REAR LOCKER. In the end you will have 4H and your rear differential locked. It is great for situations like flat sandy trails, where you want to maintain your momentum so you don't sink, but still benefit from the rear locker for the traction. 👍

[@arthurwells706]

Outstanding and super informative explained in simple terms thank you so much

[@nicolasbednarz9085]

great vid as always!!! plase do one about hill descent control........ i cant get the hang of it, when to use it, if slippery surfaces or rocky terrain, etc.

[@5.56pete]

Liked and subscribed!

[@wesliggett2454]

Seriously the most helpful video. Thank you!! My Willy’s just broke, so I’m picking up my rubi JL this week!

[@seanbatiz6620]

Technician here.. been currently working on a 2012 Rubicon that’s already been heavily upgraded/modified for rock crawling. Seen the motor/module actuator for this stock sway bar disconnect feature, just zip-tied to underside of lowest point of radiator core support; tryin’ to figure out what in the heck that was for. Even with all of the past knowledge &/or experience I’ve had with 4x4 / 6x6 off-roading, I can’t say I recall having heard of or, read of, a anti-sway disconnect system! Makes sense. Now I’m wondering just how much sway this aftermarket rock crawler setup allows for front axle intentional sway? And, exactly what I’ve gotta do, to bypass stock module actuator unit entirely, to stop that system from setting off codes

[@jeepinwithjulia]

Great explanation, thank you!

[@juliusten6225]

Excellent video. Loved the demonstration. Very well done. Thank you!

[@bramklein4447]

That was a great video and very informative! Thank you!

[@elcompamartinez2647]

I own a Rubicon 3.8 ...got it brand knew in 2010 and have been in different trails in mexico and in the sand (sea of Cortes) and never ever used this system only 4 x 4 low and high......I'll give it a try the first chance i have,,,,,Thnx all the way from LORETO Baja California🤟👍

[@salihdelic2617]

Best explanation ever!! Simple and very clear!! Thanks!!!

[@Red12Harley]

Great video. Thank you!

[@cjerico]

Exactly what I'm looking for! Thank you!

[@geofflau3002]

noticed you went straight to front and rear lockers but would be nice to see the difference between using rear only and then front and rear. also in what conditions do you usually use just the rear?

[@MrRjezonie]

She actually selected rear only. She spoke about using front + rear lockers but in the video she pressed downward on the selector, thus rear locker only.

[@cscarlton24]

Thank you so much for the informational video!

[@BobShehan]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@cruisin4jesus]

We just got a Rubicon Gladiator Great video Thank You

[@Gudi102]

Great explanation!! Great video!!

[@RyanJosephLong]

Very informative thank you!

[@RudyBloor]

great explanations

[@pateadoresblack13]

Excellent explanation, thank you!

[@harirao12345]

beautifully explained.. thank you!

[@bobg2177]

Great explanation for newbie thanks! ✌️

[@baseadventures9954]

❤loved your video... very well explained for this new jeep owner. Thank you😊

[@andypandagaming8179]

So informative! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@Rescue-mt7fl]

Outstanding explanation and demonstration!!! Thank you so much.

[@TerraFirmaX]

WOW, excellent video, thank you

[@TealOxAdv]

Excellent video and explanation of the functions of these options.

[@jarrodrodgers7735]

Phenomenal video and explanation! ❤ thank you!

[@TeddeeJordan]

Thank you so much for this video! I just bought my first 4x4, a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, and I really want to hit trails but have a lot to learn. This video really clarified how to use these features for me.

[@kfed8599]

great video! Love the explanation

[@georgemonje1999]

Thanks for the easy to understand step my step 👍🏼

[@VideosFavero]

Excellent explanation!!! 👏👏👏

[@loulouclark]

Is that what it looked like from outside the Jeep? 😳 Amazing to watch and see it from a new perspective. Love it….

[@derekhawkins9663]

Been looking for a good explanation of these features. Great video!

[@PoonMoon6969]

Thank you!

[@Joshuarucker13]

Thank you for this information

[@marytorbert5212]

You gave me the best explanation on how to use these features and why. I have a 2021 Rubicon Gladiator with all this and do not know how to use it. Slowly learning and carefully trying on Idaho trail. We have gorgeous wilderness and I absolutely can’t wait to take the Jeep on the trials.

[@andrewsfamily1591]

Thank you! Thank you!! What an awesome explanation! I totally get it now. Look out trails, I think I’ve got this!, 💜

[@jeremydahm2124]

this is mad cool. I just picked up a blue High Tide. What a looker. First Jeep. Can't wait to try some beach and off road action!

[@TrentYoung]

Brilliant!

[@erniestryk7068]

Great job in demonstrating how to use the tools that Rubicon offers. I have a Rubicon Gladiator and it has hill decent that also works climbing uphill. Haven’t tried it myself but plan to. Thanks again.

[@ronaldwilton7150]

Great explanation! I'm new to 4-wheeling, having just bought a 2019 Wrangler Rubicon. I have been scouring KZbin videos for explanations and yours was excellent! Thank you. Will check out more of your videos.

[@marlenehart4574]

Thank you. I am a totally green newbie with a 2022 JLUR and you explained it perfectly! Thank you

[@litemy]

Yup.. agreed on all of the above.. well done.

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

I cut the sway bars off the front and rear of My Land Rover Discovery and being on the heavy duty springs it is perfect because they keep me from too much body roll but at the same time I can still be disconnected fully all the time not having to think about it. I don't see any time off-road where you don't want more articulation because it either helps or at least doesn't hurt to always have tires on the ground more and not about just keeping the body level but tires to the ground. I don't have a locker but Land Rover traction control is absolutely astounding. Even on Arizona Trails down here in and around Tucson region. I didn't think the Jeep ABS traction control work to that great but I could be wrong. I've heard it doesn't. Land Rover came up with that in 1996 on the Range Rover classic. It seems like most companies don't Engage The Break on the spinning wheel hard enough for it to work well enough. When yours was spinning and not grabbing mine would Spin and grab and jerk me right up. I feel like a lot of companies just put the ABS traction control on theirs to say they have it legally but it really doesn't seem to work that great. I can go on stuff usually where a Jeep would need to be fully locked and I can still make it with only TC. Yeah it can be a little funky

[@p26dec]

What and explanation.. well ✔️

[@Jkalman6]

Super helpful! Thank you! Took my brand new Rubi 4xe up Berdoo Canyon to Joshua Tree today and missed a lock engage opportunity that would’ve come in handy. Next time!

[@raywalters6141]

Great Rubicon 101... new Rubicon owner and was not sure how the Sway disconnect and Lockouts worked or when best to apply them. Thanks for the instruction!

[@jongrall]

Great explanation, Nena! Those Rubicons sure do come packed with 4x4 features. Perhaps worthwhile doing some additional discussion of other scenarios where lockers can be helpful - e.g. on a steep downhill - and when they are detrimental.

[@jeepschool]

Thanks! There is so much we can talk about with lockers and the modern traction control systems! Trying to keep it all under 15 minutes at a time can be tough. We will have some great rock crawling footage soon, and will be in Glamis for sand dune season---all good opportunities for more demos! Do you have a favorite?

[@jongrall]

@@jeepschool Totally understand trying to keep the videos short-ish. Nothing wrong with doing a pt.2 at some point. ;) Don't have a favorite topic, but am excited to see what you post next. I'm curious, when exactly is "sand dune season", and what makes it so?!?

[@mrpeabodythethird]

Cool! Thanks.

[@davidbutler5114]

The Holy Grail Jeep JL Diesel Rubicon.

[@Original_SJB]

that fairlead is badass. I love it, gonna pickup one, cause I was going to go with 4way roller, but that looks great.

[@johnkraft5640]

Tazer JL mini allows. Lockers to be used in 4high. I like using to rear locker in 4high on the beach.

[@marwanduhoki6642]

Thank yoyyy perfectttt

[@peteherrera4985]

thanks so much I was clueless

[@professoroflifehacks6531]

Thank you

[@lorenza2589]

Great explanation, just one question if anyone knows: I've heard of axeles breaking while they are locked - how do we make sure we don't break them?

[@lcnw7559]

Can you explain a bit more about when to just use the front lock, and when to just use the rear lock.

[@Absolutekel]

Front/both going downhill, rear when going up

[@anitadahlstrom2036]

Awesome video and explanation! Thank you! What size tires and lift are you running on your Rubi??

[@finkster503]

Hello Nena I was just wondering if you could go over and explain the off road + feature also because I was wondering the proper use for engaging using and disengaging it? Thank you for this video you explained these features very well. This is our very first 2022 Jeep Rubicon and not sure of all the new features and just wanted to use them correctly. Thank you again!!!

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

Hey have you ever checked out the Box Canyon Road down at Madera near Green valley? Part of the way in there is a massive massive waterfall during monsoon or even right now as the snow melts. That road is cool it links up to some other trails near Gardner Canyon or you can just take it all the way out to Highway 83 the easy way

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

Modern Wranglers are insane you can practically put a bubble level on the hood when they're totally flexed out.

[@destinyangel5]

A great explanation thank you . We had a little standard and unmodified Wrangler , 1998 model, 5sp manual the shorter wheel base TJ two door with no lockers or sway bar disconnect running on standard size BFG M/T tyres . Never got stuck , could climb steep snowy inclines, cross muddy terrain, go over sand, climb steep rocky uneven sand stone fire trails no problem at never ever got hung up or stuck . Just wondering was it so capable because of shorter wheel base and very light weight ? The break over angles are a bit better than the two door version therefore it might be that the two door didn't really need lockers where as the longer and much heavier longer wheel base Gladiators and four door wrangler/rubicons really need lockers to get out of trouble ?

[@delfimfernandez5243]

Hello Nena! Nice video with clear informations. I am from Brazil and 5 days ago I bought a Wrangler Rubicon 4 doors. I would like to change my tyres. Which size and kind of wheels and tyres do you have in this Rubicon in the video. Thanks a lot for your help. Kindest regards, Delfim

[@Jasonrcsd]

Great explanation!! I'm looking at getting a Rubicon JK, would like a JL but it's over my budget. Other than the dash indicator light is there a way to tell that these functions are working properly? Probably going to be in a person's driveway or a dealer's parking lot.