APEX Designs & Performance Products
Reference: X02-09-001
Sway Bar Link
airLYNX APEX Adjustable Front Sway Bar Links - Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ, GX
Adjustable airLYNX APEX front sway bar links for the Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Hilux and Lexus GX. You set the stiffness of the factory bar with pressure, progressively, from stock to a soft off-road rate — without changing anything in the suspension. Extended length 9.3", stroke 2", diameter 1.45".
airLYNX APEX Adjustable Front Sway Bar Links - Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ, GX
A disconnect is a binary answer: the bar either holds or it does not. On a Toyota that runs both tarmac and rock, neither setting is right all day.
airLYNX gives the state in between: you set bar stiffness with pressure, progressively, from factory to practically nothing.
VEHICLES Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ, Hilux, Lexus GX | PRESSURE 0-300 PSI | LENGTH / STROKE 9.3" / 2" |
Key benefits
- turns the factory bar into an adjustable bar — from stock stiffness to a soft off-road rate
- better control and traction off-road thanks to freer wheel movement
- you can adjust it without changing anything in the suspension
- the link is rebuildable — after crash damage APEX supplies replacement parts
Technical data
- Manufacturer part number: X02-09-001 — M14x1.5 thread, factory ball joint
- Second variant: X02-09-007 — M14x2.0 thread, fits the ICON Delta joint
- Pressure range: 0-300 PSI, working range on the road 150-300 PSI
- Extended length: 9.3"
- Stroke: 2"
- Diameter: 1.45"
- Behaviour at 0 PSI: fully disconnected for the first 3" of travel; about 25% at 4", 35% at 5", 45% at 6", 55% at 7", 65% at 8"
- Vehicles: 4Runner 2003-2024 (4th and 5th gen), Tacoma 2005-2023 (2nd and 3rd gen), FJ Cruiser from 2007, GX470 2003-2009 and GX460 from 2010 (KDSS removal required), Hilux 2015-2025 (8th gen)
- Finish: resists salt and most chemicals; the manufacturer advises against strong acids such as mag wheel cleaner
Who it is for
For owners of the Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Hilux and Lexus GX who drive both tarmac and trails and do not want to choose between handling and articulation.
Pressure and charging — from the APEX install instructions
On the road the rule is a minimum of 150 PSI and a maximum of 300 PSI — the instructions set this as a requirement, not a suggestion. At 0 PSI you must not return to the road; off-road any pressure from 0 PSI up is allowed, and you pick it to suit your own comfort. More pressure means stiffer, less means softer.
You charge the links with a Zero Loss chuck (X02-12-008) and a shock pump only — an ordinary chuck releases air on disconnection. Once charged the pressure cannot be checked: connecting the pump lowers it, so the reading will be below the value you set.
Installation — from the APEX instructions
The sway bar must be relocated forward by at least 0.6 inch. The APEX relocation kit, which moves the bar 1 inch, comes in the box; if you already run another relocation bracket giving at least 0.6 inch, you skip that step. The relocation involves drilling: a 0.250" hole twice on each side, then drilling through 4 times at 13 mm and setting M10x1.5 rivet nuts. The T06-01-002 step drill is the tool for it, sold separately; one spare rivet nut is included.
Beyond that the install means discarding the factory links and rerouting the ABS line and its brackets behind the spindle, then checking that the line does not rub the wheel at full steering lock either way. On the GX470 and GX460 the factory KDSS has to come out first. The manufacturer rates the difficulty as high and quotes 2-3 hours of work; it also provides an installation guide and a video.
Torque figures and tools
Upper nut 30 ft-lbs with a 19 mm wrench, holding the stud with a 6 mm hex key; lower joint 70 ft-lbs with a torque wrench and the supplied crow's foot; 12 mm sway bar mount bolts 75 ft-lbs; 6 mm screws 7 ft-lbs; 8 mm screws 18 ft-lbs. Impact guns and power tools are prohibited — they twist the rubber joint boot and can damage the joint. Hand tools only.
The upper stud must have an M14x1.5 thread and must not extend more than 0.900" below the spindle surface — anything longer has to be trimmed. With a uniball the minimum grade is 10.9. The Schrader fill port is fitted facing the front of the vehicle on both sides.
Not sure what exactly your vehicle needs? Get in touch before ordering and we will go through it with you.
Frequently asked questions
How does airLYNX differ from kwikLYNX?
They are not interchangeable. airLYNX disconnects the bar by about 50%, kwikLYNX by about 80%. airLYNX gives better ride comfort and suits higher speeds, kwikLYNX is better over obstacles because it allows more travel. airLYNX has no on-off mode, only progressive adjustment.
Which thread should I choose?
X02-09-001 has an M14x1.5 thread for the factory ball joint. The M14x2.0 version for the ICON Delta joint is the separate part X02-09-007.
Does it work with KDSS?
On the GX470 and GX460 the factory KDSS system has to be removed.
How often do the links need charging?
Every 6 months, if they have not been discharged in that time.
What pressure should I set?
A minimum of 150 PSI and a maximum of 300 PSI on the road. Off-road anything from 0 PSI up, to suit yourself — but at 0 PSI you do not drive back onto tarmac.
