MetalCloak Rear Sway Bar Spacer & Link Kit, 14.5in, Jeep Wrangler JK

At the rear axle after a big lift, fitting longer links is not enough on its own. The manufacturer says so plainly: extended links alone can foul the frame when the suspension has plenty of travel. Instead of an improvement you get a new problem.

This kit solves both at once: the spacers move the sway bar mount clear, and the 14.5in links give the correct length for a 4.5in–5.5in lift. Only together do they let the rear bar work unhindered through the full range of articulation.

Solid steel spacers, 4in × 3/4in × 2in, gold zinc finished; 1/2in-13 links with a rubber boot seal on the joint. Bolts into the factory locations, 1–2 hours, no modification.

Why longer links alone are not enough

This is the heart of the product and worth a moment. The manufacturer writes:

"The rear extended sway bar links on the JK Wrangler can interfere with the frame with long travel suspension if ONLY using extended links. MetalCloak's spacer kit provides the needed spacing and correct length links for the rear suspension to move unhindered."

In other words: a longer link on its own sets the bar at the right angle, but at full compression it starts to touch the frame. The spacer moves the mounting point and creates the room that is missing. That is why, with long-travel suspension, you buy the set rather than the links alone.

Which rear kit — three variants

Do not forget the front axle

At a 4.5in–5.5in lift the front links are too short as well. Which one you need depends on whether you have a "SWAY BAR" button on the dashboard (on the JK that is Rubicon equipment):

• Button → front links 14.5in, part no. 7221.
• No button → front quick disconnects 14.5in, part no. 7220.

We stock both. One of the manufacturer's customers put it plainly: after fitting 5.5in springs he kept the old links and the vehicle began to lean in corners; changing to 14.5in front and rear restored normal handling.

Construction

• Solid steel spacers – 4in × 3/4in × 2in (approx. 102 × 19 × 51 mm), gold zinc finished. A solid block, not a spacer sleeve.
• 1/2in-13 × 14.5in links – imperial thread matching the factory mounting.
• Rubber boot seal – protection from water, grit and salt; the factory-style solution, with no grease point and nothing to service.
• Gold zinc chromate finish on links and spacers.
• OE-level fit and finish – the manufacturer highlights this across the line.
• All required hardware included.

What's in the kit

• 2 × rear sway bar link, 14.5in
• 2 × solid steel spacer
• all required hardware

A set for both sides of the vehicle — the price is for a pair, which the manufacturer confirmed directly in answer to a customer's question.

Technical data

• Application: Jeep Wrangler JK 2007–2018, rear axle
• Contents: 2 links + 2 spacers (a set for both sides)
• Links: 1/2in-13, 14.5in (approx. 368 mm), fixed length
• Spacers: solid steel, 4in × 3/4in × 2in
• Joint: with rubber boot seal
• Finish: gold zinc
• Intended for: 4.5in mid arm or 4.5in–5.5in long arm MetalCloak lifts
• Installation difficulty: easy
• Body modification: none
• Time to install: 1–2 hours
• Shipping weight: approx. 3.18 kg
• Country of manufacture: USA

A note on the manufacturer's data

The technical section of this page carries the lines "Designed for Electronic Sway Bar" and "Designed for MetalCloak's 4.5in Lift". That is a block carried over from the front card: on the JK only the front sway bar has an electronic disconnect, the rear has no such mechanism. The page itself confirms it — there is no requirement listed, and the compatibility table simply gives the 2007–2018 model years.

In practice: this kit fits any JK within the stated lift range, Rubicon or not.

Who it is for

For lifted JKs at 4.5in–5.5in, especially on long-travel shocks — RockSports or 6Paks. It is one of those items forgotten when a lift is assembled, and then spent a long time chasing as a mysterious change in how the rear behaves.

Installation notes

The job is simple: unbolt the old links, fit the spacers under the sway bar mount, bolt the new links in. The manufacturer allows 1–2 hours and rates the difficulty as easy.

The vehicle should be on its wheels — fitting with the axle hanging leaves the bar under preload. Once assembled, it is worth checking clearances at full compression.

Szekla4x4.pl is an authorised MetalCloak dealer with a workshop specialising in off-road suspension — we will fit and set the front-and-rear set. Send us your lift height and shock type and we will confirm the choice.

Why it is worth it

• It solves the problem that longer links alone do not — fouling the frame at full travel.
• Solid steel spacers, not sleeves — a part that carries load.
• A rubber-booted joint: nothing to service, resistant to water and salt.
• Bolts into the factory locations, with no cutting or drilling.

Frequently asked questions

Is the price for a pair or a single item?

For a complete set for both sides — two links and two spacers. The manufacturer confirmed it directly.

Are longer links alone enough?

With long-travel suspension, no. The manufacturer warns that extended links alone can foul the frame. The spacer creates the clearance needed.

I have a 3in lift — does this kit fit?

No. For 2.5in–4.5in mid arm lifts the right kit is the one with 12.25in links (part no. 7028), which we also stock.

I already have the right links and only need the clearance.

Then the spacers alone (part no. 7027) will do — we stock them separately.

Does it work with the factory rear sway bar?

Yes. The kit uses the factory mounting points and the factory bar.

Is it Rubicon-only?

No. The electronic disconnect on a JK applies to the front axle only — this kit fits any JK within the stated lift range.

Is any cutting or drilling required?

No. It bolts into the factory locations with no modification.