APEX Designs & Performance Products
Reference: X02-05-002
Sway Bar Link
autoLYNX APEX Front Sway Bar Disconnect for Jeep - 8.0" Stroke
autoLYNX APEX front sway bar disconnects for the Jeep Wrangler JK/JL/JT and Gladiator, in the 8.0" stroke version — for stock shocks and a 0-2" lift. You disconnect them with the knob alone, no tools and no crawling under the vehicle. The manufacturer warns against using this version with shocks of more than 9.5" stroke. The APEX bolt and washer kits are bought separately.
autoLYNX APEX Front Sway Bar Disconnect for Jeep - 8.0" Stroke
A seized pin, a lost bolt and a quarter of an hour kneeling in the mud at the trailhead — that is what disconnecting a factory sway bar link looks like.
autoLYNX removes the whole ritual: you step out, turn a knob to its stop on each side and drive on.
STROKE 8.0" | LIFT 0-2" | SHOCKS Stock, max 9.5" stroke |
Key benefits
- connecting and disconnecting with the knob alone, no tools — clockwise to lock, anticlockwise to release
- the other side snaps in by itself once you start driving — reconnecting takes one side
- multiple length positions — one link covers different lift heights within its range
- a swivel in the upper bushing lets the sway bar move
Technical data
- Manufacturer part number: X02-05-002
- Stroke: 8.0"
- Lift range: 0-2"
- Intended for: stock shocks — including Rubicon, Sport, Sahara and Mojave models, as long as the factory shocks stay on
- Warning: do not use with shocks of more than 9.5" stroke
- Vehicles: Jeep Wrangler 2007-2026 (JK and JL) and Jeep Gladiator 2020-2026 (JT)
- Shaft: induction hardened, hard chromed
- Body: hard anodised
- Bushings: OE-style vulcanised rubber, upper one with a swivel
- Upper stud nut: M12x1.25
- Washers: M12 or 1/2"
- Lower mounting bolt: M12x1.5, 70 mm
- Extra hardware: the APEX mounting bolt kit and washer kit — sold separately
- Longer version: 10.5" stroke for aftermarket shocks and a 2.5-5" lift — part X02-05-001
Who it is for
For Wrangler JK/JL/JT and Gladiator owners on stock shocks and a lift of up to 2" who disconnect the sway bar before every trail. This is the version for a vehicle with standard suspension.
Installation
Before you disconnect. Only disconnect on ground where the side-to-side wheel articulation is less than 4 inches. With more sway bar preload than that the bar can unload suddenly, which risks bodily harm or vehicle instability. Reconnecting: push the sway bar down until at least one side clicks and check it with a pull upwards.
Fender liners. With factory wheel wells, trimming is typically not needed. The general description does state that the install requires inner fender modification, and with aftermarket liners expect to cut, so the link clears in the up and parked positions — APEX provides a video for the job. For the 2018-2025 Wrangler and Gladiator in Sahara, Sport and Willys trim, check the separate fitment guide before you buy.
Torque and prohibitions. What follows is the APEX fitting instruction. M12 upper nut — 30 ft-lbs, M12 lower bolt — 60 ft-lbs, body nut — 20 ft-lbs; everything else goes to factory specification. Do not use an impact gun. When you set the link length, unscrew the body nut and put four drops of Loctite on the thread. The body carries a plastic tamper-proof ball and, next to it, a screw that must not be touched — disturbing either one voids the warranty.
Checks after fitting. Make sure the sway bar cannot go over centre — if it does, it damages both the bar and the disconnect. With the suspension articulated the link must not hang on anything. The angular limits from the service sheet: 140 degrees maximum and 20 degrees maximum off flat.
Vehicle-specific points. Model year 2024 and newer: the kit includes an adapter taking the 12 mm pin to 14 mm, with a washer and a spacer. A vehicle with an electronic sway bar: APEX recommends swapping the bar for a sport or non-electronic unit (Mopar 52059971ac for the JK, 68251035ab for the JL/JT). Narrow-axle trims (Sport, Sahara, Willys on the 66.50 inch axle): do not use washers to align the links, as that reduces clearance — wheel spacers are suggested instead, around 1.5 inches.
Warranty and care. The link is intended for the JL, JT and JK only — fitted to anything else it carries no warranty. The finish resists salt and most chemicals, but avoid strong acids such as mag wheel cleaner. The link is rebuildable.
Frequently asked questions
Does the fender liner have to be cut?
With a factory liner, usually not. With an aftermarket liner expect to cut — the detail is in the installation section.
Does it fit vehicles other than Jeep?
No. autoLYNX is listed for the JL, JT and JK platforms and the Gladiator only.
Which version — 8.0" or 10.5"?
8.0" for stock shocks and a 0-2" lift. Running shocks with more than 9.5" of stroke, or more than 2" of lift? Then the 10.5" version, made for a 2.5-5" lift, is the right one — get in touch and we will match it to your suspension.
