One of the first things any rookie Jeep owner hears is "disconnect your sway bars!". The rear sway bar (also know as the stabalizer bar) is a bar of round steel that runs between the rear spring mounts and has a mount to the uniframe on each side. It's purpose is to keep the vehicle paralel to the axle. On road this is a good thing. On the trail this lifts tires and reduces traction.

Removing the sway bar will slightly reduce your high speed cornering ability, especially with the back loaded down. On the other hand the UpCountry Jeeps don't even come with one. If you drive your XJ like a truck and not a sports car you won't even miss it. On the other hand if you wheel mostly on level surfaces, you won't really notice the improvement, so leave it on.

This really is a simple job and barely warrants a tech page, but it is a common first mod for rookie wrenchers, so here it is.

Tools: 15mm socket, 18mm socket, 18mm wrench.

1. Jack the truck up by the axle and remove the tires.

2. Remove the bolts holding the linkage to the spring bracket.

3. Remove the bolts holding the bushing and bracket to the uniframe.

4. Place jack stands under the uniframe and lower your jack. This gives you room to slide the sway bar out. I found it easiest to feed it from the driver's side to the passenger's side.

5. Jack the axle back up, replace the wheels, and you're set. I advise you to go for a drive before and after removal and see if the increase in body roll is acceptable to you.