This is my first rubicon (2013). What are the steps for locking the rear and front as well as unlocking? When do you disconnect the swaybar? I am wheeling for the first time tomorrow and searched but can't find answers to these simple questions. Lots of stuff on lockers and when but nothing on the very basics as embarrassing as this question is. Jim.

 

Swaybar - generally when I'm on the trail and in 4hi or low I disconnect.

Lockers - not sure if 2013 same as 2010 so i wont try to explain. What I did was read the instructions in the manual. Then took it out in the parking lot to test what i had read, including engaging and disengaging 4hi, 4lo, lockers, and swaybar.

Better to know all before getting out there.

Cheers!

 

Disconnect sway bar when you hit the trail .Only engage your lockers to get over obstacles and then disengage them when in doubt lock it up.

 

You can only disconnect the swaybar in 4LO. When you get to the trail head and put it in 4LO, disconnect (unless it is a smooth trail).

You engage the rear locker buy tapping the bottom of the locker button once. A second tap locks the front. A third tap unlocks the front, but keeps the rear locked. Tapping the top of the button unlocks both.

On most trails, I run unlocked. If it is slimy, I'll lock the rear and keep it locked. I'll lock the front only as needed.

You need to get some experience under your belt. Find a dirt road and play around.

Hope that helps.

 

So, if you can only disconnect the sway bar in 4LO, does it automatically re-engage when you shift into 4HI or 2WD? Does this apply to the 2009 also?

 

It will re-engage automatically in 4Hi and 2Hi. The light may continue to flash, if it does, just push the swaybar button to stop it.

I believe the procedure is the same from 2007 up.

 

Thats weird, I can run my swaybar disconnected in 4-hi up to 20 mph or so.

As far as the lockers, just read the manual and go find a loose surface to practice on. It does take a little practice IMO.

 

You can disconnect in 4 HI also. It tries to reconnect at 18mph.

 

The swaybar CAN be disconnected in HI or LOW. I usually disconnect when I am on the trail if needed or not. That way I don't have to worry about worrying about a button in a moments notice. Just place the transfer case in 4hi or 4low and push the button. When done, push the button again or just return the transfer case to 2hi and the swaybar will reengage on it's own. I want to say the same is true when you turn the vehicle off. You have to push the button again once restarting the vehicle.

For the lockers, I highly recommend doing the bypass mod. Search or google to find out exactly how to do it. In a nutshell, you splice into the positive or ground wires and run this splice to a different switch at the location of your choice. This will be done with both front and rear lockers so two switches will be used. This allows you to engage front only, rear only, or both without having to worry about what gear the transfer case is in. The mod also allows you to use it in 2hi.

For when to engage the lockers, that is preference. I only engage when needed then disengage. When engaged, I try not to turn unless I am moving either forward or backward.