What is a sway bar on pickup truck?

A sway bar (also called an anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar) on a pickup truck, or any vehicle for that matter, is a component of the suspension system. Its primary function is to reduce body roll during cornering and other maneuvers.

When a truck turns, the suspension on the outside wheels compresses more than the inside wheels. This causes the vehicle's body to lean or roll. The sway bar connects the suspension on opposite sides of the vehicle (left and right). When one side compresses, the sway bar resists this compression and transfers some of the force to the opposite side, helping to keep the truck more level and stable. This improves handling and reduces the feeling of leaning, making the ride feel more controlled and less tippy.