Sway bar end-links installation

67topless

Member

Mar 31, 2006

203

0

16

Raleigh, NC

Apr 23, 2006

#1

• Apr 23, 2006

• #1

Hey everyone,

I am having issue installing the end-links on my front sway bar with the poly bushings as I can't get enough bolt to thread the screw with all the bushings in place. Any tips to offer for compressing the bushings?

Currently, I have the front wheels on ramps so I can get easy access while still having the weight of the car on it's suspension.

Scott

 

jdowen2

New Member

Dec 18, 2005

48

0

0

Mesa, Az

Apr 23, 2006

#2

• Apr 23, 2006

• #2

You could try a large c clamp or vise grips and try to compress them. Easiest thing would be to get longer bolts.

 

M

magician

New Member

Oct 27, 2005

3

0

1

Apr 23, 2006

#3

• Apr 23, 2006

• #3

I shaved about 1/32 off each bushing with a grinding wheel.Once the nut starts there's no problem

 

rbohm

Founding Member

Apr 12, 2002

6,698

550

204

tucson,az

Apr 24, 2006

#4

• Apr 24, 2006

• #4

with the car up on ramps you have alot of weight that has transfered to the rear of the car. my advice is to jack the rear of the car up to the level of the front, use jackstands to keep it in place, and you should have no problems installing the end links.

 

P

phutch11

Member

Nov 14, 2005

328

2

18

Apr 24, 2006

#5

• Apr 24, 2006

• #5

I had the same problem. I got a large c clamp from home depot for $10 and clamped the bar down enough to get the nut to thread onto the bolt.

However, I would also agree with the above posting about jacking up the rear end if you have the means...it will help.

 

1

19stang66

Member

Apr 16, 2003

689

0

16

Apr 24, 2006

#6

• Apr 24, 2006

• #6

I had my car on 4 jackstands when installing my new swaybar. Then I used a hydraulic jack underneath the lower a-arm to jack the arm up high enough so I could install the links. I had no issues at all getting my nuts to thread on.

Also remember that the torque specs for these links is only like 10-12 ft/lbs, which isnt very much at all.

 

67topless

Member

Mar 31, 2006

203

0

16

Raleigh, NC

Apr 28, 2006

#7

• Apr 28, 2006

• #7

I ended up just cutting about an 1/8 of an inch off the spacer and that gave me just enough to get the nut threaded.

It's amazing how much longer the end links are on this 1 inch sway bar from the stock version.

Thank you everyone for all the ideas,

Scott