How to install front sway bar.

rnln · 11-20-2015, 03:15 AM

Don't yell at me

I refresh the front suspension and do remember how to put things back, except the front sway bar. I can't figure out which side is up, and which side is down. Does any one have a picture of it installed for me to look at? There is a bent in the middle of it. If I can see this middle section, that helps.
Thanks.

Jesse16 · Jesse16's Garage

No drawing but if memory serves, the two ends are "up and forward obviously" and the middle is a bit "lower". A PIA to get into the end bushings.

Jesse16 · Jesse16's Garage

No drawing but if memory serves, the two ends are "up and forward obviously" and the middle is a bit "lower". A PIA to get into the end bushings.

rnln · 11-20-2015, 08:58 AM

Thanks,
I really have no idea how to get it in the 2 a-arms umm....

bkreigsr · 11-20-2015, 09:15 AM

I've done this multiple times. You can use all sorts of chains, cables, ropes, and come-a-longs. The easiest way for me turned out to be remove the lower a arm on one side and insert the ends onto the brackets, then re-attach the arm.
Easy to remove the as arm on an '87 - punch out the pinch bolt - punch back in.
Bill K

Jesse16 · Jesse16's Garage

Think you have to free one of the A arms. That's just a few bolts. Do some thread reading, lots of pushing, lube, and swearing ahead. Kinda sounds fun.

zippy_gg · zippy_gg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

I've done this multiple times. You can use all sorts of chains, cables, ropes, and come-a-longs. The easiest way for me turned out to be remove the lower a arm on one side and insert the ends onto the brackets, then re-attach the arm.
Easy to remove the as arm on an '87 - punch out the pinch bolt - punch back in.
Bill K

+1 Also silicone greasing the bar before putting it in will make things easier.

Driven97 · 11-20-2015, 06:21 PM

Save yourself a ton of swearing and remove an A arm. Crazy, nonsensical design.

Kraftwerk · 11-20-2015, 06:42 PM

I just installed a thru the body sway bar so the OEM one is staying out, must be tons of pictures if you do a search, of the proper orientation of that thing..

sp_cs · 11-20-2015, 10:48 PM

I've read of a ratchet strap being used to pull in the bar to align with the loop

manbridge 74 · 11-21-2015, 05:08 AM

You guys are doing it wrong. Bar can't be installed easily when suspension is in droop. Put a floor jack under one arm and get it close to parallel. Goes right in. Keep a spare wheel etc, under car so you don't kill yourself.

john walker's workshop · 11-21-2015, 07:55 AM

Lube the bar and bushing with silicone spray, push one side much farther through the bushing than normal and pop the other end in with a bit of muscle.

rnln · 11-23-2015, 10:08 AM

Thanks guys.
For reference... yes, 1 of the a-arm has to be off the car, for me, to be able to do install the sway bar. Lube it. When mounting it to the chassis, to push it toward the front, I use a big C clamp to slightly squeeze it toward the cross member. To pull it toward the rear of the car, I use a big mouth pliers to squeeze between the tip of the sway bar and the mount on the a-arm.