Front swaybar removal and install

Charlesm3 · Post by **Charlesm3** » Tue Nov 29, 2016 6:55 am

I'm seeing differing opinions on how to R&R the front bar. Do I drop the front subframe? If so what do I do with the engine? Alternate ideas? I see no other way to get a wrench on the single bolt....
Thanks in advance.
-Charles

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Nov 29, 2016 12:38 pm

It is noted for being difficult, however I have managed to do it without lowering the subframe. Details are sketchy as it was a long time ago.

Charlesm3 · Post by **Charlesm3** » Tue Nov 29, 2016 3:16 pm

Thanks Mike. I went back out to the shop and realized that I couldn't see the forest from the trees. You are right that it is doable. A 17 mm angled 12 point box wrench is perfect. The problem comes when putting it back together. Its easy to R&R if one is putting back in stock sized bushings and clamps. I'm doing an ST 28mm sway bar upgrade that will require the subframe to be dropped about 1/2" to get the new bigger bushings and clamps into the space. Once in place the subframe snugs up to it and locks it all in.

Hope this helps folks in the future.
-CC

Qwodracer · Post by **Qwodracer** » Wed Nov 30, 2016 11:21 am

Charlesm3 wrote:Thanks Mike. I went back out to the shop and realized that I couldn't see the forest from the trees. You are right that it is doable. A 17 mm angled 12 point box wrench is perfect. The problem comes when putting it back together. Its easy to R&R if one is putting back in stock sized bushings and clamps. I'm doing an ST 28mm sway bar upgrade that will require the subframe to be dropped about 1/2" to get the new bigger bushings and clamps into the space. Once in place the subframe snugs up to it and locks it all in.

Hope this helps folks in the future.
-CC

To be clear; you can drop the subframe the 1/2inch without removing the bolts?

I am Looking to do the same swaybars this spring...

Charlesm3 · Post by **Charlesm3** » Wed Nov 30, 2016 11:40 am

Yes. Loosen the rear bolts about 1/8 to 3/16. Support the engine (I used a block of wood on my transmission jack under the oil pan) and slowly back out the front bolts a little at a time on each side. This will lower it until you get to the 1/2" point. I didn't have a lot of push on the jack it was basically there to keep it from falling if something was amiss on the front bolts (i.e. previous owner putting shorter ones in or something like that).

Hope thats all clear.
-CC