Sway bars installation

[Aure]

Hi folks!

I got these strong Eibach sway bars I'd like to install. Is it a good idea to get adjustable end links or can I install them with the stock end links?

Also, would anyone lend me car ramps for the installation? It seems to be the kind of work that can't be done on jacks, since you have to remove weight from the sway bars to remove and install them.

Finally, I don't have a garage and it's kinda chilly outside. If anyone is willing to host me in his/her garage for a day or hopefully half a day, I would greatly appreciate it! I'll provide the beer (but you tell me which one you like, I have no clue about alcohol ) Or better, I can cook something. French cuisine anyone?

[prostwest]

Hi folks!

I got these strong Eibach sway bars I'd like to install. Is it a good idea to get adjustable end links or can I install them with the stock end links?

Also, would anyone lend me car ramps for the installation? It seems to be the kind of work that can't be done on jacks, since you have to remove weight from the sway bars to remove and install them.

Jackstands under the chassis, wheels off, then jack the suspension as needed.

Stock links are mostly fine; you might be better served initially in getting front bracket reinforments.

[ChristianL]

What Steve said.

Is your car lowered at all? If so, you might want to consider adjustible endlinks.

I don't have a garage, but if you don't get a better offer, you're welcome to come up some weekend and we'll throw them on. They don't take long to install.

[Aure]

Jackstands under the chassis, wheels off, then jack the suspension as needed.

That's smart!

Stock links are mostly fine; you might be better served initially in getting front bracket reinforments.

[/quote]

If thought this problem happens only on the NB. Am I misinformed?

[Aure]

What Steve said.

Is your car lowered at all? If so, you might want to consider adjustible endlinks.

It's not been lowered at all, so I guess I should be alright with the stock end links.

I don't have a garage, but if you don't get a better offer, you're welcome to come up some weekend and we'll throw them on. They don't take long to install.

Cool! I appreciate.

[prostwest]

If thought this problem happens only on the NB. Am I misinformed?

AFAIK. Racing Beat recommends for all up to 2005.

[moxnix]

If thought this problem happens only on the NB. Am I misinformed?

AFAIK. Racing Beat recommends for all up to 2005.

Not really needed if you install correctly the first time.

See the hollis STS2 blog for details.
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/projec ... roll-bars/

To fix this problem, there are two easy solutions. One is to grind away some of the material from the flat outside part of the D_shaped bushing. Alternatively, you can put a washer or two under the saddle mount to shim it up. I prefer the former method. Ultimately, you are looking to be able to smoothly move the bar arms up and down when the end links are disconnected.

BTW your location might help. Without knowing where you located I could be right next door or 3 hours away (and I don't feel like searching thru old posts to see)

[prostwest]

Andy attributes bracket fatigue to binding, but is that the final word?

[moxnix]

Andy attributes bracket fatigue to binding, but is that the final word?

You got better words?

[IH82BL8]

This is more of a question than an answer:

I thought the purpose of adjustable end-links was to facilitate neutral torsion by preloading the suspension by putting the driver in his seat, and the car on a flat level surface, then adjusting the end-links to a neutral length and attaching them to the sway bar.

...or not?

[thebeerbaron]

yes, but with lowered cars, sometimes you need shorter endlinks in order for things not to bash into each other. with my big red bar, even the stock suspension required short endlinks to keep things happy. when I went lower, I went shorter.

also, depending on design, it might not be possible to hook up some bars with stock endlinks.

[Aure]

See the hollis STS2 blog for details.
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/projec ... roll-bars/

To fix this problem, there are two easy solutions. One is to grind away some of the material from the flat outside part of the D_shaped bushing. Alternatively, you can put a washer or two under the saddle mount to shim it up. I prefer the former method. Ultimately, you are looking to be able to smoothly move the bar arms up and down when the end links are disconnected.

Very good reading.

BTW your location might help. Without knowing where you located I could be right next door or 3 hours away (and I don't feel like searching thru old posts to see)

I live in the Rockville, MD area. I didn't mention it cause I don't mind driving

[Sam Powell]

If you guys wish, (Christian and Aure) you can meet in the middle at my place and install the sway bars here in my garage. It is not heated, but I can put a space heater on and get it up to 40 degrees even on a cold day. Wait a few weeks and it is getting warm enough maybe that it will not be too cold anyway. Sunday afternoons are the good times for me. We will likely have to wait until the snow systems that want to blow through here every week end stop coming around.

I had both my sway bars unhooked when I installed my shocks. The rear one looks the easiest to change. The front one will involve removing the splash pan for sure. And, at least on my car, which has AC, it looked like a few Houdini moves might be required to work the bar around the AC lines.

I have jack stands and a nice floor jack. With the floor jack and the small jack that comes with the car, I was able to raise both suspensions while the car was on jacks stands to get the shocks on and off.

Sam

[Aure]

I really appreciate that! I'm available any Sunday, except February 14th. Let me know what's the most convenient for you. And your favorite brand of beer

As for the sway bars, I've read that it's really tricky to get the front bar in and out, but possible nonetheless. I've ordered adjustable end links from Goodwin to make the job easier.

[Aure]

To keep you up-to-date on this, I received my Racing Beat adjustable end links today. I'm completely ready for installation!

[Claff]

To keep you up-to-date on this, I received my Racing Beat adjustable end links today. I'm completely ready for installation!

Awright now, no lollagagging around. Git out there and git them installed. We expect pics of the finished project by 5:30pm today.

[Aure]

Damn, I see that only now!

[bill_keksz]

If you get the Konis, be aware the RB endlinks may interfere with the rear spring perches.

[Aure]

I dropped the car at Chris Winsdor's for a check and alignement/camber job. I ended up asking him to install all the parts, including the sway bars. I'm very happy with his work!

[prostwest]

While swapping my snow tires off on Saturday, I noticed the nut was missing from the front right A-arm connector bolt to the endlink. That might have explained one of my clunks.

[Aure]

Good thing you don't need a sway bar to drive.

[prostwest]

Good thing you don't need a sway bar to drive.

Well, it was still working- the bolt hadn't backed out at all.

[bill_keksz]

Saved by rust!

[prostwest]

Saved by rust!

...yet again.