Whats the secret to installing sway bar links

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

lone ranger

New Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2008
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I've got a '99 4X4 and the right sawy bar link snapped. I ordered ACDELCO replacement parts kit (2 links) figuring that if one snapped the other can't be far behind. I was able to get the link and bushings in place but can't compress the bushings enough to thread the nut. So far the end of the link is flush with the bottom of the lower bushing washer.

My question:
Is there a special tool or secret to compressing the bushing to thread the nut?
 

lone ranger

New Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2008
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Thanks. Friend came over. Took off the wheel and we stuck a long pry bar between the top nut of the link and the rod above the sway bar. While one of us lifted up on the pry bar, thus pushing down on the link, the other was able to thread the other end. We also used a 5 inch conduit pipe placed thru the lower control arm opening and hammered the lower bushing making sure it was as far up on the threads as possible. Once threaded all went well.

I had a '87 Buick Regal and changed the front sway bar and links and it wasn't as near as hard as doing the Tahoe, and I did it alone.

Thanks again.
 

buskeyl

New Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2012
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
So we tried to do this and it has been complete PITA. There is only a small hole in the lower control arm to access the head of the bolt, and the hole is not lined up with the bolt, so you cant get a socket on it. If you try to install the bolt head up. like they were before we cut them out, there's no way to get the bolt in because the upper control arm us position directly over the top of the end of the sway bar link, so there no way to get the bolt in there with the upper control arm in the way. We are starting to think something is bent. I got the right side done somehow. When we decided to start over, thinking you might have needed to have both ends started before you tightened either end down hard, we rounded the both hard off, due to the issue with he hole in the lower control arm I mentioned earlier. This is a 95, 2 door Tahoe 4x4. How are we supposed to get a grip on this bolt head with it off center from the access hole>?
 

amtronic1

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2013
Messages
127
Reaction score
0
You got something bent. The sway bar should be easy as pie to bolt up assuming you are on level ground.
 

aznpersuasion

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2012
Messages
136
Reaction score
0
honestly i took my end links out and have have better ride quality. its a 5000 pound beast and shouldnt be taking corners hella fast anyway. i say just leave it uninstalled.
 

DennisW

New Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2013
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
honestly i took my end links out and have have better ride quality. its a 5000 pound beast and shouldnt be taking corners hella fast anyway. i say just leave it uninstalled.

bad suggestion. Being a top heavy truck sway bars do an important job of reducing body roll even at low speeds and especially in any sort of avoidance maneuvers. They're there for a reason, just unhooking them because it's a bit difficult to service them properly isn't the right, or safe, answer
 

aznpersuasion

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2012
Messages
136
Reaction score
0
bad suggestion. Being a top heavy truck sway bars do an important job of reducing body roll even at low speeds and especially in any sort of avoidance maneuvers. They're there for a reason, just unhooking them because it's a bit difficult to service them properly isn't the right, or safe, answer

couldnt agree more.
 

JoshuaRDye

New Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I'm having the same issue with my 95 2 door 4 wheel drive Tahoe. I just ordered a new sway bar, mine looked bent on passenger side, the bushing is smashed and the paint is peeling as if it took a hit and was pinched. Did you ever figure yours out or did I just order a new sway bar for nothing?
 
Top