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Replacing Endlinks?

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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 09:35 AM
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Default Replacing Endlinks?

I'm planning to replace the cheesy plastic suspension endlinks with the aluminum type. Simple job, but what I need to know is... Does the car need to be raised so the wheels are off the ground and the weight is taken off the suspension? Or can it be done with the weight on the wheels/suspension?

A buddy has a drive-on grease pit type deal at his garage that would make it easy to get underneath and do the work, but it would mean the car is still sitting on the wheels.

Thanks!
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 10:57 AM
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i think it can be done both ways.. i did mine by jacking up the car with my floor jack.. good luck
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 11:21 AM
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It certainly makes things easier if the car is raised up and placed on jack stands. Chances are you are going to get on your back under the car. I ended up and it made getting to the bolts easier.

Keith
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 04:02 PM
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Sorry, I guess my question wasn't clear. I know I'll have to get underneath the car to replace the endlinks. What I need to know is if the weight has to be off the wheels/suspension by having the wheels off the ground and the car supported by the frame. In other words, is there "tension" on the sway bar endlinks that needs to be relieved before removing/replacing them?

I have access to a drive-on grease pit that would enable me to walk down underneath the car and stand to do the work. MUCH easier than using jack stands to get the weight off the suspension and having to do it lying on my back.

Hope that makes more sense... appreciate any input.
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 04:19 PM
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When I did mine, I had the car on jack stands. I put Z06 sway bars on at the same time.
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 04:32 PM
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Hi ctu5000 -

I have never tried removing a sway bar on a C5 while the wheels were on the ground -

But......

I can tell you from watching many exhaust systems installed at the Mid America funfest each year, that when they put a car up on a four post (ramp style) lift, they can remove the sway bar bushings/mounts and swivel the (rear) bar down to add clearance - there does not appear to be any tension on the bar at all.

best regards -

mqqn
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 05:08 PM
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Do a search in "tech" section. I just replaced my sway bar with adjustable links and the majority of people said the wheels must be "loaded" or supporting the cars weight to have the proper position on the end links. I jacked up the car and lowered it on blocks. With your buddys lift it sounds like it would be even easier. Good Luck!
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 07:13 PM
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Thanks, everyone. Appreciate the info!
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 07:54 PM
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I removed the rear anti-sway bar to facilitate installation of a new exhaust. The anti-sway bar is easily removed with the weight of the vehicle on four wheels. It's not "loaded". Easy job!
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 09:09 PM
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that is correct it neds to be done with tires on the lift or ground if you are using a pit .
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Old Nov 14, 2006 | 12:42 PM
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Since the end links you are installing are non-adjustable, it won't make any difference if the wheels are on the ground or in the air. Adjustable end links require that the wheels be on the ground to prevent you from accidentally preloading the sway bar.
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Old Nov 14, 2006 | 07:47 PM
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Super info... thanks again!
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Old Nov 14, 2006 | 07:50 PM
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YES YOU CAN!!!!!
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Old Nov 14, 2006 | 08:06 PM
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It helps if you understand how a sway bar works. It is just a bar that ties the two suspension arms together so they move together. It is unloaded as long as both wheels are level.
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Old Nov 14, 2006 | 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Uncle John
Since the end links you are installing are non-adjustable, it won't make any difference if the wheels are on the ground or in the air. Adjustable end links require that the wheels be on the ground to prevent you from accidentally preloading the sway bar.
Bingo!
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Old Nov 14, 2006 | 10:54 PM
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Originally Posted by mqqn
Hi ctu5000 -

I have never tried removing a sway bar on a C5 while the wheels were on the ground -

But......

I can tell you from watching many exhaust systems installed at the Mid America funfest each year, that when they put a car up on a four post (ramp style) lift, they can remove the sway bar bushings/mounts and swivel the (rear) bar down to add clearance - there does not appear to be any tension on the bar at all.

best regards -

mqqn
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Old Nov 14, 2006 | 11:08 PM
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Originally Posted by mqqn
Hi ctu5000 -

I have never tried removing a sway bar on a C5 while the wheels were on the ground -

But......

I can tell you from watching many exhaust systems installed at the Mid America funfest each year, that when they put a car up on a four post (ramp style) lift, they can remove the sway bar bushings/mounts and swivel the (rear) bar down to add clearance - there does not appear to be any tension on the bar at all.

best regards -

mqqn
Reply

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