Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN USA
Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift?
I was planning on adding Z51 bars to my standard suspension coupe. Looks straightforward, anyone know of any tips I should be aware of? Is it possible to make the change using only a floor jack, jacks stands and maybe rhino ramps? Don't have access to a lift. Thanks.
JohnS
JohnS
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN USA
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (JohnS)
I received the bars today. Looks pretty easy, anyone know if there is anything to watch out for? What's this about the car being "sprung"?
JohnS
[Modified by JohnS, 6:33 PM 9/25/2001]
[Modified by JohnS, 6:34 PM 9/25/2001]
JohnS
[Modified by JohnS, 6:33 PM 9/25/2001]
[Modified by JohnS, 6:34 PM 9/25/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (JohnS)
JohnS,
The thing to watch out for is having enough room to use the torque wrench properly. I changed sway bars using a lift and on ramps and I'll tell you a lift is much easier. However, it’s not impossible to do with ramps if you take your time. One other thing, I used a crow’s foot socket in order to torque the links while you hold the Torx head screw in place. A little awkward, but it works. Good luck. – C.
The thing to watch out for is having enough room to use the torque wrench properly. I changed sway bars using a lift and on ramps and I'll tell you a lift is much easier. However, it’s not impossible to do with ramps if you take your time. One other thing, I used a crow’s foot socket in order to torque the links while you hold the Torx head screw in place. A little awkward, but it works. Good luck. – C.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN USA
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (Mr. C's 5)
Mr C's 5: Thanks for the tip. I was wondering how to torc the links. I changed the exhaust using ramps and the rear bars looked relatively easy.
JohnS
JohnS
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (Mr. C's 5)
I used a crow’s foot socket in order to torque the links while you hold the Torx head screw in place. A little awkward, but it works.
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Ridgetop TN
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (IAdvise)
Here is a note that may help.
On the end links, remove them first and mount them to the new sway bar before mounting on the car, then mount the bar and do the lower control arm/end link connection. It is extremely hard to get a wrench on the top of the end links with everything mounted.
It is easier to mount the new swap bars if the suspension is unloaded, ie jack the front up and support it with jack stands.
I would also recommend using the steel end links on the front since the plastic stock ones can tear.
On the end links, remove them first and mount them to the new sway bar before mounting on the car, then mount the bar and do the lower control arm/end link connection. It is extremely hard to get a wrench on the top of the end links with everything mounted.
It is easier to mount the new swap bars if the suspension is unloaded, ie jack the front up and support it with jack stands.
I would also recommend using the steel end links on the front since the plastic stock ones can tear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 527
From: Clouds Over California
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (RedLandRocket)
Not to hard pretty straight forward, I printed out Mallett's installation instruction off their website just for reference. Something Paul from VB&P told me is that their should be no tension on the end links if you are using the metal ones, if not just observe the locations prior to removal and replace the same. Mallett's main point was just to make sure that it is not hitting anything.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (IAdvise)
IAdvise,
A crow's foot socket looks like the end of an open end wrench that has been cut off, and a 3/8" drive square hole put in to connect to a ratchet. You can find them at most automotive stores or Sears, if you want to spend a bit more. - C.
A crow's foot socket looks like the end of an open end wrench that has been cut off, and a 3/8" drive square hole put in to connect to a ratchet. You can find them at most automotive stores or Sears, if you want to spend a bit more. - C.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Paris TX
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (JohnS)
Forum member Chaz has a great "how to" on his sway bar swap. He used a lift, but my brother and I did it with Rhino ramps and a floor jack.
Here's a link to Chaz's site: http://www.chazcone.com/corvette/z51/index.htm
Later.
Here's a link to Chaz's site: http://www.chazcone.com/corvette/z51/index.htm
Later.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 744
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island NY
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (JohnGlenn)
Mr C,
Thanks, I was browsing the net and the only thing I found was a torque wrench for about $400 that has an adaptor! Finding it at Sears makes it MUCH easier
Thanks again
Thanks, I was browsing the net and the only thing I found was a torque wrench for about $400 that has an adaptor! Finding it at Sears makes it MUCH easier
Thanks again
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN USA
Re: Can Stabilizer bars be changed without a lift? (JohnS)
Thanks for all your replys (I've been out of town for a few days). I think I picked up enough tips to feel comfortable trying this this weekend. The tip about putting the endlinks on the bars first before installing the bars may very well have save me a lot of time and aggravation.
JohnS
JohnS