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Install question on Z51 Sways

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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 07:17 PM
  #1  
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Default Install question on Z51 Sways

I just received my new set of sways for my 05 coupe. They want $200 from the local speed shop to change them out.

I have access to a lift. Is the change out easy enough for an average wrench or should I pop with the $200?

Does the car need to be lifted with wheels off the lift? Anyone know the torques? Any other advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dave
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 08:16 PM
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I do know that both wheel's should be off the ground and the existing bars should have no "load" on them as you remove the bolt's from each side. It is pretty simple other than the star wrench (really need a star adapter for a socket wrench other wise it is hard to get off) you need to remove the bolt holding them in on the ends.
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 08:33 PM
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Get the Pfadt Poly bushings.
They really enhance the swaybars and are only $30.
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 08:34 PM
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I did mine in about 45 minutes, not real difficult
43 lb-ft front sway bar insulator bracket
53 lb-ft front sway bar link nuts
49 lb-ft rear sway bar insulator bracket bolt
70 lb-ft rear sway bar insulator bracket nut
53 lb-ft rear sway bar link nuts
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by hot1
I did mine in about 45 minutes, not real difficult
43 lb-ft front sway bar insulator bracket
53 lb-ft front sway bar link nuts
49 lb-ft rear sway bar insulator bracket bolt
70 lb-ft rear sway bar insulator bracket nut
53 lb-ft rear sway bar link nuts
Just raise it up and swap them out. Grease the inside of the rubber bushings well with some lithum grease!
easy 45 minute job tops!
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 09:27 PM
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Thanks everyone! Sounds do able but what is a star wrench? I will probably go to March AFB auto shop for this. Will I need the pucks for the lift on the rocker rails?

Thanks

Dave
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by biggums
Thanks everyone! Sounds do able but what is a star wrench? I will probably go to March AFB auto shop for this. Will I need the pucks for the lift on the rocker rails?

Thanks

Dave
A star wrench is like an allen wrench only shaped like a star (more sides I.E. notches).

You should always use pucks when the lift or jack doesn't have a padded/rubber top.
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by CraigE
Get the Pfadt Poly bushings.
They really enhance the swaybars and are only $30.
Speaking of upgrades, you should also upgrade to the adjustable sway bar mounting arms too while your at it.
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 10:38 PM
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Thanks for the star wrench explaination!

On the adjustable sway situation where and how much?

Great forum but I'm starting to feel green!
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 11:26 PM
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Originally Posted by biggums
Thanks everyone! Sounds do able but what is a star wrench?
Dave
A torx #40
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 11:30 PM
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Originally Posted by biggums
Thanks for the star wrench explaination!

On the adjustable sway situation where and how much?

Great forum but I'm starting to feel green!
I think Pfadt has those too and not sure how much
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Old Jan 17, 2009 | 12:14 AM
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Hey thanks! A star wrench = Torx never heard of star before.

Anyway I think i am ready to head for the shop and change it out.

This is a wonderful reason for this forum. Maybe I can save $200 and do it myself!

Thanks everyone!

Dave

Last edited by biggums; Jan 17, 2009 at 11:29 AM.
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Old Jan 17, 2009 | 09:59 AM
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I just did the bars on my '05 and it did NOT have the #40 Torx end link, it took a 6mm allen wrench. I read somewhere that the 05's had different end link bolts.

Just to make it easier on you though, use an 18mm open end wrench between the end link boot and the sway bar, there is a wrenching flat there. The important thing to remember is to NOT turn the bolt with the allen wrench; keep it stationary while turning the nut. Sloppy and loose end links will be the result, so I've read.

Enjoy the access you have to a base hobby shop, it's a great benefit! Mine just closed
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Old Jan 17, 2009 | 11:29 AM
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Thanks for the tip bwurster!
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Old Jan 17, 2009 | 02:35 PM
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I didn't have a set of torx at the time I changed out my bars. If you carefully lift the rubber boot / dust cover up on the ball joint on the other side of the sway bar from the nut you will find a 15mm head. place a tappet wrench / thin type wrench on the bolt to hold back the ball from spinning. be careful not to rip the boot. also do a double torque on all the bolts the second one after you ride around for a day or so.
good luck
Mike

Last edited by mikeci; Jan 17, 2009 at 02:39 PM.
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