#(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

[mrweelr]

So I installed my new ZQ8 steering gear this weekend and had to remove the factory swaybar to get room to R&R the gear (big mistake). Wishing I would have removed my A2A IC core instead :rant: I spent as much time trying to get that POS swaybar back in as I did doing the whole steering gear swap. I tried connecting the end links on the lower control arms first, then the front U-clamps wouldn't line up. Then I tried connecting the front links first and couldn't get the end-brackets to line up on the control arms. I have been wrenching on cars for over 20 years and this seemingly small task really got me pissed off. I wrestled with this swaybar for like 3.5 hours and finally got all of the bolts lined up with their holes and the swaybar was reinstalled. I have to ask, what is the secret to getting this thing reinstalled easily? I did this once before when I did my PST front-end rebuild and it was just as big of a nightmare the first time. I hope I never have to remove it again. Anyway, the ZQ8 box rocks...BIG difference in steering performance :tup:

 

[protosy]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

So I installed my new ZQ8 steering gear this weekend and had to remove the factory swaybar to get room to R&R the gear (big mistake). Wishing I would have removed my A2A IC core instead :rant: I spent as much time trying to get that POS swaybar back in as I did doing the whole steering gear swap. I tried connecting the end links on the lower control arms first, then the front U-clamps wouldn't line up. Then I tried connecting the front links first and couldn't get the end-brackets to line up on the control arms. I have been wrenching on cars for over 20 years and this seemingly small task really got me pissed off. I wrestled with this swaybar for like 3.5 hours and finally got all of the bolts lined up with their holes and the swaybar was reinstalled. I have to ask, what is the secret to getting this thing reinstalled easily? I did this once before when I did my PST front-end rebuild and it was just as big of a nightmare the first time. I hope I never have to remove it again. Anyway, the ZQ8 box rocks...BIG difference in steering performance :tup:

iirc, you have to install the thing with equal weight on the front tires. i did mine, from what i recall, with the front end on ramps.

ymmv

 

[mrweelr]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

Oh man, I feel really stupid now...I was wondering if this was the problem. Makes sense, ha ha. I guess I like to do things the hard way. Thanks for explaining that!

 

[QUICK STORM]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

now all you need to do is buy my borgenson steering shaft.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

I have had to use racheting straps (I diagonally to the frame) to get the front sway bar to line up.

 

[Loeryder]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

Like already said
With the vehicle weight on the front wheels it all lines up easily and one man can get it all buttoned up rather quickly.

 

[mrweelr]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

now all you need to do is buy my borgenson steering shaft.

Why, so I can hear a groaning noise when I turn the wheel? No thanks, my stock shaft and ragjoint are holding up fine

 

[QUICK STORM]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

Why, so I can hear a groaning noise when I turn the wheel? No thanks, my stock shaft and ragjoint are holding up fine

you don't turn the wheel when you drive the 1/4mi:tup:

 

[dogboy]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

groaning...........could it be air bubbles f(rothing) in the system? poss just needs to settle down

 

[George Blake]

Re: #(^*&@%!$ swaybar installation - WTF is the secret!?!

When I do them, I jack the front of the truck up and use a stack of 2x6's strapped together under each tire. That way, the front is still up and the suspension is loaded.