2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Sway bar link question

[Schlickenmeyer]

Does the truck need to be in the air to replace a swaybar link?

The manual says to hoist, but that may just be access.

if so, I assume that frame hoist, not the axle must be used.

If anyone has done this, I would appreciate the help, need to do this tonite.



Thanks

 

[MCondit]

Can be replaced with the truck on the ground. If needed loosen the brackets on the chassis for some added movement of the bar.

 

[Dave M]

Does the truck need to be in the air to replace a swaybar link?

The manual says to hoist, but that may just be access.

if so, I assume that frame hoist, not the axle must be used.

If anyone has done this, I would appreciate the help, need to do this tonite.



Thanks

I did this a year ago on my 97. I was also replacing the sway bar bushings but I believe I had to drop the sway bar due to the tension on the end links. At the time I had the axle on jacks so that may be why I had tension on the links. In any case, the sway bar is not a big deal to drop. I'd try it first without dropping the sway bar. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.



Edit: I see someone already corrected me. Like he said, you could loosen the sway bar bushing bolts to relieve tension. The bolts are around an inch long so they can help drop the bar when loosened.

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Ok, I have falied to budge it. Tried a puller, jaws kept slipping off.

tried a hammer. nada. hoised by frame (with a long chunk of 4x4), hoisted by axle. Neither helped. tried relieving tension on the sway bar.

any other tips before I have to pay someone?

Thanks

 

[Kawi600]

I have heard of folks completely removing the front swaybar and the balljoint links on it and theyve noticed no difference in steering or ride.

When mine goes Im going to give this one a try myself.

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Oops. My bad. I did not realize there was a front one too...

This would be the rear swaybar. .

Talked to a shop today and they told me that both sides and the bar off is the easy way. So I guess we order another link and do it up. They said I may as well do both since I had it apart. . hell for antoher $50, it will save me the trouble of going back at it. .

Thanks for the help!

 

[JMcrae]

I just did my front sway bar links.
First try I could not get the link out of the axle bracket. Went to a local shop and asked what the trick was.
He said the shaft that goes through the axle bracket is tapered, so just give the axle bracket that holds the link a good wack and the shaft will pop off.
Went home and tried it , it worked. Works on the back ones too.
hope that helps if you haven't got it yet.