I am looking to replace the old sway bar bushing/bracket/new bolts (NOT the links). I have been searching online and read 10+ posts in the forum but it's still unclear whether you need to lower the front sub-frame to undo the bolts for the bushing brackets?

(some threads mentioned about a redneck method that due to unable to undo all bots on the bracket (without lowering sub-frame), you'd just bent the bracket with one bolt on, replace bushing and bend it back) but this isn't my preferred method as I am replacing all bolts, bracket and bushing.

My ultimate question is:
1. Do you need to lower Front sub-frame to get complete access/removal of bushing bracket and bolts?

2. If yes, is new alignment necessary? (some members say yes and some no)

I understand that those bolts tend to be seized but shop is asking $80 labour to replace it and I feel that's asking too much if this is only a bolt on/off job. (ie. without lowering front sub-frame)

Thank you in advance.

 

1.- No, Redneck method works fine.
2.- No

 

Thank you for you reply, I actually finished the job myself today within an hour.

To confirm the answer of my questions:

Q1. you DON'T need to use redneck method! maybe i misunderstood the intention/when to use the redneck method. it is just a bolt off, replace, bolt on job. please see my instructions below for how i did the bushing replacement job.

Q2. NO new alignment is needed since you are not touching any other suspension/steering/sub-frame part.

So I decided to do a write up on this:
https://acurazine.com/forums/perform...-2g-tl-934760/

 

Which is basically what I said.


No, Redneck method works fine.


No = the answer to your question "Do you need to lower Front sub-frame to get complete access/removal of bushing bracket and bolts"


"Redneck method works fine" < an actual fact.
Redneck method is used when you use an over-sized bushing instead of the stock one.






Thanks for the writeup! might come useful for members.