how tight did you make the sway bar bolts?

Bandido · 11-24-2004, 10:02 PM

I just installed a EE sway bar bushing and end link kit. And I could tight the end link nut forever... When the bolt was sticking a 1/2" through I stopped. I thought I should squeeze the rubber to much??

And the next, even worse thing: I think I broke the thread of one of the nuts in the frame!! I tightened the bolt and all the sudden it went pretty easy!! I know it is not good, but do you think I can drive with this? It is still in there kinda tight, I just can't tighten it any further...

Please let me know what you think, because I am going to be driving it in 30 min!!!
thanks a lot

*huskyfan23* · 11-24-2004, 10:22 PM

Haynes says 50-68 ft/lb for the sway bar to end link. Mine's 80 or 90 ft/lb.

*svande8952* · 11-24-2004, 10:26 PM

You can drive without sway bars, don't worry about it.

Bandido · 11-25-2004, 02:27 AM

yeah, I did drive and it worked out... I mean especially the torque for the endlinks. If I would put the torque on it like Haynes suggests it really compresses the bushings. Is it supposed to do that?

*svande8952* · 11-28-2004, 09:32 PM

You don't want to damage the bushings, but it seems like 90 ft/lbs is at the braeking point of those bolts. Just put your ass into it. They won't come out.

11-24-2004, 10:02 PM	#1
Bandido Wannabe Elite Explorer Detroit, MI sometimes Germany 98 XLT Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 153 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	how tight did you make the sway bar bolts? I just installed a EE sway bar bushing and end link kit. And I could tight the end link nut forever... When the bolt was sticking a 1/2" through I stopped. I thought I should squeeze the rubber to much?? And the next, even worse thing: I think I broke the thread of one of the nuts in the frame!! I tightened the bolt and all the sudden it went pretty easy!! I know it is not good, but do you think I can drive with this? It is still in there kinda tight, I just can't tighten it any further... Please let me know what you think, because I am going to be driving it in 30 min!!! thanks a lot __________________ 2006 Lincoln Zephyr 2004 Audi Allroad 1970 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible, 460 (FOR SALE!!!) EX: 1998 XLT, SOHC 4.0, stock baby 2004 Mini Cooper S

11-24-2004, 10:22 PM	#2
huskyfan23 Rah no Hans Bwix WA 1994 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 6,896 Vehicle Specs	Haynes says 50-68 ft/lb for the sway bar to end link. Mine's 80 or 90 ft/lb. __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT My registry entry: here Diamond Everything w/ HID Bi-Xenon Projectors I'm no doctor, but I am a self-proclaimed genius. There's no reason not to trust me. What kind of dessert causes women to gain the most weight? Wedding cake

11-24-2004, 10:26 PM	#3
svande8952 Elite Aircraft Tech Prescott, AZ '94 Sport Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 357 Vehicle Specs	You can drive without sway bars, don't worry about it. __________________ Dana 44, Ford 9'' 4.88s locked and 35s

11-25-2004, 02:27 AM	#4
Bandido Wannabe Elite Explorer Detroit, MI sometimes Germany 98 XLT Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 153 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	yeah, I did drive and it worked out... I mean especially the torque for the endlinks. If I would put the torque on it like Haynes suggests it really compresses the bushings. Is it supposed to do that? __________________ 2006 Lincoln Zephyr 2004 Audi Allroad 1970 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible, 460 (FOR SALE!!!) EX: 1998 XLT, SOHC 4.0, stock baby 2004 Mini Cooper S

11-28-2004, 09:32 PM	#5
svande8952 Elite Aircraft Tech Prescott, AZ '94 Sport Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 357 Vehicle Specs	You don't want to damage the bushings, but it seems like 90 ft/lbs is at the braeking point of those bolts. Just put your ass into it. They won't come out. __________________ Dana 44, Ford 9'' 4.88s locked and 35s