rear anti-sway bar installation

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Sep 24, 2009 | 10:31 AM
  #1  
Now, I'm not asking how to install this device, I have the device, but its scary to jack up the car and then literally literally underneath the car to install this piece. I have done other changes in my car, but I've never had to literally lay underneath the car.

So, I was thinking of using car ramps to lift the car. That way I know that the car will remain inclined. My question is it still possible to install the rear anti-sway bar with the car ramps? Thanks.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 10:44 AM
  #2  
Quote: Now, I'm not asking how to install this device, I have the device, but its scary to jack up the car and then literally literally underneath the car to install this piece. I have done other changes in my car, but I've never had to literally lay underneath the car.

So, I was thinking of using car ramps to lift the car. That way I know that the car will remain inclined. My question is it still possible to install the rear anti-sway bar with the car ramps? Thanks.
You are using jackstands to hold the car up right, not just a jack? If so, quit being a chicken and get under the car. If not, slap yourself for even thinking about crawling under the car with only a jack holding it up.

Yes, you can install the swaybar without jacking the car up, but it's more of a pain, since you have to move the parking cable bracket. Mind you, this is only possible if you have not lowered the car, otherwise, good luck squeezing under it unless you weight 90lbs.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 11:04 AM
  #3  
The suspension should NOT be allowed to "hang" like if you were to simply jack up the car. Definitely use ramps.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 12:03 PM
  #4  
Yes I meant jackstands, i was thinking of buying the car ramps and put the rear wheels inclined, but I'm just wondering if I will have enough space to move emergency cables and parking cable brackets and other appropriate cables.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 12:47 PM
  #5  
Quote: Yes I meant jackstands, i was thinking of buying the car ramps and put the rear wheels inclined, but I'm just wondering if I will have enough space to move emergency cables and parking cable brackets and other appropriate cables.
Yes, you'll have enough room. Keep in mind, that you may have to remove a wheel or two to remove OEM brackets etc to allow the anti-sway bar to mount correctly. IIRC, the brackets I'm referring to are for ABS, so this may not apply to you. If you do have ABS, this is another reason to use a jack and jackstands and forget the ramps.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 01:20 PM
  #6  
Quote: Yes, you'll have enough room. Keep in mind, that you may have to remove a wheel or two to remove OEM brackets etc to allow the anti-sway bar to mount correctly. IIRC, the brackets I'm referring to are for ABS, so this may not apply to you. If you do have ABS, this is another reason to use a jack and jackstands and forget the ramps.
Yeah, i didn't have to remove any brackets (no ABS) during my install.

We used ramps (which is a btch to do backing up - have another person there to help you know when to stop).
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Sep 24, 2009 | 01:53 PM
  #7  
Quote: The suspension should NOT be allowed to "hang" like if you were to simply jack up the car. Definitely use ramps.
Explain your reasoning.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 03:47 PM
  #8  
Quote: Explain your reasoning.
+1...


Changing your sway bar while parked on ramps doesn't sound like it would work very well. IIRC You're likely to preload the sway bar which is no bueno.

Maybe someone with more knowledge can interject.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 04:15 PM
  #9  
The only thing that is going to screw up the install is to have only one wheel jacked up, that is the only thing that will put any load on the bar.

Suspension loaded (evenly) or unloaded will not make a difference.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 04:17 PM
  #10  
Quote: The only thing that is going to screw up the install is to have only one wheel jacked up, that is the only thing that will put any load on the bar.

Suspension loaded (evenly) or unloaded will not make a difference.
QFT
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Sep 24, 2009 | 04:47 PM
  #11  
Quote: Explain your reasoning.
I remember reading somewhere that John at Addco said to use ramps.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 04:52 PM
  #12  
Quote: I remember reading somewhere that John at Addco said to use ramps.
That's because John from Addco does not want to get sued when some dumbass only uses a jack and gets crushed by there own car.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 05:12 PM
  #13  
Quote: That's because John from Addco does not want to get sued when some dumbass only uses a jack and gets crushed by there own car.
Possibly.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 05:24 PM
  #14  
sway bar
Quote: I remember reading somewhere that John at Addco said to use ramps.
getting crushed by your car because you was to sorry to use the right items to support it, would really f--k up your week
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Sep 24, 2009 | 05:46 PM
  #15  
Quote: The only thing that is going to screw up the install is to have only one wheel jacked up, that is the only thing that will put any load on the bar.

Suspension loaded (evenly) or unloaded will not make a difference.
100% true BUT have you ever corner weighted your car? A Maxima, stock or modified, is not going to have equal weight across all four pads. Obviously the front will weigh more, the rear less. But side to side, I'd say the weight could differ 2-5%, hell maybe even more.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but the BEST way to do it would be with the weight off of the suspension.
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Sep 24, 2009 | 08:46 PM
  #16  
weight off the suspension.... just do it.....get ur done!
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Sep 24, 2009 | 09:28 PM
  #17  
When your installing the brackets behind the wheel (for this part you should take the wheel off) make sure the nuts for the bracket are facing the outside of the car. I had mine facing the wrong way, and my car is really low so those bolts cut into my brakelines (mosly on the inside closer to the body.



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Sep 24, 2009 | 09:35 PM
  #18  
Quote: 100% true BUT have you ever corner weighted your car? A Maxima, stock or modified, is not going to have equal weight across all four pads. Obviously the front will weigh more, the rear less. But side to side, I'd say the weight could differ 2-5%, hell maybe even more.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but the BEST way to do it would be with the weight off of the suspension.
Weight off teh suspension while installing to make things easier, and then if you have adjustable end links, you set the pre-load with the suspension compressed (normal ride height).
I'd still tighten up non-adjustable end-links with the suspension loaded, if possible.
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Sep 25, 2009 | 05:56 AM
  #19  
I've used ramps to install this on 2 Infiniti i30s, just a little b!tch to do the trailing arm brackets, but def doable.
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