Sway Bar End-Link Replacement

[ViPER1313]

Well, I finally got around to replacing the end links on my SHO this weekend, and the difference between the old and the new is dramatic. The car used to plow like a cow before, now it only plows like a calf :lol: . If the end links on your car look like the ones on mine did, it is definitely worth the time and money to replace them. Replacement procedure on the SHO -

1. Jack up front of car.
2. Remove front wheels.
3. Remove 2 nuts holding the old end link in place - 1 connecting it to the strut tower and one connecting it to the sway bar. To keep the stud extending from the end-link from spinning you have to use an open-ended wrench to turn the nut while holding the stud still. On my original end-links you can hold the stud still with an 8mm socket (or hex bit in the case of the new end-links) - my first socket didn't fare too well (pics below.) This step will require PBlaster, hammers, and lots of cursing.
4. Wrestle new end link into place and tighten 2 new nuts, making sure not to twist the boot while tightening.
5. Reinstall wheels
6. Lower car

Total install time - 30min (if lucky) to 1hr - very cheap and easy to do and gives noticeable handling improvements.


Broken Socket:

[mpg9999]

You should tighten the endlinks down when the car is on the ground with the suspension compressed.

[ScottyB]

man, those old ones were destroyed. i bet the SHO loves some new bling!

sucks about that socket too. what brand is it?

[ViPER1313]

Craftsman - Moral of the story is that 3ft breaker bar -> 1/2 to 3/8in adapter -> 3/8 to 1/4in adapter -> 8mm socket is not a good idea . The 3/8in to 1/4in adapter is ruined as well (Husky brand, I think the distortion of this piece caused the socket to break) . Oh well, lifetime replacement guarantee going into effect as soon as I get a chance 8) .