This damn sway bar is still in my way. I don't want to die.

jogirob · Aug 22, 2018

Hi all,
Is there a trick to this sway bar? steering linkage? Whatever that bar is that crosses right under my 360 oil pan. I would like to drop it without dying hopefully so I can get this oil pan gasket redone.

I read about just disconnecting the pitman arm and letting the bar hang but that thing isn't going anywhere. I pounded on this cross bar. I didn't try pounding on the pitman arm bolt because the thing is solid and still fully connected so that isn't going anywhere. I can't get a good angle to pound down on the bar. Would like to stick a flathead and pry the linkages but that'll damage the rubber parts.
I'm concerned that there's tension on the bar and when I drop it the wheels will flare out and the lower control arms will slide off the jack stands.
I'm also concerned I won't be able to force the steering linkages back in place.

jogirob · Aug 22, 2018

jogirob · Aug 22, 2018

khryslerkid · Aug 22, 2018

You need to go to your local parts house and rent a tie rod end separator or a ball joint fork to separate the tapered bolt from the center link.

Let me see if I can find a vid

khryslerkid · Aug 22, 2018

Kern Dog · Aug 22, 2018

That is the center link, not a sway bar.
I'm not sure what dying has to do with any of this. Are you okay over there? Really frustrated and ready to explode?
Try to step away and take a break from it. I get really pissed sometimes too. I get to where I don't want to let the car "win" but sometimes get to be so mad, I make more mistakes.
I sometimes close my eyes and just take deep breaths until I start to calm down.
Maybe give it a try. Good luck.

khryslerkid · Aug 22, 2018

If you find this type of tool, keep the nut threaded on the stud a few threads so it doesn't go flying off like this guy did.

jogirob · Aug 22, 2018

So that's what those things are for. Alright guess I'll have to make another trip to the autoparts store tomorrow. Thanks for the vid.

moparedtn · Aug 22, 2018

Go by Autozone and borrow one. They have a tool loaner program.
I like this type:

khryslerkid · Aug 22, 2018

Kern Dog said:
That is the center link, not a sway bar.
I'm not sure what dying has to do with any of this. Are you okay over there? Really frustrated and ready to explode?
Try to step away and take a break from it. I get really pissed sometimes too. I get to where I don't want to let the car "win" but sometimes get to be so mad, I make more mistakes.
I sometimes close my eyes and just take deep breaths until I start to calm down.
Maybe give it a try. Good luck.

Or...

BIGSHCLUNK · Aug 22, 2018

A combo of the two is often the best

khryslerkid · Aug 22, 2018

Keep a nut on the end so you don't screw up the threads! Or you'll have to buy new ones.

Kern Dog · Aug 22, 2018

He said nut...
heh heh heh !

jogirob · Aug 23, 2018

Kern Dog said:
That is the center link, not a sway bar.
I'm not sure what dying has to do with any of this.

Oh just that the center link seems to be under tension and I'm wondering if the lower control arms will shift and knock the jack stands over while I'm under there. I have the floor jack propped up under the frame just in case.

moparedtn · Aug 23, 2018

Center link is steering. LCA's are suspension.
They don't depend on the center link for anything other than which way to point the wheels.
The wheel/brake/hub/control arm assemblies pivot on the upper and lower ball joints, which aren't of course going
to move when you disconnect the link.
You might have to tweak the direction a wheel is pointing a little on reassembly, but that's about it.

Bill Monk · Aug 23, 2018

jogirob said:
Oh just that the center link seems to be under tension and I'm wondering if the lower control arms will shift and knock the jack stands over while I'm under there. I have the floor jack propped up under the frame just in case.

no. it will just drop straight down. You need the right tool, if you have a harbour freight, you can buy a pittman/tie rod seperator cheap. You will have to do the same with the idler arm.
This is what mine looks like
https://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-and-pitman-arm-puller-63684.html

moparedtn · Aug 23, 2018

As an aside, I'm not a real big fan of where you've got your jack stand.
Perhaps on the reinforced frame behind the wheels?

eddie102870 · Aug 23, 2018

always have at least a 6 pack when working on your ride ...lol

747mopar · Aug 23, 2018

moparedtn said:
As an aside, I'm not a real big fan of where you've got your jack stand.
Perhaps on the reinforced frame behind the wheels?

Your not the only one, get those stands somewhere safe!!! I like putting the stands on the frame rails on a parallel surface (not where they curve upwards) and position them where the rail is in between the stands fingers so it captured. Think safety everytime you crawl under a car.

PurpleBeeper · Aug 23, 2018

Kern Dog said:
That is the center link, not a sway bar.
I'm not sure what dying has to do with any of this. Are you okay over there? Really frustrated and ready to explode?
Try to step away and take a break from it. I get really pissed sometimes too. I get to where I don't want to let the car "win" but sometimes get to be so mad, I make more mistakes.
I sometimes close my eyes and just take deep breaths until I start to calm down.
Maybe give it a try. Good luck.

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This damn sway bar is still in my way. I don't want to die.

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