How to: Install your new sway bars!

[03Sleepr]

First off, I'm not a professional mechanic but I hope I was thorough enough for any novice mechanic to be able to do this. if not, feel free to PM me or ask in comments.

If I did something the hard way/stupid way. correct me.

List of things you will will need:
Jack, using two is preferred for lowering subframe.
Jack stands (4)

4-way.
3/8 ratchet
2" extension
15mm deep socket
1/2 inch socket
18mm socket
13/16 socket
3/8 open end wrench
Seems like I used more than this?

sway bars, bushings, grease that came with them.

Power tools are a God-send.

Time.

First, Break lugs loose(don't remove) and jack up your car and place SECURELY on jack stands ( I had 4, if you only have two then alternate between front and rear and be sure to BLOCK YOUR WHEELS) remove wheels.


Note: since I was cheap while installing struts and spring I now have to change strut mounts, so I had strut assemblies removed during this process.

Rear, this is by far the easier bar to install

first, remove your end links from both sides (15mm)


next are the two inside mounts, 1 bolt each 15mm.
.

now you can remove your rear bar and replace with your new bar/bushings starting with the inside mounts. for the two mounts you have to slide the tab on top into the slot then bolt it down. replace end links, DONE.

now for the "FUN" bar.
looking at the drivers side A-arm
you will need two ratchets or wrenches both 1/2" to remove this bushing.


now time to lower the subframe. place your jack under one section and put pressure on the subframe, but not enough to raise the car off of the jack stands, remove these four 15mm bolts (2 on each side)



these two (only one pictured), side by side behind trans fluid pan (LA1)
15mm deep socket+extension IIRC



this bolt, just behind the previous two, backside, center of the subframe. 15mm


another (this one is nice to have an air ratchet as its the longest effing bolt I've seen in my life) holds the backside of the A-arm. another 22mm I believe.



now you can probably lower the rear of the subframe enough to remove the sway bar mounts, but you probably can't remove the bar.

moving to the front of the subframe

this bolt is a 13/16" there are two of these, one on either side. remove them.



three in the front/center unpictured, 18mm.

you can now lower the subframe enough to get the bar out, but first you need to undo the mounts.

from here you can see the bolt for the drivers side mount, 15mm same design as the rear but now the bolt is on the backside, tab on the front. (its nice to have a ratchet with an extendable handle here).



now time for the passenger side mount. the nut on top is a 3/8" remove it then move the lines out of your way and use your 15mm deep socket on the bottom.



now remove the bracket and bushing from the bar and you will be able to pull it out from the rear of the subframe.



put your bushing on the new bar and push it back on top of the subframe.



now position your bushings correctly



grease your brackets and push them over the bushings, be sure to slide the front tab in the slot. bolt both sides down and bolt your subframe back up.


now replace the bushings on both ends



put everthing back together and go drive!

If I left anything out feel free to add info.