Removal of F-45 or Stock Bar and Installation of Z-51 Bar

Tools Required:

T-40 Torx socket
18 mm box wrench
13 mm socket with extension
Torque wrench
Quality jack and jack stands

Installation Procedure:

1. Raise and support vehicle as described in your owner's manual. DO NOT jack on fiberglass floor pans or nose.

2. Remove front wheels.  I have done this without removal of the front wheels, but it makes things a little easier - especially when working on the front bar.

3. Place jack under one side A-arm and GENTLY jack suspension up until load is removed from the sway bar. You can tell when the sway bar is unloaded when the end link is easily movable by hand.

4. Using the Torx socket and 18 mm box wrench (a looonnnng extension really comes handy here because the Torx studs are hard to reach), remove the end link from the sway bar - you may leave the end link attached to the lower A-arm. Use the Torx wrench to hold the stud steady while using the box wrench to remove the retaining nut.

5. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the other side.

6. Remove the 4 bolts holding the sway bar pivots to the bottom of the engine cradle using the 13 mm socket and extension.

7. Remove sway bar. IMPORTANT: Note orientation of sway bar before removal. Once you get the new sway bar under the car, it's proper orientation may not be clear. It may be helpful to place both sway bars side by side before installation to compare bushing position.  Try laying the new bar under the car before removal of the old one.  That way, it is crystal clear which way it goes.

8. Position new sway bar under vehicle. It only fits one way, and it may take several attempts before the correct orientation. Do not force or bend sway bar or end links to make them fit - it should bolt into place easily.

9. Tighten sway bar pivot bolts to 37 foot pounds. Be careful not to crush the bushings - they only fit one way and should slide easily into place. You may use white lithium grease to help fit them into place, but it should not be necessary.

10. Reattach end links using a reverse of the procedure used to remove them. Tighten end links to 37 foot pounds.  This can be fairly tedious due to the orientation of the Torx stud.  Next time it is on a hoist, re-check.

11. Reinstall wheels and tires.

12. Carefully lower vehicle, checking to be sure sway bar does not contact any hoses, lines, or suspension components. If it does, it has not been installed correctly. Raise vehicle and reinstall bar.

13. Torque wheel lug nuts to 90 foot pounds in steps of 30 foot pounds, 60 foot pounds, then finally 90 foot pounds.

14. Test drive car, listening for unusual sounds or vibrations. If vibration occurs, recheck installation.