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

Tools Required:

T-40 Torx socket
18 mm box wrench
18 mm socket with extension
15 mm socket or wrench
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 rear wheels.  I have done this without removing the rear wheels - no problem.  Personal preference.

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 moved by hand.

4. Using the Torx socket and 18 mm box wrench, 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 2 nuts and 2 bolts holding the sway bar pivots to the back of the suspension cradle using the 18 mm socket and extension. It is not necessary to remove the bolt holding the lower portion of the clamp to the suspension cradle - this bolt also retains the lower A-arm.  It may be necessary to hold the head of the bolt on the front side of the cradle using a 15 mm socket or end wrench.

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.

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 upper sway bar insulator clamp bolt to 49 foot pounds and the lower sway bar insulator clamp nut to 71 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 46 foot pounds.

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.