End link nuts won't start. Threads hiding in bush

hawaii1984

Can't seem to get the bushings on a new set of end links to compress enough to get the nut started. Should the car be jacked with the tires suspended or should the car be up on ramps for this repair?
The sway bar is from a '87 Monte SS. Not the hollow one, but larger than my stock front bar. Hopefully it'll make a difference after wrestling those damn coroded/rusted/froze end links off. Now I am blessed with one stripped swaybar bushing bolt/hole as well...
Help/tips, please!
Scott

toms84ss · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

Suspension should be compressed or under load. If it still wont start get a longer bolt or cut the spacer down a bit.

hawaii1984 · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject: short bolt

I mocked up the end link off the car and the threads only go 1/2 way through the nut. I should've saw this before. Thanks for the tip Tom. Gonna see if they have another set at redline and if not, the longer bolt will be the best choice.
Aloha,
Scott

texaselky · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:27 pm Post subject:

I had the same problem. I don't know if this is the right way , but what I did was set the car on the groung ang jacked up the sway bar till I could put the nut on.
_________________
1984 El Camino
Kyle, Texas

464elky · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject:

Mark, do you mean you jacked against the bolt head under the control arm?
_________________
84 Elky with 455 Buick, Tremec TKO600 5 speed, 8.5 3:42 posi -
My Members Page Album
Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.

texaselky · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:04 pm Post subject:

Yes, thats what I meant to say.
_________________
1984 El Camino
Kyle, Texas

greywolf · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject:

I just went to the hardware store and got some threaded rod to make it as long as I needed. The original bolts were too corroded anyway.

hawaii1984 · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 2:17 pm Post subject: End link rods

Thanks for all the tips. I went to Home Depot and they only have 8" rods which is what I already have. Then I called the local fastener shop, Hawaii Nut & Bolt and they have 8 & 10". I was looking for 9".
I will try and jack up the car under the control arm and rod bolt, but I think I need to find a way to clamp or strap and pull the bushings together for a little thread to start. I have never had issues like this with fron suspension, end links or anything... Confused

It's a test Mad

Aloha,
Scott

hawaii1984 · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject: End-links finally on

Thanks for all the tips, but the fastener stores here only had the same size rod bolts as in the kit and my floor jack won't make contact with the bolt head so I:
jacked the car up, lowered the rod bolt head down onto the jack stand (not all the cars weight) then with a pry bar I pryed the swaybar down compressing the bushings till I had enough thread to start the nut. Amazing how easy it was once I was out of options.
Can anyone tell me if there are torque specs for the endlinks and what they are.
Again, thanks for all the suggestions... Cool

Scott

texaselky · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject:

Necessity is the mother of invention! Glad it worked out for you.
_________________
1984 El Camino
Kyle, Texas