Help: Front Swaybar Link(s)

XJBucko said:

I'm finally getting around to putting the new ZJ coils in the front of my 89 XJ LTD. Tonight, when attempting to unbolt the swaybar from the right front axle, the bolt that holds the axle to the swaybar (is that a swaybar link ?) broke right off, and without much effort. I'm assuming the same thing will happen when I do the left hand side.

I'm assuming that this is common. So I guess I need new ones. I don't need disconnects (I think this is where disconnects would go, right?) since I don't do any real off-roading. Keeping in mind that I'm putting in ZJ springs which are apparently about 1" taller than the originals, what are my options - simply go with stock (I was going to reuse the stockers until i broke one - soon to be two) or ??? I guess I should replace the bushings (the rubber pads - is that what they're called?) while I'm at it, or are they typically included with the links?

Thanks for any advice. Sorry for the nube questions.

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Keekleberrys said:

I'm not sure if you are talking about the end links themselves or the axle side stud that they go through.

If you are talking about the stud with the torx head, they are splined an pressed onto the bracket. You can't just unbolt it, you have to press it out. I cut mine in half with cutoff wheel and then used a pitman arm puller to press it out. You rent one from an autoparts store and return it when you are done to get your money back. You can then use a normal bolt to secure aftermarket endlinks.

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Keekleberrys said:

That is the sway bar end link. Just get new ones,.

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cruiser54 said:

I just pulled the front sway bar and all attaching hardware from my 89 Ltd and the Torx headed bolts came out with no splines on them.............Maybe that's cuz this is Arizona and the bolts weren't rusted in?

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