Got my front sway bar from Summit this week, rear is on back order. Figured it'd be a simple install but now that I read the instructions it says the vehicle should be on the ground, not raised by frame and there is no way I can fit under the truck this way and work. I don't have ramps, well I do but they don't work on the Expy, so I'm wondering if there are any tips on getting the vehicle up to do this job? I'd hate to pay labor rate on what should be a simple swap out install.
Hellwig front sway bar install, any suggestions...
- Thread starter Fasttimes
- Start date
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Alwaysthinkin
Full Access Members
Here is discussion on what has ended up being about both rear and front sway bars. Short answer is, some have done the install with vehicle on ground. I have yet to install the front but have purchased ramps because I don't twist as well as I used to.
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/rear-sway-bar.42911/
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/rear-sway-bar.42911/
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Fasttimes
Full Access Members
I could try using my plastic ramps in the grass and they may get it up but I what I don't understand is if I raise the front will the rear need to be raised to make the car level? Not sure if there is an issue of having just the front up on ramps to install the front sway bar?
Alwaysthinkin
Full Access Members
No problem having the vehicle on ramps from my understanding. The main thing is the weight of the vehicle is on the suspension when installing.
If you are worried about your ramps I would recommend you use jack stands for protection. Never hurts to play it safe! Edit: Not sure why you need to be on grass but use boards under those jack stands if you are. Edit 2: Nothing wrong with giving a call to whoever services your vehicle and seeing what they would charge to install. With a lift and the right tools they can do it PDQ and might surprise you since it would be a 10-15minute job for them. Just a thought.
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07navi
Full Access Members
I used ramps for many years and pick them up a garage sales for peanuts. I ruined 2 sets with my 8,000 pound Excursion but I learned to get the ones with the wider vertical rib on the sides or the ones with the strap that is riveted to both sides. They will never crush you but the trick is to use them on a solid surface and stand way back to get them perfectly lined up with the wheels. Sometimes I even use four of them to get it level for transmission filling etc. They are great to have and safe if used properly. To use 4 you need to put it in first gear and 4WD.
Put the truck on jack stands, install sway bar but leave it very loose. Once you lower it down you can still access all the hardware you need to within an arm’s length when you’re laying down, or by turning the wheel in the necessary direction to get access.
07navi
Full Access Members
Naw, get some ramps.
Fasttimes
Full Access Members
Went ahead and used the ramps I had and did it in the grass which then they can't slide away as I try to go up them with the Expy. Was simple enough I guess. The end links were a bit of a pain, mostly because my tool set for some reason decided nobody needs an 18mm wrench. Came with 17mm and 19mm, and the end link was 18mm. Went to Harbor Freight this morning and they had no single 18mm, and no cheap normal open end wrench set that had the 18mm. Ended up having to buy an off-set wrench set. Worked out I guess.
07navi
Full Access Members
My metal ramps never slide away.
John Kohler
Active Member
Use 4WD Hi when pulling onto ramps and they won't slide.
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