4kq rear sway-bar install

[Luke Rickert]

Today I installed a front 4kq (end link type) sway bar in the rear of my
car. The job is actually very simple and requires nothing serious. I made
some bushings using nylon spacers, rubber washers from the plumbing
department and the original steal tube and washers. I also made some
modified fender type washers to span the large hole in the control arm. I
used some copper sheet and a hole saw, but you should be able to use
normal steel washers and cut them down to fit.  The bar is connected by
steel strips bolted to the sub-frame using the inner tie-rod mounting
bolts and the original bushings and brackets. I drilled one hole (31/64)
for the tie-rod bolt, drilled and then filed a slot for one end of the
bracket and then drilled a hole for a bolt at the other end of the
bracket. It is all very simple when you have the parts in front of you.
It is necessary to add a bit of a twist to the strip using a large
crescent wrench or one of those cool straight jawed pipe wrenches I found
in my dad's shop. Use a chainsaw sharpening file to make the slot although
a die-grinder can be a help as well. I used 3/16 x 1.5 hot-rolled steel;
if you go any thicker the bracket will have to be modified.  Next week I
will make some drawings and post them on my website.  I haven't driven
much yet, but it appears to help the handling and for the total investment
of a couple of hours and $10 it is certainly worth it. The only problem is
that now I want a stiffer front bar. This install should have very little
to no effect on ground clearance.  The only caution that comes to mind is
that you should make sure that your rear bushings are good and firm or you
could have some problems with the axels hitting the sway-bar ends. Please
note that I bear no responsibility for anything you do to your car or the
handling changes this rear bar may bring about. So be careful and use your
head.

Luke


Luke Rickert
www.engr.orst.edu/~rickert

Remember: There is nothing more dangerous than stupid people with power.