Yes I have searched....but everyone has a different solution, and half the threads on this change the subject with provding a solution.

Im going to change the end links on my 87 iroc with 34mm sway bar. I have both the end links (energy). My question is....Do I jack the car up or not. Ive noticed that it would be a lot easier with the wheels off the car. Can I jack up both sides, remove the wheels, and do it this way??....or does the car need to be on the ground??..Reading through some of the threads on this topic I think some people are confused on what it means to preload or not preload the suspension. I know this job should ne be that difficult, but I cant understand if the car needs to be on the ground, or jacked up, or jack under the a-arms...Just wanna jmake sure I do this right.
Thanks guys.

 

Doesn't make the slightest bit of difference.

Just take em off and put em back on.

 

on my 91 firebird I jacked the car up and put them on. no problems there. on my buddies 93 beretta I just wiggled behind the tire and put them on without jacking it up. no problems there. doesn't make a bit of difference. whatever is easy for you.

 

you are talking about the sway bar endlink right? if so no it doesn't matter if you jack the car or not

 

I always make sure it is at ride height. Beint that I have weight-jacks, and short springs, it is easy for me to do that with the spring out, then slip in the springs.

I do it this way, because if the sway bar is at an extreme angle when you tighten the end link, then it goes down to ride height, it may not be tight. The last thing you want is an end link that is not tight.

FWIW, I once did tighten the end links with the rear axle at full droop, at right height, by hand I could move the sway bar 1/8" at the end-links, with no reistance. Now I always make sure things are at ride height. You don't need the suspensions "loaded", but with the wheels off, jack the axle or a-arm up to ride height, then tighten your end-links.

 

See now what is this???.....The thread was going good. I can change the end links with the car on the ground or raise...no difference.....Then there is this comment...What is this??....All I need to know is if I can do it with the car on the ground.??...no jack...no stands.....no S***...just a couple of tools, and the parts...am i right???

 

yes. up or down, doesn't matter. just need 2 14mm wrenchs...maybe some penetrating oil if they havn't been changed in a while.

 

Yes. On the ground, your car is at ride height. not worries there.

If you jack it up, you need to also jack up the axle or a-arm to ride height. Meaning, you put jack stands under the frame, then raise the peice of the suspension you are working on, to its normal location.

 

Sounds good guys...Just wanted to clarify...Thanks much..Im sure this will help others as well.