Re: need pics of ATR rear swaybar installed
UPDATE: I got the bar installed last night. I figured since this info seems hard to come by, ill share what I learned. This was just my experience with the install on my truck - im sure results will vary...
First of all it was a pain in the ass. My biggest problem was not having a big enough hammer.
I would install the brackets first.
They do not quite box the frame in as lowryder said, but they wrap around the frame, the side of the bracket with 2 holes goes on the bottom. I spent several minutes each side wailing these things with a hammer to even get them to fit around the frame.
Once they are in the correct location, attempt to line up the bolt holes with the holes in the frame. There will be an elongated hole on the top and bottom of the frame channel in the same general location. You will need a hammer to line them up.
Install the bolt, nut and crush washer (on the nut side) as well as 2 flat washers. Do not tighten yet.
With a hammer, hit the brackets towards the rear of the truck as far as they will go in the elongated frame holes with the bolts install loosly. If this is not done, the upper endlink bushings will hit the ends of the crossmember, and will not sit flat on top of the bracket.
Tighten the bolts for the brackets
With a screwdriver, lift the tabs the hold the ABS sensor wire and emergency brake cable on both sides of the rear end. Pull the wire and cable out of the way enough to get the U-bolt underneath them.
Install the swaybar on the axle. If your truck is at stock hieght the bar goes on top, if has the lowering blocks the bar goes on the bottom. I found that the U Bolt will sit between the 2 tabs for the emergency brake and ABS sensor on the rear end. I would leave the bolts for the swaybar loose untill the endlinks are hooked up.
Install the endlinks...this should be simple. However, my bolts were not long enough so I was only able to install 3 of the 4 rubber bushings on each end. This will be ok untill I can replace with a longer bolt and diffrerent spacer. You will have to raise the rear end up to normal ride hieght for the end links to even reach the swaybar. I had the truck on a lift and used a tall stand, but if you are bold enough to atttempt this on jackstands, use a hydrolic jack to lift the rear end up.
Tighten the bolts for the swaybar/rear end mounts. Cable tie the ABS sensor wires and emergency brake cables.
Enjoy a flat ride.
I wil have pictures once the truck is back on the lift for the new front end.
Thanks for all the info you guys offered prior to the install. Lowryder, I wouldnt have even made a second attempt with out the info you shared. :tup: Thanks again!
