The front sway bar bushings were shot, had to replace them. Had to re-use the factory bolts, the Energy ones were just a tad too short.

For a minute I couldn't believe you were able to reuse the factory bolts, then I saw this. That'* just not possible around here. RUST! :( Even removing the control arm to change bushings you've got to call sway bar links, because they ALWAYS twist off. :P[/list]

Used PB Blaster, and I was able to loosten the bolts with my hands lol.

Sweet! I hear that PB blaster is really good stuff, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm a faithful "hotwrench" user. When the going gets tough, the (not so tough) get the torch!

I'm sure you noticed a big difference with the new links. Those bushings look horrible.

Looks good, which kit did you get? Because when I did mine the bolts were long enough. Not to mention there was no way I was going to be able to use the factory bolts which I just hacked off


Ed

it was a PITA to get the nuts threaded on my 98...but all I had to do was remove the center mount.

Any gains in handling?

IMO it is the best $15 I ever spent on my car. I think everyone else will agree too

Ed

Oh, it really helped the handling a bunch. Best thing I've done to the car so far (that I know of lol).

I wasn't really in the mood to struggle with the bolts all day, and fortunately they were perfectly straight. No damage on any of the hardware, just the bushings.

It was close, but one side just didn't quite wanna do it lol. Used the 9.8120 set, kept the bolts, as I'm sure I'll be able to use them for something eventually anyways, lol.

The trick to using the right bolts from the kit is to do the work with the car on ramps, then use a jack to lift the control arm on each side as you assemble the link kits.