Windstar sway bar

I have a 96 Windstar and the sway bar rusted and broke. I removed it and hardly noticed any difference but in the state I live it failed the safety inspection. I'd like to get one more year out of this van, anyone ever install a sway bar? I know it might be tricky to maneuver through the underbody but I'm assuming it's possible. Can you buy one aftermarket or is it a dealer item?

Reply to
rpms0605
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On one of my last cars the sway bar was, at least according to the mechanics, "destroyed" to the point of no return. They mentioned I could go purchase one on my own and if I had any automotive friends they could install it, however they said the best bet would be to use a company then it would be under warranty just in case something happens to it.

I did a quick Google search and found a couple places selling a Sway Bar kit that might work for you:

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anyone ever install a sway bar? I know it might be tricky to maneuver> through the underbody but I'm assuming it's possible. Can you buy one> aftermarket or is it a dealer item?

Reply to
gomizzou

Stabilizer Bar:

Removal:

  1. Raise vehicle on a hoist.

  1. Support vehicle with hoist or safety stands behind front sub-frame.

  2. CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to remove nut or bearing and seal damage will result. Loosen the nut first, then remove nut from stud using hex hold feature.

Remove and discard nuts retaining stabilizer bar link assembly to front stabilizer bar and front shock absorber with an 8 mm closed-end wrench and an 18 mm open-end wrench.

  1. Remove nuts retaining power rack and pinion steering gear to front sub-frame, and move power rack and pinion steering gear off the front sub-frame.

  1. With another set of support safety stands under front sub-frame, remove two rear subframe retaining bolts. Lower rear of the front sub-frame to obtain access to stabilizer bar brackets.

  2. Remove front stabilizer bar U-bracket bolts and replace stabilizer bar brackets and/or front stabilizer bar as required. Discard stabilizer bar insulator and bolts.

Installation:

  1. Clean front stabilizer bar to remove dirt and contamination in area of stabilizer bar insulator installation position.

  1. Lubricate inside diameter of new stabilizer bar insulator with Rubber Suspension Insulator Lube E25Y-19553-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESF-M99B112-A. Do not use any mineral or petroleum based lubricants as they will deteriorate the rubber stabilizer bar insulators.

  2. Install new stabilizer bar insulators onto front stabilizer bar and position them in approximate location with slits to the rear of vehicle.

  1. Install stabilizer bar bracket on front sub-frame and install new bolts. Tighten to 30-40 N-m (22-29 lb-ft).

  2. Raise front sub-frame and install new front sub-frame-to-body retaining bolts. Position power rack and pinion steering gear onto front sub-frame and install retaining nuts. Tighten to 115-135 N-m (85-99 lb-ft).

  1. CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to tighten nut or bearing and seal damage will result. Install nut using hex hold feature to prevent the stud from rotating.

Install stabilizer bar link to front shock absorber and to front stabilizer bar, making sure the stabilizer bar link is properly positioned. The letters "Top LH" and "Top RH" are moulded into the stabilizer bar link for correct assembly to the front shock absorber strut.

  1. Install new nuts and secure stabilizer bar link assembly to front stabilizer bar and front shock absorber. Tighten to 77-103 N-m (57-75 lb-ft) at front shock absorber strut and 47-63 N-m (35-46 lb-ft) at front stabilizer bar.

  1. Remove safety stands.

  2. Lower vehicle.

Piece of cake.

Rob

Reply to
trainfan1

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