Hi all,
Maybe someone can help me with my sanity, ha ha. In restoring my '40 coupe, Ive got the front sway bar off. I have new sway bar links to put on, but can't seem to figure out how to remove the old ones. The new replacement bars have a cotter key on top which one can remove the top plug end. The original ones on the car do not. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike
I had the same issue with my '41. I finally decided that the factory installed sway bar links were crimped on with a machine. When replacements were needed the ones with the screw plug in the end as you described were used. I don't remember how I got the original ones off. I either cut them off or perhaps I twisted them 90? and then pulled them off. If the rubber inside is bad, it should not be hard to twist them off by hand. I would pay attention to which end of the sway bar is right and left. Although my bar looked flat it seemed to have a very slight twist in one end. I never figure out if the twist was an adjustment or for some other reason. In either case, it was very, very slight. Also, don't forget to change the mounting rubber gromets before putting the new ends on. If I have a picture, I will show you my results in a later post. Finally, I have been advised that there should be no grease in the link assembly as it will case the rubber to deteriorate.
As promised in my last post... here are two pictures. One shows the original factory installed link with the top end crimped. The other picture shows the new installation with the screw plug and cotter pin. (Part 862258 and 862259 for a '41.) Other years have different part numbers and I know I saw a link that looked like mine but was slightly different in length. I used a socket drive screw bit for a Model "A" tie rod plug to tighten the screw plug with good results.
Thanks Myair, I see what I can do. Sure do appreciate the info! Mike