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Unbolted drop links and sway bar mounts last nite. But i can see how the sway bar will snake out without first removing the axle protector plate in the middle?
And trick i am missing and does the plate just unbolt from its support?
I don't remember any issues removing the rear bar, the front was more fun dropping the sub-frame. There is a DIY out there I just can't find it at the moment. I'll keep looking.
Thx. None i have read mention this on the rear. But i cant see how it will come out without removal. Maybe the R had a thicker bar which makes removal different than a non R?
Just to close this.
If there is a way its for people more clever than me. Ended up removing the axle protector plate. Requires removing all nuts holding the pan on. Several have studs that must be pounded up so out of the way (see pic).
Then you need to loosen the diagonal braces ( i did not have to remove the one furthest forward - just the others enough to drop a bit and let the plate move - you dont need much room. Then fairly easy to get the bar out.
Just to close this.
If there is a way its for people more clever than me. Ended up removing the axle protector plate. Requires removing all nuts holding the pan on. Several have studs that must be pounded up so out of the way (see pic).
Then you need to loosen the diagonal braces ( i did not have to remove the one furthest forward - just the others enough to drop a bit and let the plate move - you dont need much room. Then fairly easy to get the bar out.
Did you throw it on the ground and curse at it when you were done? I would have.
I'm undergoing the same Tarrett sway an end link install as we speak. I am also baffled by the cross brace and plastic diff guard. The only meaningful posts I've seen have replies like "it just slides out." My S is a .2 and I'm wondering if that's a slight design change from the .1s where maybe there's a slightly different setup that makes it easier to remove. I believe R's were only .2s.
How long did the extra steps (bolt removal, moving bits, etc) take? I'm debating if it's really worth the extra time given the front is also a PITA - I may just drop it at my shop instead.
Really frustrating since I've done sways on E36s, Miatas and an Audi S5 which had quattro bits in the way *everywhere*.
The rear doesnt add much once you know it has to come off its simple and you dont have to remove or even loosen the bolt furthest toward the front of car right and left.
The front takes time. Would be half the time the next time i do it. But i have a lift and it was still a slow process. Lots to loose and lowering the subframe if you havent before (me) is stressful. Even once its lowered i had to remove one of the steering connections to the hub to get bar out. I would figure most of a day. Without a lift i dont think i would have enjoyed much of it.