Whiteline adj. rear sway install w/ how-to info

[tunersteve]

I began today working on installing both of these. I picked up the bushings from a member, and since I was planning on the RSB, decided to do both. I read several reviews and comments on the sway, about how big of a PITA it is to install, and figured I'm up for the challenge.

This thread is a log through the week as I tear down/reinstall these two items. Today began teardown, I don't currently have the RSB yet, but since there is a lot of common points in the installation of both, I decided to try to get to a point where I can leave it with the diff. bushings installed and wait for the RSB later this week.

So far, following TT's detailed instructions, I was able to remove the rear section of exhaust, disconnect the rear driveshaft, and loosen up the bracing on the side of the coupling housing. Next up is lowering the fuel tank straps to give me some clearance and letting the diff. drop down a bit, giving me more access to the items bolted to the underside of the chassis.

 

[ms6acton]

wow. sounds like tonnes of work lol. good luck with the installs

 

[tunersteve]

wow. sounds like tonnes of work lol. good luck with the installs

Thanks. First problem I encountered was almost rounding off a rusted nut on the exhaust. Good thing is when I decide to replace it (wink wink) it's not gonna be too tough to remove. I think I could install a new CBE in about 45 minutes on this car.

 

[MShreve]

I haven't heard of this before...what's the rear diff bushing supposed to fix?

Good luck on the RSB, I've been wanting to get one for quite a while to stiffen up cornerning a bit...since I'm unable to get springs (driveway is too steep ).

 

[tunersteve]

I haven't heard of this before...what's the rear diff bushing supposed to fix?

Good luck on the RSB, I've been wanting to get one for quite a while to stiffen up cornerning a bit...since I'm unable to get springs (driveway is too steep ).

It basically stiffens up the crummy stock bushings, which are as open as they are rubber. With any luck, new bushings will help eliminate any wasted motion back to the rear diff, and improve drive dynamics like the motor mount would.

I've heard nothing but good things about the RSB, I'd definitely do it. Even if you don't do springs (I'd look into RPM Streets if I were you), the sway will help out.

Here's a pic a stock bushing and TT bushing for comparision:

 

[ms6acton]

so would u recommend the bushings over the bracket?

 

[tunersteve]

so would u recommend the bushings over the bracket?

At this point I really don't know. I'm sure the brace is better in the long run, but for cost at this point doing the brace wasn't in my budget, so the bushings will have to suffice.

 

[ms6acton]

makes sense. i think ill just save up for the brace

and those stock bushings are junk

 

[tunersteve]

I'm going to start tomorrow by removing the sway bar and then continuing to hopefully pull the brace out so I can swap bushings. Then I hope to have the brace and diff semi-re-installed by tomorrow afternoon and then just await my swaybar to drop in and finish buttoning the project up. I'll post pics sometime soon too.

 

[Blendercloud]

Do you think either of these modifications is something the dealer would throw a fit about? I'm not sure how hidden the bushings are when installed. I'm sure the rear sway bar is pretty noticeable though.

 

[tunersteve]

Do you think either of these modifications is something the dealer would throw a fit about? I'm not sure how hidden the bushings are when installed. I'm sure the rear sway bar is pretty noticeable though.

The bushings are way up there, almost completely out of sight.

 

[Blendercloud]

The bushings are way up there, almost completely out of sight.

I figured they would be pretty hard to spot. I imagine if you painted them black (provided the paint doesn't flake off) they would be impossible to spot. Most techs would probably not take a second look.

 

[tunersteve]

I figured they would be pretty hard to spot. I imagine if you painted them black (provided the paint doesn't flake off) they would be impossible to spot. Most techs would probably not take a second look.

That would be an option, but if you're not looking for them, you'd never see them.

Well, it's back to work this morning on the car, hopefully I'll have progress to report soon enough.

 

[Blendercloud]

Good luck! Don't let anyone see you with those gloves on... (hah)

 

[tunersteve]

Good luck! Don't let anyone see you with those gloves on... (hah)

Oh, those weren't my gloves, I pulled those pics from TT's site. Nice try though (second)

 

[tunersteve]

Another quick update:

Got the sway bar completely free of its mounting points. Dropped the gas tank down 1" (yeah, I know!) then removed the bolts holding the front of the diff. in place. Springs and rear control arms are loose, to give me more room to work.

I'm gonna grab some food (and beer!) and keep plugging away. I'm almost to the diff. brace! The sway bar should be able to come out shortly too.

 

[tunersteve]

Sway is out, endlinks are off. You definitely need two people to get that out from there!

4 bolts on top of the diff, 2 for the brace and I'm done with Phase 1 for this install!

 

[Blendercloud]

How many beers did it take you?

 

[tunersteve]

How many beers did it take you?

I just had my first one after I got the bar out. I took a dip in the pool to relax and I may go at it again later to try and finish the brace off.

 

[crlsnlopes]

steve dont forget to trim the ends on the rsb as they tend to bump underneath.u need to take off about .25". here are some pics from a different forum.

hope it helps