TheShayne

Alrighty... I got the one side done. On the other side, I got the bolt to break loose from the sleeve. Long story and moderately confusing to explain... I cut away the part of the bushing that I could get to enough to get vice grips in there. Then I pried that little slot in there open with a screwdriver enough to get the vice grips to grab onto it like a little tab. Then I just started cranking and it broke loose. Now the bolt comes out to a certain point but doesn't want to come out any further even with me prying on it. If I tap it back in, it goes right in and if I pry on it it comes right back out but only to that certain point. I'm confused... any ideas?

By the way, though I'm planning on sticking around here, even if I don't I'm still sending in my money to support it. The knowledge I've gotten here is invaluable. Plus, I like stickers.

halmotors

If you can find a pickle fork, use that to help pry it out. Mine stopped at the end as well, and it just took some good ol' american muscle to get it out. As someone said before, maybe try a little bit of heat; it should expand the rubber a little and make it easier to get the bolt out.

TheShayne

I don't have a pickle fork here, though I imagine that would make this a lot easier! I don't have any heat right now either. Chit. Well, just knowing I'm on the right track is good enough for now I suppose. I'll keep at it. Hopefully I can get this thing done tonight. 3 to 4 hours mine ****!

halmotors

Most parts stores will rent out pickle forks, or you can buy them for pretty cheap. If you can't finish it tonight, there's always tomorrow.

And 4 hours if you know what you're doing and what to expect is about right.

RLR

shocks swaybar and control arm! thats all you have to take off.and u dont even have to take the sway bar off just disconnect it i just did the same lift and got the front done by myself in an hour with no lift or air tools.

halmotors

Also remember that you can completely remove the rear sway bar. You won't really notice a difference on the road, and it'll give you some more flex, which in the rear is always welcomed.

RLR

haha you will definately notice it on the road going any over 45 mph, and around turns. i thought the same the so i took mine off and it definately want to roll alot more. but as he stated it definately allows it to flex aolt more

TheShayne

I suppose you're right, Hal. I've done a good bit of wrenching over the years, but this is my first shot at lifting anything. At least I'll know what to expect should I ever have the interest in doing it again.

RLR, the front is already done, but thanks for the input. Congrats on doing the whole thing in an hour. Do you have an address where I should send your gift basket?

pops96

shyne wevery truck is different even tho they are the same and rust is the devil i took me a good day and a half to do the front of mine cuz all the rust. i actually had to put heat to my sway bar bolts just to get em off the braket on the axel. dont worry bout how long it takes its the fact u did it yourself and didnt pay someone to do it like some people

Tural

taking the rear swaybar off gives you more traction around corners. even if it feels like it's gonna roll over, the entire axle stays on the ground and only the body flexes out. once you get used to it, you'll wanna call chrysler and ask them why they put a swaybar in the rear in the first place.

Tural

so, can u give a bit more details and maybe a picture of how that bolt is stuck, because it sounds to me like you just have some rust on the lead of the threads.

RLR

i was just sayin it was easy for me to do, dont get your panties in a bunch there buddy.

Tural

i believe the proper term is undergarments... i don't wear panties.

TheShayne

Thanks, pops, I appreciate it.

Tural, here's a picture I took. Hopefully, with the picture, it'll make a little more sense as to how I got the vice grips in there holding on to the bent out sleeve. The vice grips aren't touching the actual bolt itself. This is as far out as the bolt will go. It spins freely and goes in and out to there without a hitch. It get's there and it's like trying to pull down a brick wall.

TheShayne

To add insult to injury, it looks like my new tires aren't going to fit, either.