Need Help Installing Anti Sway Bar

I just spent the last 4

Rich, one tip....Put the car up on ramps instead of jack stands..It'll keep the trailing arms at a more level position. Easier to put on the bar. My bar sorta looks like this: http://www.jbugs.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=JBUGS&Product_Code=9600&Category_Code=Empi94
This is the top view of the bar. The first bend from the ends of the bar points downward when installed.
I had to use a big pair of channel lock pliers to squeeze the clamps together to initially get the nuts started.
Note: After it's installed as you raise the car with a jack, the bar will rise and run into and rest on the bumper brackets. Depending on which bar used, some guys cut and reweld a slot in the bumper bracket for clearance. With the car sitting on the ground, I've had no problems with this during normal running.
Hope his helps.

~WB

WB,
Thanks for the input. Actually, my car is on a lift supported at the frame. I assume that this would be the same as having it on jack stands, I just have the advantage of being able to stand up while installing the bar. I am also using the exact same sway bar (EMPI 9600)as the one you posted the link to. The problem is that the bar contacts the bumper brackets and does not allow the bushings to come in close contact with the trailing arms which makes it impossible to get the clamps on.(so far)I read in another post where someone installed this bar on a VS and stated that it was a direct bolt up with no cutting. I'd rather not cut and weld if there is a way to install this bar without doing so.
Thanks, Rich

WB,
I apologize, I mis-read your post. I thought you said to put the car on stands and not on ramps but I just read it again and it's the reverse. I'll give it a try on ramps and let you know the outcome.
Rich

Rich -

To install the stabilizer bar properly, you'll need to modify your bumper brackets (Pics attached). If you install them upside down (bend in bar angles downward) you'll see that it is much too close to the ground/road and could cause serious clearance issues (especially if you're driving at speed). Also make note that the clamps are two sizes, one larger than the other. One size of each on each end of the bar.

Hope this makes some sense to you.

This is true, but it depends on whose bar you use. My bar is straighter and doesn't have as radical a bend as the one in your pic. My bar rides higher than the front apron. (Which ain't all that high.)

WB,

You're the greatest! I dropped the car down on to some ramps and used a large C-clamp to get the bushing clamps started and had the bar installed in about 30 minutes. I put in a hoist about three years ago so I wouldn't have to crawl around on the garage floor but this was one of those times when the hoist was working against me. What a difference in ride! My Speedster now feels like a much heavier vehicle and when I hit a bump, I don't get that rattle telegraphing through the entire car. If not for the information provided by you and this forum I would have put the bar back in the box and returned it to the store. Thanks so much.
PS
The bar does contact the bumper brackets but I haven't noticed any negative effects,

Rich

Rich, try to peek under there with the car sitting on the ground. The bar should be farther away from the brackets. It will only touch when you jack up the car. Also be sure to grease the heck out of the grease fittings on either end of the front beam tubes. It also makes a big difference in ride quality.

~WB

WB,

I took these photos on the lift but I will drop it to the ground and take another look.

Rich

WB,

I put photos on another post on this topic but in case you didn't see it here are they are. When the car is on the ground the bar is about 2-1/2" from contacting the bumper rails.

Rich

Cool set-up! I bet it makes a big difference in the handling/cornering!

OK Rich!...that's just how mine is...glad it worked out for you.
Don't forget to hit those grease fittings on the beam tubes...it makes a world of difference.

~WB

WB,

Greased the tubes and you are correct, it does make a big difference.

Rich