Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar end links on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with independent rear suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar end link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or GM 3837537
• Rear sway bar end link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or GM 3837537

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link hardware and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support the rear of the vehicle
   Position floor jack under the rear differential carrier or a solid frame lift point. Note: the C2 differential is frame-mounted, so lifting here raises the chassis while the suspension hangs. Raise the rear of the vehicle until the rear wheels are off the ground. Place jack stands under the rear frame rails near the rear suspension mounts. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before working underneath.
2. 2

   Locate the rear sway bar links
   The rear sway bar runs transversely across the rear suspension. The end links are vertical studs with rubber bushings that connect the ends of the sway bar to the rear suspension. Verify the actual mounting points (trailing arm, strut rod, or frame bracket) on the specific vehicle, as a rear sway bar is non-standard for a 1966 Corvette. Identify the link you intend to replace.
3. 3

   Remove the upper sway bar link nut
   Using a 1/2 inch wrench to hold the stud at the top, use a 9/16 inch socket and ratchet to remove the upper nut that secures the sway bar link to the sway bar. The stud passes through the sway bar with rubber bushings and metal washers on either side. Remove the upper nut, washer, and upper bushing.
4. 4

   Remove the lower sway bar link nut
   Using a 1/2 inch wrench to hold the stud at the bottom, use a 9/16 inch socket and ratchet to remove the lower nut that secures the sway bar link to the lower trailing arm bracket. Remove the lower nut, washer, and lower bushing.
5. 5

   Remove the sway bar link assembly
   Pull the link stud downward through the sway bar and trailing arm bracket. Remove all remaining washers and bushings from the stud. Inspect the sway bar mounting holes and trailing arm bracket for damage or elongation.
6. 6

   Prepare the new sway bar link
   Inspect the new link for correct length and thread condition. The link should match the length of the original removed part with threaded ends. Clean any preservative oil from the threads. Assemble the bushings and washers in the correct order: lower washer, lower bushing, trailing arm bracket, inner bushing, sway bar, upper bushing, upper washer, and nut.
7. 7

   Install the new sway bar link
   Insert the link stud upward through the lower trailing arm bracket hole. Install the lower bushing and washer below the bracket and the inner bushing between the bracket and sway bar. Pass the stud through the sway bar, then install the upper bushing and washer above the sway bar.
8. 8

   Install and torque the lower nut
   Thread the lower nut onto the stud beneath the trailing arm bracket. Hold the stud with a 1/2 inch wrench and tighten the nut with a 9/16 inch socket. Tighten until the bushings are compressed but not flattened. The bushings should bulge slightly but maintain their original thickness. Tighten until the bushings are compressed to the manufacturer's specified thickness (factory torque value unverified; do not over-compress bushings).
9. 9

   Install and torque the upper nut
   Thread the upper nut onto the stud above the sway bar. Hold the stud with a 1/2 inch wrench and tighten the nut with a 9/16 inch socket. Tighten until the bushings are compressed but not flattened. The bushings should bulge slightly but maintain their original thickness. Tighten until the bushings are compressed to the manufacturer's specified thickness (factory torque value unverified; do not over-compress bushings).
10. 10

    Repeat for the opposite side
    If replacing both sway bar links, repeat steps 3 through 9 for the opposite side link. Both links should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced suspension performance.
11. 11

    Lower the vehicle
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove tension from the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar link nuts are torqued to specification with bushings properly compressed
2. Verify that no tools or parts were left under the vehicle

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, visually inspect both sway bar links to confirm proper bushing compression and no interference with suspension components
• Rock the vehicle side to side by pushing down on each rear fender to verify the sway bar is operating smoothly without binding or noise
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over mild bumps and through gentle turns to confirm proper operation and no clunking or rattling from the rear suspension

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