This procedure covers the replacement of both front sway bar end links on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8, restoring suspension stability and eliminating rattling or clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar end link - left × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket
• Front sway bar end link - right × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Chock rear wheels securely.
3. If fasteners appear corroded, spray penetrating oil on all sway bar link nuts and bolts, allowing time to penetrate.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support front of vehicle
   Position floor jack under front crossmember or frame rail. Raise front end until wheels are off ground. Place jack stands under solid frame points on both sides. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding.
2. 2

   Locate front sway bar links
   The front sway bar runs laterally across the front suspension. Identify the end links connecting each end of the sway bar to the lower control arms. Each link consists of a bolt with bushings, spacers, and nuts on both the sway bar and control arm attachment points.
3. 3

   Remove driver side upper fastener
   On the driver side link, locate the upper attachment point where the link connects to the sway bar. Using a 9/16" wrench to hold the bolt head, use a 9/16" socket and ratchet to remove the upper nut. Remove the bolt, noting the orientation and order of washers, bushings, and spacers for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove driver side lower fastener
   Locate the lower attachment point where the link connects to the lower control arm. Using a 1/2" wrench to hold the bolt head, use a 1/2" socket and ratchet to remove the lower nut. Remove the bolt and hardware, again noting the order of components. Remove the old driver side link completely.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side link
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side: remove upper attachment using 9/16" wrench and socket, then lower attachment using 1/2" wrench and socket. Note hardware orientation and remove the old link.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and hardware
   Examine the sway bar and control arm mounting points for damage, excessive wear, or thread damage. Clean threads with a wire brush if needed. Inspect all bushings, washers, and spacers from the new link kits. If reusing original spacers or washers, ensure they are not cracked or deformed.
7. 7

   Install new driver side link
   Position the new driver side link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Install the lower bolt through the control arm, link bushings, and spacers in the correct order (typically: bolt head from inside, washer, bushing, control arm, bushing, spacer, link, spacer, bushing). Thread nut onto bolt finger-tight. Install upper attachment through sway bar with hardware in correct order, threading nut finger-tight.
8. 8

   Install new passenger side link
   Repeat installation for passenger side, ensuring all bushings, spacers, and washers are in correct orientation. Thread both upper and lower nuts finger-tight. You may need to use a pry bar to align mounting holes if the sway bar has shifted position.
9. 9

   Tighten all link fasteners
   Tighten all four nuts (two per side, upper and lower) to 25 ft-lbs. Hold the bolt head with a wrench while torquing the nut. Ensure bushings compress evenly but are not over-compressed or distorted. Verify all hardware is secure and properly seated.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and perform final check
    Raise vehicle slightly off jack stands, remove stands, and lower vehicle to ground. With vehicle weight on suspension, perform a final visual inspection of both links to ensure proper installation and no interference with other components. Rock the vehicle side-to-side gently to verify links are functioning and secure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bushings are properly compressed and seated, not twisted or pinched.
2. Verify there is no binding or interference between the links and other suspension components through full range of motion.
3. Double-check that all fasteners are torqued to specification before returning vehicle to service.

Verification

• Drive vehicle at low speed over small bumps and through gentle turns, listening for any clunking, rattling, or knocking from the front suspension.
• Verify improved handling response and reduced body roll compared to worn links.
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect all link fasteners for proper torque and check for any signs of loosening or bushing migration.

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