Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine, including all mounting brackets and bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Sway bar frame bushings × 2 — Typically 7/8 inch diameter for 1966 Corvette
• Sway bar end link bushings × 4 — Upper and lower bushings
• Sway bar mounting bracket bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• End link hardware kit × 1 — Includes washers and nuts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails behind the differential
4. Remove both rear wheels for improved access
5. Spray all sway bar mounting hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side end link
   Locate the driver side sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the trailing arm (or differential carrier mounting point, depending on kit). Using a 1/2 inch wrench to hold the stud, remove the 1/2 inch nut securing the upper end link connection to the sway bar. Remove the upper bushing, washer, and sleeve. Repeat for the lower connection to the axle housing.
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side end link
   Repeat the end link disconnection process on the passenger side. Using a 1/2 inch wrench to hold the stud, remove the 1/2 inch nut from both upper and lower connections. Remove all bushings, washers, and sleeves. Set all hardware aside for comparison with new parts.
3. 3

   Remove driver side frame mounting bracket
   Locate the driver side sway bar frame mounting bracket on the frame rail. Remove the 2 bolts securing the bracket to the frame using a 9/16 inch socket. The bracket is a U-shaped clamp that holds the sway bar bushing to the frame. Remove the bracket and frame bushing from the sway bar.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side frame mounting bracket
   Remove the 2 bolts securing the passenger side mounting bracket to the frame rail using a 9/16 inch socket. Remove the bracket and frame bushing. If the bushing is bonded to the bar due to age and corrosion, carefully cut it away with a utility knife.
5. 5

   Remove rear sway bar assembly
   With both end links and frame mounts disconnected, carefully lower and remove the sway bar from the vehicle. Maneuver the bar out from under the vehicle, working it clear of the differential, transverse leaf spring, and exhaust system. The bar may require rotation to clear these components.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting locations
   Use a wire brush to clean the frame mounting surfaces where the brackets attach. Inspect the frame rails for cracks, damage, or excessive rust. Clean the axle housing mounting points for the end links. Verify all mounting bolt holes are clean and threads are in good condition.
7. 7

   Prepare new sway bar
   Install the new frame bushings onto the new sway bar at the mounting locations. Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the inside of the bushings before installation to prevent squeaking. The bushing split should face downward when installed. Position the frame bushings at the locations specified by the aftermarket kit instructions, aligned with the kit's designated frame mounting holes.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar
   Maneuver the new sway bar assembly into position under the vehicle, routing it over the differential and under the frame rails. Align the bar so the frame bushing locations match the mounting bracket positions on the frame rails. The end link attachment points should align with the mounting points on the rear axle housing.
9. 9

   Install frame mounting brackets
   Position the U-shaped mounting brackets over the frame bushings on both sides. Install the 2 bolts per side finger-tight only at this stage. Ensure the bushings are centered in the brackets and the bar can move slightly for end link alignment.
10. 10

    Install end link hardware
    Assemble each end link connection with the following sequence from bottom to top: nut on stud, washer, lower bushing, sleeve through axle housing bracket, upper bushing, washer, through sway bar eye, upper bushing, washer, and nut. Install both end links finger-tight only.
11. 11

    Torque all fasteners
    With the vehicle weight still on jack stands (suspension at full droop), torque the frame mounting bracket bolts per the aftermarket kit manufacturer's specification (verify exact value; do not assume). Tighten the end link nuts per the aftermarket kit manufacturer's specification, compressing the bushings to the recommended dimension while holding the stud with a wrench to prevent spinning (verify exact value). Verify all connections are tight and properly seated.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification (typically 75-80 ft-lbs for 1966 Corvette)
2. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands
3. Perform final torque check on all accessible fasteners with vehicle at normal ride height
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension

Verification

• Visually inspect all mounting points to ensure brackets are flush against the frame and no gaps exist
• Verify end links are perpendicular to both the sway bar and axle housing with no binding
• Rock vehicle side to side while stationary to confirm sway bar operates smoothly without squeaks or clunks
• Test drive on a winding road at moderate speed to verify improved handling and no unusual noises
• Recheck all fastener torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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