Sway Bar Link - Front

Replace the front sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms or axle, restoring proper anti-roll functionality and eliminating clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (pair recommended) × 2 — Moog K80027 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If links are rusted, spray both ends with penetrating oil and allow to soak
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack at the frame or front differential. Place jack stands under the frame rails on both sides. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Remove the front wheels completely. The sway bar links connect the front sway bar to the front axle housing or spring perch mount. This truck uses a solid front axle, so there are no lower control arms. They are vertical or nearly vertical links with mounts at each end. Inspect both sides to determine which needs replacement.
2. 2

   Locate sway bar links
   The sway bar links connect the front sway bar to the lower control arms or front axle housing depending on suspension type. They are vertical or nearly vertical links with ball studs at each end. Inspect both sides to determine which needs replacement.
3. 3

   Support sway bar
   Use a pry bar or jack stand to slightly support the sway bar end near the link being removed. This relieves tension on the link and prevents the bar from dropping when the link is removed.
4. 4

   Remove upper link nut
   Hold the link stud from spinning using the appropriate hex or wrench flat as designed for your specific link. Use a wrench of the correct size to remove the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Verify actual fastener sizes against your OEM or aftermarket link before beginning. If the stud spins despite the Allen key, the ball joint is worn - use locking pliers on the stud boot area.
   ⚠Do not damage the rubber boot when holding the stud. If the boot is torn, the link should be replaced.
5. 5

   Remove lower link nut
   Using the same technique, insert the Allen key into the bottom stud and remove the lower nut with an 18mm wrench. Remove the link from the vehicle. Note the orientation and position of any washers or bushings.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar mounting point and lower control arm or axle mounting point. Remove rust, dirt, and old thread compound from both locations.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new link between the sway bar and lower mount point. Install the lower nut first, threading it by hand several turns. Then install the upper nut, also threading by hand. Ensure any washers or bushings are in the correct orientation as noted during removal.
8. 8

   Torque link fasteners
   Using the 6mm Allen key to hold each stud from spinning, torque both the upper and lower nuts to specification. Torque the lower nut first, then the upper nut. Verify the link moves freely through its range of motion without binding. Verify the sway bar link nut torque specification against factory service data for your specific model year. OEM values for this heavy-duty truck may differ significantly; use the link manufacturer's specification if provided.
   ℹ️Some aftermarket links may specify torque values in the 40-45 lb-ft range. Use the manufacturer's specification if different from OEM.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   If replacing both links (recommended), repeat steps 3 through 8 for the opposite side sway bar link. Both links should be replaced as a pair for balanced performance.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall the front wheels, threading all lug nuts by hand first. Raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar link nuts are torqued to specification with the Allen key holding the stud
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
3. Test drive should reveal elimination of clunking or rattling noises over bumps

Verification

• Bounce the front end of the vehicle up and down - there should be no clunking from the sway bar area
• Visually inspect both links to ensure they are tight and the boots are not torn
• Take a test drive over uneven pavement and make turns - the vehicle should feel stable with no abnormal noises
• Re-check torque on sway bar link nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle