Sonic99

Hi there, I am helping a friend work on his truck and we are having a problem. It is a 2001 F150 Supercrew with a 4" Rancho lift kit. We are trying to replace the drivers side front CV axle and have everything ready to pull it out with one exception. The How-To we read showed to remove the sway bar end link that connects to the lower A-Arm. We have removed the lower bolts and lower bushing around the A-arm, but the bolt will not come up and out the top from around the sway bar. It's like it is seized into the sleeve between the two, and will not come out. Does the Rancho lift kit use the OEM end link, or is it an aftermarket one that we would have to order? Anyone have any advice on what we can do to get this axle out? He needs the truck to get to work later tonight so we need to get it fixed ASAP. Thanks.

Bobby

skizriz

That's exactly what happens. The bolt gets gaulded into the rubber (?) sleeve.

When I replaced mine, I used a sawzall with a metal blade to cut the sleeve along the length of the bolt.
Zipped along the bolt like butter, then simply peeled it open and removed the bolt.

Make sense??

From what you described it sounds like a factory end link. All the replacements I have seen don't have the solid sleeve. They just have top and bottom bushings.

Sonic99

Here's what we have.

skizriz

They look after market. Mine had a rubber type bushing going from the sway bar to the A arm.

IF you undo the end link on the other side also,it will allow the sway bar to pivot up. Probably give you enough clearance. I would try that first.

xxfaceyourfear

When replacing mine, I usually just unbolt the shock from the bottom and pull it aside just enough for the cv joint to pass through.