how hard is it to replace sway bar bushing kdss?

mrblah · Apr 27, 2019

How hard is it to replace the sway bar bushings on 4runner w/ kdss?

I've seen how to video's on 4runners without kdss and it seems extremely simple, but there doesn't seem to be any information on replacing sway bar bushings on 4runners with KDSS? Is there an extra step or two I have to do on my 4runner w/ kdss?

Goal: replace passenger side, front sway bar bushings?

My questions are:

1. does the vehicle have to be on the ground or in the air?
2. do I have to prop up the sway bar? and if so, at the sway bar bushings end or at the KDSS piston?
3. Do i have to rachet strap the sway bar to something?

thanks

jrandom · Apr 27, 2019

mrblah said:
How hard is it to replace the sway bar bushings on 4runner w/ kdss?

I've seen how to video's on 4runners without kdss and it seems extremely simple, but there doesn't seem to be any information on replacing sway bar bushings on 4runners with KDSS? Is there an extra step or two I have to do on my 4runner w/ kdss?

Goal: replace passenger side, front sway bar bushings?

My questions are:

1. does the vehicle have to be on the ground or in the air?
2. do I have to prop up the sway bar? and if so, at the sway bar bushings end or at the KDSS piston?
3. Do i have to rachet strap the sway bar to something?

thanks

It is “easy”, could take you an hour more or less.

I just replaced mine a couple months ago, I did it on the ground, just supporting the KDSS piston. It's easier if you lift it and with the wheel off you just have more room to work.

If you lift it, lift one side at a time. Changing one side at a time is much easier when it comes time to reassemble.
Support the KDSS piston with a second floor jack, this keeps it where it should be without overextending the piston, also helps with reassembly.
I use a ratchet strap and an alignment punch to reposition the swaybar to reattach after replacing the bushing, again one side at a time.

nhagon · May 27, 2019

thanks, for the rear, you support the piston by dropping the bottom clamps on the piston side and the putting a jack under one side of the pistion to avoid the bar, then remove the bottom clamp of the other side to drop the sway bar?

Also if lifting one side will it create an angle or more tension? Sorry if a dumb question

nhagon · May 27, 2019

Do you know the torque specs for the clamp bolts by chance?

jrandom · May 27, 2019

Torque is 55ft lbs. on the bushing clamps

Jack under the piston is to help ensure you don’t over extend it while giving you the ability to manipulate the sway bar by either raising/lower slightly or moving the floor jack slightly.

It is not really necessary to remove to linkage clamps. The sway bar won’t have but a little tension on it. If you are worried about it, wrap a strap around the rear axle and the sway bar, unbolt it and slowly let tension off the strap.

nhagon · May 27, 2019

Great thanks!

So:
step one: while vehicle is on the ground, remove lower bushing clamps on both sides.
step two: place jack under the piston on either side of the sway bar to keep it from extending
step three: lower sway bar by? lifting one side or simply letting it drop a bit?
step four: remove the piston side bushing first and reattach clamp.
step five: remove other side bushing and use punch screw driver to and jack to get the sway in the proper position.
step six: do you need bounce the truck before tighten the clamp bolts to torque specs?

please let me know if you have any corrections! really appreciate it!

jrandom · May 27, 2019

I am on my phone, don’t mind any sloppiness in reply.

1. Support the piston
2. Only do one side at a time
3. Put a ratchet strap around the sway to the small hole in the frame cabside, it is visible and has no plug in it.
4. Tension the strap
5. Loosen the clamp bolts and remove
6. Take tension off strap
7. Remove clamp, replace bushing.
8. Replace clamp.
9. Tension strap.
10. Drift punch to align, fasten bolts, torque
11. Repeat otherside.

Not sure about bouncing, add a little grease, they will naturally settle where they want to be after a little driving.

how hard is it to replace sway bar bushing kdss?

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