Rear drop links

[bigwinn]

Evening

Anyone done a write up on replacing rear drop links?

Are they all bolted or does one end have to slip onto the anti roll bar?

Thx

Stuart

 

[Davz]

The bottom of the link slides on to the ARB, bolted at the top..... difficult to get a socket on to it, if you have ratchet spanners that makes it much easier to undo.

 

[bigwinn]

Thanks Davz

Are they a swine to get on/off the bar?

 

[bigwinn]

So the rears defeated me

Was able to get the 13mms undone ok but couldn’t get the part of the drop link that sits on the ARB off

Any hints or tips at all?

Stuart

 

[GMANLAW]

I cut through mine with an angle grinder, quick and easy

 

[Davz]

Take the ARB off, it's just 2 bolts and then pull the links off, a drop of washing up liquid helps whilst rotating and pulling. When replacing the ARB it's better to replace the standard bolts with m8x30 (bit longer) makes it much easier to bolt up.
It's also a good idea to replace the bushes with polys.

 

[bigwinn]

Thanks both

Think I was headed towards taking the arb off just wanted to confirm

 

[bigwinn]

Take the ARB off, it's just 2 bolts and then pull the links off, a drop of washing up liquid helps whilst rotating and pulling. When replacing the ARB it's better to replace the standard bolts with m8x30 (bit longer) makes it much easier to bolt up.
It's also a good idea to replace the bushes with polys.

Just over thinking this one

Instead of taking the arb off- would it work to raise the rear of the car, wheels off, unbolt the top 13mms then raise the suspension trailing arm with a jack from underneath?

Wouldn’t that make it easier to get the drop link off?

 

[Davz]

Try it....I somehow don't think it will be that easy!

 

[Jl-c]

Only if you remove the spring and possibly the shock first! Is it worth the hassle ? :?

 

[bigwinn]

Point noted-

I did get under it today and agree the ARB removal looks simpler

Have ordered new ARB bushes as these look done too!

 

[Davz]

You don't need to remove spring or shock to remove ARB. You will need to undo the shock bottom bolt - 17mm.
You will also need to take off the pull rods that attach to the diff and chassis, best to undo the centre nut first 13mm and then the outer bolts 17 - 18 or 19mm, can't quite remember.
The two ARB bolts are 13mm but don't forget to buy some longer ones m8x30 with nylocs or you will be cursing trying to get them back on!

 

[bigwinn]

You don't need to remove spring or shock to remove ARB. You will need to undo the shock bottom bolt - 17mm.
You will also need to take off the pull rods that attach to the diff and chassis, best to undo the centre nut first 13mm and then the outer bolts 17 - 18 or 19mm, can't quite remember.
The two ARB bolts are 13mm but don't forget to buy some longer ones m8x30 with nylocs or you will be cursing trying to get them back on!

Davz- the pull rods are they the diagonal bracing struts under the car? I guess thats to make the ARB removal easier?

Where do you usually get your nylock bolts from?

 

[Davz]

Yes they are the braces, also there is an alloy guard/plate attached to the pull rods, you only need to undo 3 of the 8mm bolts, no need to take the guard off completely.
If you have a local fixing and fastening suppliers they will help you out with nuts and bolts, try yell.com. If no one is local you can get them on eBay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362217874580

 

[bigwinn]

Yes they are the braces, also there is an alloy guard/plate attached to the pull rods, you only need to undo 3 of the 8mm bolts, no need to take the guard off completely.
If you have a local fixing and fastening suppliers they will help you out with nuts and bolts, try yell.com. If no one is local you can get them on eBay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362217874580

Much appreciated!

 

[bigwinn]

All done- thanks all for helping out

Couldn't get the rear bracing bars off so left the ARB on the car and still managed to get the new drop links on and change the ARB bushes

Wasn't too bad in the end