Installing rear sway bar reinforcement brackets, wheels on, or off?

[JAsh1967]

Just bought the Metalcloak rear sway bar reinforcement brackets the other day after reading some of the discussions on them here and have a question for those that have them...

Will it be easier to install them if I take the wheel off on the side I'm working on, supporting the axle with a jackstand, or is it about the same if I leave the wheel on?

I don't have access to a lift, so no getting the Jeep in the air and getting under it that way! I have already taken a look and I don't see why I can't do it with the wheels still on, I don't have BIG tires, heck, I might even be able to get my cheater-bar in to get the bolts loose to start

Sponsored

 

[Aleph]

Just bought the Metalcloak rear sway bar reinforcement brackets the other day after reading some of the discussions on them here and have a question for those that have them...

Will it be easier to install them if I take the wheel off on the side I'm working on, supporting the axle with a jackstand, or is it about the same if I leave the wheel on?

I don't have access to a lift, so no getting the Jeep in the air and getting under it that way! I have already taken a look and I don't see why I can't do it with the wheels still on, I don't have BIG tires, heck, I might even be able to get my cheater-bar in to get the bolts loose to start

No, you don’t need to remove the wheels. Removing wheels for install would not affect the function or effectiveness of the bracket. The rear sway bar does not bear any load when the truck is on level ground.

The more “difficult” side of the install is the driver’s side because the exhaust can get in the way of your ratchet/wrench, and removing the driver’s side rear wheel would not change this. Might make your neck and arms more comfortable though, but not really worth it.

 

[JAsh1967]

No, you don’t need to remove the wheels. Removing wheels for install would not affect the function or effectiveness of the bracket.

The more “difficult” side of the install is the driver’s side because the exhaust can get in the way of your ratchet/wrench, and removing the driver’s side rear wheel would not change this. Might make your neck and arms more comfortable though, but not really worth it.

I wouldn't expect taking the wheels off to have any impact on the function of the bracket Was just wondering if it'd make it a bit easier, but it sounds like any "easier" with the wheels off is counterbalanced by the hassle of removing and re-installing the wheels, so.

OK, and I had some concerns taking the wheels off might lead to problems getting the sway bar re-attached, at least one person in the thread from a couple years back about these brackets mentioned "make sure you're level when you install these," leading me to think being off-level (such as could happen with a jackstand) either makes the re-install tough, or can throw off the alignment of the suspension.

So stay on the wheels will.

Sponsored