Hey Yotatech,

This will document the replacement/install of a sway bar link for my 3rd Gen 4Runner (2000). Hopefully it will serve as a guide to anyone wanting to install/replace them in the future.

My 'Runner had 164k on the clock when I noticed the driver's side sway bar link top stud was completely broken off from the sway bar (for who knows how long). So the next time you have a chance take a quick peek under your rig to check them out.

This write-up is for the driver's side sway bar link but can used for the passenger side as well.


Tools Needed :



-Pb Blaster (For those rusty bolts )
-17mm Wrench
-1/2" Breaker Bar w/ 22mm Socket for the Lug nuts (Didn't have a Cross Lug Wrench handy)
-3/8" & 1/4" Ratchets & Sockets
-Allen Keys
-Floor Jack
-Jacks stands
&
A new Sway bar link.
I went with a Duralast Link (26.99 + tax). Comes with a lifetime warranty.



First things first, spray down the them rusty bolts. Then loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car and support it on jack stands. Lastly, remove the wheel.

Next, locate the sway bar link. Since my top stud was broken off I started with the bottom bolt.



On the bottom the stud, there's a place for an allen key (I used a torx-40 allen bit with my 1/4" ratchet). Insert the key to hold it in place while you loosen the bolt with a 17mm wrench. Then remove the old link.



Old Vs New Link



Then, install the link's bottom stud first. Use the allen key & wrench to tighten it and then torque it to spec.




Next, I aimed the top stud so it would go thru the sway bar when I went to lower the truck back down. Be sure to install the lower washer and bushing before proceeding.


Then I put the wheel back on and lowered the truck. Install the upper washer & bushing and tighten the bolt, then torque it to spec. The top bolt was a 9/16ths. Stupid Duralast .


Now you just replace the sway bar link. Go take it out for a test spin and see how she rides.