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Subject:Re: Broken Stabilizer Link
From:Gene P
Date:Thu, 8 Aug 2013 14:18:29 -0700

Kevin, I don't see responses from the experts, so I'll jump in.  I just
did all this a couple months ago, led to it by replacing the steering
rack/tie rods on my 87.  My thinking about doing it gradually - anything
you mess with that requires an alignment, do the rest first.

So yes, it all can be done in a home shop. I spent $234 total for all
the anti-sway bar bushings, radius rod bushings, stainless sleeves for
both those, and upper/lower control arm bushings. That said, some of it
was very difficult (might not be with different choice of parts) and you
may not need to do it all.

Replacing the link, makes sense to do the link bushings, and the mounts
are easy.  I think this doesn't affect alignment ?? and you might stop
there.  But look at the radius rod bushings -- I think those are the
most likely to be shot/rusted out on the inside. They are easy to
replace, but again require alignment after.

In short, it was my money and I did it all myself. It wasn't all fun.
If you decide to go ahead, I'd have some purchase and un-expert tips.

gp

On 8/8/2013 10:13 AM, Kevin Gilbert wrote:
  While living beneath my 84 Westy (1.9, A/T) recently replacing the steel
  coolant pipes, I saw a broken passenger side stabilizer link. It is
snapped
  where the threads begin. This is the curved version.

  So, what's involved for replacement? Looks like plenty of bushings up
front
  also need replacement. Can they be done gradually, over time, or
should I find
  a front-end guy and replace the links and bushings same time? Can this
job be
  done by the average owner with basic tools? And, if it was your money,
what would you do?

  Thanks.
  Kevin