Hi there, I am helping a friend work on his truck and we are having a problem. It is a 2001 F150 Supercrew with a 4" Rancho lift kit. We are trying to replace the drivers side front CV axle and have everything ready to pull it out with one exception. The How-To we read showed to remove the sway bar end link that connects to the lower A-Arm. We have removed the lower bolts and lower bushing around the A-arm, but the bolt will not come up and out the top from around the sway bar. It's like it is seized into the sleeve between the two, and will not come out. Does the Rancho lift kit use the OEM end link, or is it an aftermarket one that we would have to order? Anyone have any advice on what we can do to get this axle out? He needs the truck to get to work later tonight so we need to get it fixed ASAP. Thanks.

Bobby

 

hammer up on the bottom of the sway bar next to the link to get it pulled up out of the LCA

 

Out of curiosity, what types of bolts were used for the end links with the Ranch kit? On the Fabtech 6" I have on my truck they used bolts with hex/allen key socket, which is probably the dumbest design decision ever because they strip if you look at them wrong. Has anybody encountered this before, and how'd you deal with it? I'd rather not cut my end links, but if I have to I will - I also need to replace the CV axles and these end links are preventing me from doing so.

 

I've had my CV axles out without removing the sway-bar end links. Not necessary.

 

I was told it was that or remove the tie rod + upper and possibly lower control arms

 

you dont even need to pull the A-Arms...just use a 21 mm socket and remove the tie rod, and a 21mm wrench on the upper balljoint to knuckle bolt, the knuckle will go forward enough to wiggle the axle out then it comes right out. worst case you would have to use a 24mm and remove the lower ball joint nut and drop the steering knuckle.

 

First off, I apologize for resurrecting an old thread. I have a 6" Fabtech lift. Did anyone ever figure out a good way to remove these end link bolts? My allen head bolt's are stripped. Any tips to remove these?

 

It should be a hex bolt top and bottom. 13mm IIRC