Rear Sway Bar Link Install Help

[HighCountryJLU]

Hello, it’s me again, your favorite JLUD suspension lackey.

Trying to install the Rock Krawler RK05185 rear sway bar link for the JL. There are no instructions included, and the instructions inside their full suspension manual don’t apply to the JL apparently.

Do the attached photos look right? I’ve read to put the bolt head toward the tire on the top so the bolt doesn’t cut into it, and the bolt head towards the center on the bottom to match the factory mounting location. These don’t have a bend in them like the factory ones do, and they’re mighty close to other parts, but do clear as they sit. Any input before I mess this up? Thanks in advance.

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[GATORB8]

That washer stacking looks funky to me. How many total washers of each size do you have.

@Roky may have a pic of these installed for reference.

EDIT: But, yes, bolt directions and mounting sides look right.

 

[HighCountryJLU]

That washer stacking looks funky to me. How many total washers of each size do you have.

@Roky may have a pic of these installed for reference.

So their instructions aren’t for the JL because they say reuse the top bolt which doesn’t exist. But I think you may be on to something. Re-reading it, maybe I’m supposed to put those smaller washers between the bushing and the mount.

I sure wish they had actual instructions for each kit and that they were accurate - never dealt with a company that leaves so much ambiguity for installs.

 

[GATORB8]

So their instructions aren’t for the JL because they say reuse the top bolt which doesn’t exist. But I think you may be on to something. Re-reading it, maybe I’m supposed to put those smaller washers between the bushing and the mount.

I sure wish they had actual instructions for each kit and that they were accurate - never dealt with a company that leaves so much ambiguity for installs.

Okay, if you can get the bolt in, I do not think the lower matters which side it comes from.

They are asking for (tire side to pumpkin side at each connection):

Bolt head > Big washer > Link > Two small washers > bar or tab > Small washer > Nut

So you should have 4 big washers, 12 small washers.

 

[GATORB8]

Note, it's important to contain the joint with the big washers how they've indicated. Not on RK, but I've pulled a link off the joint before just contained by a similar small washer.

EDIT: I assume the double small washer between the joint and the bar/tab is to give the joint space to articulate.

 

[HighCountryJLU]

Ok, so they only gave me 10 small washers. But I found a few extra. Does this look right now?

On the top it goes:

Bolt - Big Washer - Bushing - 2x Small Washers - Sway Bar - Small Washer - Nylock Nut

On the bottom it goes:

Bolt - Small Washer - Mounting Tab - 2x Small Washers - Bushing - Big Washer - Nylock Nut

 

[GATORB8]

Ok, so they only gave me 10 small washers. But I found a few extra. Does this look right now?

On the top it goes:

Bolt - Big Washer - Bushing - 2x Small Washers - Sway Bar - Small Washer - Nylock Nut

On the bottom it goes:

Bolt - Small Washer - Mounting Tab - 2x Small Washers - Bushing - Big Washer - Nylock Nut

That should do it.

There is thread engagement through the nylon in the washer, right? Normally you need at least a thread or two showing to make sure it "locks".

 

[HighCountryJLU]

That should do it.

There is thread engagement through the nylon in the washer, right? Normally you need at least a thread or two showing to make sure it "locks".

There might be one whole one showing. I definitely feel the nylon grabbing maybe a full turn or two before I hit the torque spec, so I believe it’s engaged.

Thanks a ton for the help! Hopefully this thread helps someone else stuck in the same spot in the future.

 

[Roky]

Ok, so they only gave me 10 small washers. But I found a few extra. Does this look right now?

On the top it goes:

Bolt - Big Washer - Bushing - 2x Small Washers - Sway Bar - Small Washer - Nylock Nut

On the bottom it goes:

Bolt - Small Washer - Mounting Tab - 2x Small Washers - Bushing - Big Washer - Nylock Nut

That looks good, there’s no standard to which way the bolt goes…… on mine I have the head towards the inner fender, the bolt was digging in a little at full flex..just as long as they’re not hitting anything, your good…please don’t judge, mine isn’t as pretty as yours…

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