Whiteline adj. rear sway install w/ how-to info [Archive]

tunersteve

07-06-2009, 06:52 PM

I began today working on installing both of these. I picked up the bushings from a member, and since I was planning on the RSB, decided to do both. I read several reviews and comments on the sway, about how big of a PITA it is to install, and figured I'm up for the challenge.

This thread is a log through the week as I tear down/reinstall these two items. Today began teardown, I don't currently have the RSB yet, but since there is a lot of common points in the installation of both, I decided to try to get to a point where I can leave it with the diff. bushings installed and wait for the RSB later this week.

So far, following TT's detailed instructions, I was able to remove the rear section of exhaust, disconnect the rear driveshaft, and loosen up the bracing on the side of the coupling housing. Next up is lowering the fuel tank straps to give me some clearance and letting the diff. drop down a bit, giving me more access to the items bolted to the underside of the chassis.

ms6acton

07-06-2009, 06:59 PM

wow. sounds like tonnes of work lol. good luck with the installs

tunersteve

07-06-2009, 07:01 PM

wow. sounds like tonnes of work lol. good luck with the installs

Thanks. First problem I encountered was almost rounding off a rusted nut on the exhaust. Good thing is when I decide to replace it (wink wink) it's not gonna be too tough to remove. I think I could install a new CBE in about 45 minutes on this car.

MShreve

07-06-2009, 07:03 PM

tunersteve

07-06-2009, 07:07 PM

I haven't heard of this before...what's the rear diff bushing supposed to fix?

Good luck on the RSB, I've been wanting to get one for quite a while to stiffen up cornerning a bit...since I'm unable to get springs (driveway is too steep :().

It basically stiffens up the crummy stock bushings, which are as open as they are rubber. With any luck, new bushings will help eliminate any wasted motion back to the rear diff, and improve drive dynamics like the motor mount would.

I've heard nothing but good things about the RSB, I'd definitely do it. Even if you don't do springs (I'd look into RPM Streets if I were you), the sway will help out.

Here's a pic a stock bushing and TT bushing for comparision:

http://www.turbinetech.ca/fichiers/p1010029___208___prod___240___prod.jpg

http://www.turbinetech.ca/fichiers/p1010041___205___prod___238___prod.jpg

ms6acton

07-06-2009, 07:50 PM

so would u recommend the bushings over the bracket?

tunersteve

07-06-2009, 07:52 PM

so would u recommend the bushings over the bracket?

At this point I really don't know. I'm sure the brace is better in the long run, but for cost at this point doing the brace wasn't in my budget, so the bushings will have to suffice.

ms6acton

07-06-2009, 07:55 PM

makes sense. i think ill just save up for the brace

and those stock bushings are junk

tunersteve

07-06-2009, 09:49 PM

I'm going to start tomorrow by removing the sway bar and then continuing to hopefully pull the brace out so I can swap bushings. Then I hope to have the brace and diff semi-re-installed by tomorrow afternoon and then just await my swaybar to drop in and finish buttoning the project up. I'll post pics sometime soon too.

Blendercloud

07-07-2009, 08:28 AM

Do you think either of these modifications is something the dealer would throw a fit about? I'm not sure how hidden the bushings are when installed. I'm sure the rear sway bar is pretty noticeable though.

tunersteve

07-07-2009, 10:05 AM

Blendercloud

07-07-2009, 10:09 AM

The bushings are way up there, almost completely out of sight.

I figured they would be pretty hard to spot. I imagine if you painted them black (provided the paint doesn't flake off) they would be impossible to spot. Most techs would probably not take a second look.

tunersteve

07-07-2009, 10:30 AM

I figured they would be pretty hard to spot. I imagine if you painted them black (provided the paint doesn't flake off) they would be impossible to spot. Most techs would probably not take a second look.

That would be an option, but if you're not looking for them, you'd never see them.

Well, it's back to work this morning on the car, hopefully I'll have progress to report soon enough.

Blendercloud

07-07-2009, 10:40 AM

Good luck! Don't let anyone see you with those gloves on... (hah)

tunersteve

07-07-2009, 10:46 AM

Good luck! Don't let anyone see you with those gloves on... (hah)

Oh, those weren't my gloves, I pulled those pics from TT's site. Nice try though (second)

tunersteve

07-07-2009, 01:46 PM

Another quick update:

Got the sway bar completely free of its mounting points. Dropped the gas tank down 1" (yeah, I know!) then removed the bolts holding the front of the diff. in place. Springs and rear control arms are loose, to give me more room to work.

I'm gonna grab some food (and beer!) and keep plugging away. I'm almost to the diff. brace! The sway bar should be able to come out shortly too.

tunersteve

07-07-2009, 03:56 PM

Sway is out, endlinks are off. You definitely need two people to get that out from there!

4 bolts on top of the diff, 2 for the brace and I'm done with Phase 1 for this install!

Blendercloud

07-07-2009, 04:09 PM

How many beers did it take you?

tunersteve

07-07-2009, 04:48 PM

How many beers did it take you?

I just had my first one after I got the bar out. I took a dip in the pool to relax and I may go at it again later to try and finish the brace off.

crlsnlopes

07-07-2009, 05:44 PM

tunersteve

07-07-2009, 07:41 PM

steve dont forget to trim the ends on the rsb as they tend to bump underneath.u need to take off about .25". here are some pics from a different forum.
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo112/crlsnlopes/rsb2.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo112/crlsnlopes/rsb.jpg
hope it helps

Yes thanks, I was going to mention that after I got the bar and installed it. I talked with SU this morning and the RSB should be there and re-directed to my house, so I should hope to see it Sat. or Mon. at the latest.

EDIT - the RSB actually shipped from Florida via USPS this afternoon. I checked the tracking and it will be here Friday.

tunersteve

07-10-2009, 03:59 PM

Today around 10am Fedex delivered my RSB. I am just getting back to the install, but first is the matter of removing the stock endlinks from the RSB, and transferring them. Also, on lowered cars, as mentioned in here, you need to remove some material on the lower edge of the bar to avoid clunking. I have started this, and will show a before and after pic of that.

SicSpeed

07-10-2009, 07:21 PM

i tried a 2nd time to install the rear bushings ( ive installed the front dif bracket long time ago, PITA) Basically redid it again with ramps this time.

Read that the 2 17mm bushing bolts can be reached (universal with 3/8 18" extension) before trying to tackle the 4 top 14mm bolts . But i couldnt get enough torque to do this (probably should of followed the instructions to move/loosen swaybar)

Maybe u can give me some hints on taking the 4 top dif bolts off. I was looking at it and thinking theres no way i can take those off following TT instructions.

Maybe for me third time will be the charm once my head/back sores go away from lying on cardboard!

Thanks!

tunersteve

07-11-2009, 12:15 AM

Well, to summarize, this install was a PITA. After several attempts and over 90 min trying to brake the diff. free on the floor (only on jack stands here), I couldn't get the brace free, so I aborted the bushing install. I will most likely sell these to someone in the near future.

I did, however, install the sway. I'm very happy with it. Set on the stiffer setting, the car wants to rotate more. The rear is much more lively, but not obnoxious. Taking it on several turns and seeing its reaction, it's clear that it definitely combats the understeer that our cars exhibit. I'll be taking it back to the shop to get the alignment adjusted, hopefully removing some of the rear camber and checking the toe, as well as fix my pulling issue.

I have some pics of where I ground down the blades to avoid clunking on the rear suspension, and I will post those later on, along with a basic quick guide for installation.

ms6acton

07-11-2009, 09:00 AM

nice! how long total do u think it took you. since im contemplationg this mod but dont have a second car to get to and from work in. also possibly interested in the bushings

tunersteve

07-11-2009, 10:21 AM

I think start to finish it can be done in 4-5 hours with all the proper tools. I spread it out over a few days and it took me 3 hours today to start with the new sway and put it back in. I like to take my time and be thorough on these installs, especially when you're doing major tear down to get parts in.

tunersteve

07-12-2009, 02:04 PM

Here's a basic walkthrough of what you need to do to install this mod.

1. Remove rear exhaust section from test pipe to mufflers (6 nuts/bolts)
2. Disconnect driveshaft at rear diff. (4 bolts).
3. Loosen (DO NOT REMOVE) 17mm bolts on pass. side front of diff. Prepare a jack or something to support front end of diff at this point.
4. Remove bolts, support front of diff. (don't need to support diff if you're going straight through at this point)
5. Remove two electrical connections from diff. side. Two connectors, two or three wire loom holders on diff side.
6. Disconnect sway bar endlinks from control arms (14mm, two bolts)
7. Remove 17mm bolts from lower control arms and remove springs.
8. Remove swaybar bushings from frame, 14mm bolts (4 total).
9. Sway should be loose, rotate to front of car, clearing the control arms. Slide to pass. side, then using a second set of hands, pull down on front of diff, other person slides sway to front of car.

At this point, you can continue with 6 bolts to get the diff. brace out, but I'd recommend a lift for that.

Reverse order for new swaybar and reinstall everything and you're set.

ms6acton

07-12-2009, 09:41 PM

nice steps! thanks

RedBli$$

07-13-2009, 12:13 AM

damn thats alot of work just for the damn RSB..ive had mine sittin around for about a year and now i kno why!!

MATT DAMOND

07-13-2009, 01:32 AM

I have installed the WL RSB and the TT bushings on my car. I did them at seprete times, sway first then the bushings like 3 weeks later. I wish I did them at the same time.

The RSB is extremely easy to get out/swap in if you disconnect the rear diff mount at the frame, I did it by myself, no help needed.

I did the rear diff mount without removing the exhaust, either driveshaft, or touching the fuel tank. It was by far the most PITA job I've ever done on a car, and I never thought anything could be much worse than working on my Porsche.

I wish I took more pics, or did a how-to, oh well. Anyways here was my fun working space:

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/pmand968/100_0436.jpg