Sway (stabilizer) bar replacement on 98 Regal

[idjikaity]

I need to replace the front sway/stabilizer bar on 98 Regal LS. At first sight, it looks like if I jack up the car and remove the front wheels, then remove the bar-to-frame links on both sides, then remove the bar-to-frame brackets on both sides, I should be able to pull the whole bar either through the one of the wheels wells.

However, in the Haynes manual, step 2 (after removing the wheels) is:
2) "Remove the steering shaft pinch bolt",
... and there is one additional step...
5) " Place a jack under the rear of the sub-frame crossmember, then loosen two front subframe-to-body bolts four turns. Remove the rear subframe-to-body bolts. Slowly lower the jack and allow the rear of the sub-frame to drop down. ...."

I was wondering if anybody knows whether these additional (Haynes manual) steps are really necessary. If they are, where is that "steering shaft pinch bolt" located, and what does that "subframe" look like and where is it located ?
After loosening "two front subframe-to-body bolts" and removing the rear ones and lowering the jack how will the rear of the subframe drop down.? Will the front bolts not hold it somehow? Will they not break?

Thanks in advance!
Yuri

[BNaylor]

The subframe is the K frame member which is the part that holds the engine and transaxle. The steering shaft pinch bolt is between the steering column shaft and rack and pinion. I don't think that part is necessary.

Try this procedure applicable to late model GM "W" body cars like the Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix. See link.

Click here

[idjikaity]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

The subframe is the K frame member which is the part that holds the engine and transaxle. The steering shaft pinch bolt is between the steering column shaft and rack and pinion. I don't think that part is necessary.

Try this procedure applicable to late model GM "W" body cars like the Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix. See link.

Click here

Thanks very much, BNaylor! All the info and the links are very helpful, as usual!