sway bar bushing removal problem

[northern piper]

Hey fellas

On my 2000 3.8 the driver's sway bar bushing is shot. I've replaced these before so I figured no problem. Long story short, the nut that's on the top of the rear part of the sub frame, that needs removal to lower the sub frame to allow access to the sway bar bushing yoke (and undoing it) has rusted. In detaching the bolt at the bottom of the sub-frame the bolt just spins. I've got it soaking in penetrating fluid now and have a set of vice-grips on it so I think I'll get it apart in the morning. I'm wondering if anyone knows the size of this bolt and the thread pitch? I'm thinking I'll try and replace it with a lock washer and nyloc nut... but I'm just trying to anticipate what I'll need. Of course I'm doing all this on Easter weekend and most places will be closed... grr..

thoughts or advice always welcome!

[12Ounce]

I have some extra bolts lying around ... I can give you some dimensions tomorrow.

[northern piper]

well the job is done. Gotta admit, they always take longer than you think.

Turns out on the frame side the nut is about 1 inch square and is held to the frame via some sort of flange or clip (which I can't see but only feel). I managed to grab the nut with a pair of vice grips and slowly turn the long bolt out. Once it was all apart I cleaned everything and replaced the sway bar bushing. Dropping the rear of the sub-frame 2 inches is the only way to do the job IMO.

[scubacat]

I had the same issue. A nice guy at the exhaust shop welded that plate on top for me.

You can remove the bushing with a box end wrench without lowering the subframe but its tedious. I have a gearwrench I use to do just that.