Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension What does it mean?

When you hear a loud pop, and end up holding this in your hands?



It means you managed to break your sway bar mounts with the stock sway bar! Whoo hoo! And its my fuggin driveways fault. . . .Ill get some pics in the daytime. Its a fairly steep entrance and I always lift the right rear tire going in/out of it. Well, I guess the factory mounts had enough of that!

I guess this means I get to drop the rear subframe, yippee!


More pics to come in the daytime as I really get a better look.

On a lighter note, I guess this might be my cars way of telling me I need to replace those bushings! Its puking them out!

I tried to replace those bushings on my old tour... Snapped the bolt that anchored the bracket. I ended up having to tap out the hole again... sucked ass. I gave up on replacing bushings after that... only did the endlinks and called it good.

I just did those bushings the other day on my 98.5 Svt and it was done in 15 minutes. Used plenty of PB blaster and a 10 inch socket extension and it was easy. Did not have to do anything but put it up on some ramps. Made quite an improvement as well.

I'm in the process of doing the whole rear suspension. The sway bar bushings are easy. Your situation my require some repair dependong on where/how it "snapped". I recommend getting the ES bushings, unless you don't have an 18mm bar.

And since you're already going for it, check on end links.

Well, from the looks of things the subframe is coming out. It looks bent up/broken. Ill have to get a better look at it tomorrow. If it was just replacing bushings it wouldnt be a big deal, Ive already pulled these a few times to grease them to prevent squeaking.

I was just posting about the same thing. BAT sells a reinforced rear subframe. I might have to get it. My mount snaps every time I drive into autozone...

So the sway mount is done:


Im just going to go to a junkyard and pick up a new one to get the mounts beefed up. I think I may just pull off the sway bar for the time being so its at least driveable without the clunking.

1st question: All rear subframes are created equal, right (any year useable)? I believe so, just want to double check.

2nd question: Can I slide out the subframe without dropping the exhaust? Here is why I ask:



My exhaust hangers arent going to allow me to drop the exhaust out without cutting them off because of the bends they have to prevent them from sliding out. I would like to avoid cutting them off, as I dont feel like getting the exhaust re-hung if I dont have to.

Whats your take?

Meh, after reading a few old threads it looks like the exhaust has to come off.

What a PITA this is turning out to be!

Tell the exhaust shop they need better skillz.

I've removed a couple of stock exhaust systems without fussing with the hangers. Worst case scenario is you cut one of the rubber thingies to drop the exhaust & lube the hanger to fit the repalcement rubber hanger. I doubt you need to do that... I never had to.