I just got a 19mm Hotchkis rear sway bar installed. I am very pleased with it on the middle setting, but I will be autocrossing tomorrow and would like to try it out on the stiffer setting. How easy is it to change it?

I jacked up the rear end and removed the tire. I was able to loosen the bolt holding the sway bar to another smaller rod. The problem was that the smaller rod appeared to be held to the sway bar under tension and I was not sure that I would be able to get it back into place if I removed the bolt entirely. So I aborted the project.

So, what to do?

option #1: continue doing what I was doing; the assembly will be easy to move and install even if it appears to be under a load. It's not that bad.

Option #2: jack both rear wheels off the ground. The tension/ load was because only one side was off the ground.

option #3: jack on side up and take off the tire. Get a second jack to slowly elevate the hub until the load is off the assembly, and I can adjust it.

option #4. refer this matter to a trained professional.

Option #5: something else.

Suggestions? I am moderately mechanically inclined, have a triple-digit IQ, and got a B in high school power mechanics. I don't mind getting my hands dirty, but I don't have a bunch of tools, and I don't want to destroy my car or lose any fingers.

Thanks in advance

 

I think #2 would be the best way.
#3 would work, but since you'll have to do it on both sides, might as well go with #2 from the get-go.

 

First of all, they are only fingers, and you hopefully have all ten as we speak. If you lose a couple, you still have spares.
Jack up both sides # 2. Oh, before you do this, go visit Sears and buy a nice selection of tools. You will not regret it. A 3 digit IQ I am afraid, is of no practical use. Have a couple of beers to lower it a notch or two and you should be fine.
Good luck.

 

I am agreeing with the others here with number two. It is not easy to work on a preloaded suspension. But sometimes I also use a separate jack to load up the side you are working on by jacking it up to make it equal in load. Just place the other jack under the suspension strut.

 

I use Option #3 because I can work on one side at a time. It does not take much lifting or force to remove the slight tension on the bolt.

 

the easiest i found was put the rear on the stands, use the jack to lift the hub to release the load and off you go. 15-20 min exercise with right tools. good luck