Date:         Tue, 7 May 2002 09:05:50 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Nettles <ericn@SIMSOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Nettles <ericn@SIMSOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Broken Stabilizer Link, any experts reading this?
Comments: To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain

Is it a real bear to pull? I might be able to remove it before my 'ole Pita
goes off to the scrap yard today.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Larry Alofs
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 6:27 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Broken Stablilizer Link, any experts reading this?


John Brush wrote:
>
> >   Chris Mills <scmills@tntech.edu> said:
>
> >Sway bar bushings?
>
> Pretty close guess :-)
>
> The stabilizer link broke right off from the bushing on the strut bar,
> passenger side.
>
> Outside of the aggravation and the irritation, I am at least pleased to
> see a problem that can be fixed.
>
> I have several questions if I may.
>
> I searched a few vendor sites and didn't find any Stablilizer Links right
> off the top. Where should I look for one? Any chance of replacing it
> without removing the whole stabilizer bar? The upper bushing looks like a
> mean little guy. What are the odds of getting the whole bar off from an 81
> van without breaking the mounting bolts? Will I be able to get all the old
> bushings out and the new ones in, or do would I have to have someone do it
> for me?
>
> Is my van unusable without that link attached? I would never let it go
> beyond the time it takes to get parts, but I am short of vehicles at the
> moment, so I would still like to carefully drive it unless that would be a
> major safety problem.
>
> Thanks for any advice or words of comfort :-) I just got done telling
> folks how my van runs and runs without any problems........... <g>
>
> Regards from Utah,
>
> John

When the right side link broke on my 84, I took the whole bar off and
drove it for a couple of years without it.  I never could feel much
difference.  I suppose there is less lateral stability, but should also
be less jolt when just one wheel hits a bump.
  I think the bar is still lying under my deck behind the house.

Larry A.