Most liked posts in thread: This Noob Wants to Attempt a Rear Swaybar Install

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  1. MCS02

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    #19 MCS02, Sep 28, 2014
    Every time I go to work on one of the cars my wife makes sure my oldest daughter is ready for ambulance duty. More then once she has carried me for stitches. Last time the doctor just stitched me up in the hallway.

    But I'm sure you two will be ok!:D
     
  2. MCS02

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    #23 MCS02, Sep 28, 2014
    So it's a party at Stefanie's house! We will be there in two days.
     
  3. Dave.0

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    #24 Dave.0, Sep 28, 2014
    I could make it in one day, (6 hours to LA) since they have these new things called airplanes now Lee. :ihih::lol:
     
  4. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #27 Nathan, Sep 28, 2014
    So..wheres the egg salad recipe?

    Just made a small batch with quail eggs from the farmers market.

    Local interest.... The quail roost is in Franklinton, the're a mix of hipster and street wise birds.
     
  5. beken

    beken Well-Known Member

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    #42 beken, Sep 29, 2014
    I think everybody in M/A should go over for sandwiches and free advice. :postcount
     
  6. vetsvette

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    #46 vetsvette, Sep 29, 2014
    I'm all for seeing you guys at the Dragon, but I've done my time in CA and don't plan on seeing it again. Besides, my ex still lives there. Good luck with your RSB install Stephanie.
     
  7. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    #49 Minidave, Sep 30, 2014
    My sis lives in Volcano, there are some great roads on the western side of Tahoe!

    So Stephie, did you git 'er done this weekend? The best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and go to work...
     
  8. Nathan

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    #60 Nathan, Sep 30, 2014
  9. Tummi_Gummi

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    #69 Tummi_Gummi, Oct 1, 2014
    I had to loosen the sub frame enough to drop the rear end about half an inch. The sway bar won't squeeze in unless you do this. I think it's either 4 or 6 bolts. 16mm
     
  10. Crashton

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    #70 Crashton, Oct 1, 2014
    Yes I had to do this too. I'm sorry but these details get shoved to the back of my brain as I get older. I have the install file in there, but can't find it. Old fart syndrome. :eek:
     
  11. Stefanie

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    #73 Stefanie, Oct 6, 2014
    It's done! Final tally:

    1 - Code3_Mini successfully abducted.

    0 - Band Aids used

    0 - bolts/lugs/nuts lost

    2 - sandwiches eaten (Banh Mi style)

    1 - very happy Bug Eater. :D

    Being the gentleman that he is, Lance did the majority of the work.

    Buh-bye stock sway bar:

    [​IMG]

    Hellooo new sway bar:

    [​IMG]

    Thank you everyone for the support & tips! And a huge thank you to Lance! I owe you more sandwiches! :D
     
  12. Dave.0

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    #77 Dave.0, Oct 6, 2014
    Look how clean the underside of your car is. :eek6:

    Did you wipe down all the blood....oh that right you live in Cali and you only have one season. (Summer)
     
  13. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #85 MCS02, Oct 6, 2014
    ^^^^^^^now that's funny! ^^^^^^^
     
  14. Code3_Mini

    Code3_Mini New Member

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    #87 Code3_Mini, Oct 6, 2014
    Lol...was it surprising to you at all that when you came to abduct me, I went willingly? All I can say is that it was one of the better days I've ever had.
     
  15. MCS02

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    #4 MCS02, Sep 27, 2014
    Ok I couldn't help it. It is straight forward. I don't know if this is your first DYI on your MINI but its a good one to start with. We are here to help and to poke fun. I say if you have the tools you need go for it!
     
  16. Stefanie

    Stefanie Well-Known Member

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    #6 Stefanie, Sep 27, 2014
    Haha! Mostly I just walk around them... :ihih:

    Come to Cali and help me and I'll gladly make you a sandwich! I did my hood scoop grill myself. That's pretty much the extent of my DIY car projects thus far. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, just concerned I may need some supervision. Really glad to have you guys as a resource. :)

    Thanks for the tips, Minidave!
     
  17. MCS02

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    #7 MCS02, Sep 27, 2014
    Hay we all started some where its just a matter of unbolting it. Just don't be like me and lose any bolts or nuts keep them where you won't accidentally hit them and scatter them all over the place.
    If you have questions along the way ask we will keep an eye out for them.

    So are you going to try it?
     
  18. GeorgeCo

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    #14 GeorgeCo, Sep 28, 2014
    Stefanie: Welcome and enjoy, this is a great project to get started with, but remember a sway-bar is a gate-way drug: Many other mods will follow.... That said, here's some advice to feed your addiction.

    Get a Bentley Manual for your model.
    R56 Manual
    R53 Manual

    The key to the swap is getting enough room to maneuver the bar. Usually that means completely removing the strut on one side, but I have successfully done it by only removing the top two bolts and working the bar through and around the rear spring. Just be prepared for the lower strut bolt to be a bigger pain to remove than it should be (at least that's been my experience.) Also make sure your torque wrench goes high enough for the lower bolt. 121 ft lbs for R56, 103 ft lbs for R50-R53.

    More tips and instructions here on my blog. Good luck. Post photos when complete.
     
  19. Stefanie

    Stefanie Well-Known Member

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    #18 Stefanie, Sep 28, 2014
    Box of GI Joe band aids...check!
     
  20. Stefanie

    Stefanie Well-Known Member

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    #21 Stefanie, Sep 28, 2014
    Lol! Very reassuring!

    Dave.0 - thank you! That means a lot.
     
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