Removing sway bar to install bumper bracket

Betting to remove the sway bar on my 2013 tacoma but I’m having troubles removing the end links, I’ve looked at few post on here but nothing has helped so far,

 

What’s the particular problem? I just hit it with WD40 and it came off.

 

Well I’ve tried putting the Allen key in but nothing wants to budge.

 

Why do you need to remove the end links?

Just unbolt the sway bar pillowblocks from the frame to lower the sway bar enough to install your bumper brackets. Support the bar with a jack or a block of wood.

 

Tried that but currently there’s a metal bracket that was installed by the pervious owner that is blocking the new bracket. The old bracket can’t be removed due to the sway bar being in the way.

 

Looks like you have full access to the pillowblock bolts if you remove the front skid?

 

I tried to remove the skit plate the but the back bolts are blocked in by the lower plate, which I haven’t been able to get off. Thought removing the sway bar out of the way would be the best option to get that old bracket and to the pillow block bolts

 

It's just a little seized, you can try an punch it out or pry it out if you have room.

 

You're talking about the endlinks? Photos show @Papa_cheese has a 6" lift with replacement spindles. On installation, the endlinks are threaded into the spindle using a long allen key. There is no nut. With time and corrosion (I know, I know, a foreign thing in San Diego ) the allen socket feature at the end of the stud tends to wither away.

 

Heat son

 

I had a similar issue. I started removing my end link and the stud started spinning after a couple turns. I ended up welding a nut to the end of the stud so I could hold it to tighten it back up. When I removed the sway bar for good I had to saw the nutted end off. Really a poor design for anyone who has to deal with any rust to speak of

 

If just stuck Kroil oil for 24 hrs works on most and then heat gun and then more oil if really stuck.

 

Ahhhhh, I see, when I pulled my sway at off they were a little tight in there even after removing the nut. Sounds like penetrating oil and heat are the answer.

 

This would be my next thought.

 

Can't see without pictures so I'll take your word for it.

1. Are you using an allen key (which doesn't give leverage)? Try an allen bit socket with a breaker bar or long ratchet handle. Make sure the bit is seated fully in the endlink stud to avoid rounding it out. Hammer the bit in if you have to.

2. If the above doesn't work, leave the endlink attached to the spindle and try separating the endlink from the swaybar instead.

 

Not OP's problem per se, but yeah a poor design used by many carmakers. Moog sells an improved endlink with wrench flats at the base of the stud. It also has a 20% thicker shaft and greaseable joints:

$26 MOOG K80946 Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link for Toyota Tacoma

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M6JW9U/

$28 MOOG K80948 Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link for Toyota Tacoma

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M6JWFE/