Hello, Newbie to forum
I picked up a 88 Formula last year.
She has 109,000 on her so it is time for some TLC.
I am starting with the front end.
This is my 3ed Fiero so I know my way around pretty much but this is my first with the newer supination.
It is straightforward so I am getting right through it with little hasal,That is until I got to torquing down the sway bar link.
The sway bar is coming in contact with the tie rod and the torque wrench is not even registering yet.
I am sure it will be fine when it down on all four but I am worried I might damage the tie rod if I continue torquing.

Without looking at my Formula, I'd guess that those sway bar end links might be too short. I believe the sway bar arms should be more parallel to the ground.

quote Originally posted by Rex Raider: I am sure it will be fine when it down on all four but I am worried I might damage the tie rod if I continue torquing.

Do you need to have the front suspension hanging down while you're tightening the end links. I think I'd prefer to have the suspension loaded (closer to ride height) as I snug up the end links.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-23-2020).]

Hard to see exactly what you've got, but between the lower control arm and the sway bar, there should be a bolt, with a sleeve, about 4-5 inches long.
I have been doing 88s for years, and have never had one where the tie rod and the sway bar contacted one another - even when it was up on jacks.

Edit - Looks like Patrick saw about the same thing that I did. Sway bar looks waaaay too close to the LCA.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 08-23-2020).]

Parts geek has them, but parts geek also lists them on Ebay for 4 bucks less and free shipping.

Check the length of the new end links versus the old ones. You may have been sent a set that is too short.
I had my Formula on jacks this weekend doing brakes and there was plenty of room between the sway bar and tie rods even up on jacks.
When lowered to the ground there won't be much difference since the tie rod will also move relationally to the wheel. I would try to find some longer ones.

Edit to add: It's quite possible those are the end links for the rear sway bar, as it requires a much shorter end link and would still come up as an 88 formula end link when searching online.

[This message has been edited by liv4God (edited 08-24-2020).]

That makes sense, I'll go thru my scrap box and retrieve the old one. Thank You for the help

You might have Rodney Dickman's lowering ball joints.

A Lot of 88 owners install those to easily lower the front end.

You need longer end-links with those.

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