So, there I was, replacing the sway bar link on my truck. I assembled the link, and went to torque the nut to 11 ft/lbs. It seemed like it would never torque- even had to get the deep socket for the nut. Once it torqued to 11, I was left with damaged (nearly split) bushings, and the end of the link bolt sticking out quite a ways.

My question is, do I really need to torque this down this tight (11 ft/lbs)? Or can I just have the nut on securely? It also seems like this is angled quite sharply... Is this a problem?

 

Not needed just tighten it

 

Yeah thats way to tight! You should replace the bad bushings and then retighten. I tightened mine just till the bushings were snug with a tiny buldge and they seem to work fine. I don't know if thats the correct way but it works great on my truck!

 

The end links are like shock absorbers when you tighten them down. Just snug it up until the rubber washers are just a tad past the edge of the metal cupped washer. Maybe an 1/8 inch past the metal all around.