I have a 2003 G35 sedan, AT, non-sport suspension -- completely stock. Purchased Moog brand front sway bar end links to replace worn out original parts.Moog's installation instructions say to position the upper stud with the bracket properly.

I can certainly get the bracket in the correct orientation and close to the position of the bracket on the original end link (visually). How critical is the position of the bracket? Is there a measurement I should take? Does it really matter?

 

That little bracket it there to stop the stud from spinning when you tighten the nut. I forget if there's a notch in the swaybar of if that tab just rests on the top. Should be apparent when you're actually installing it.

 

That makes sense as they would otherwise spin when tightening. I couldn't figure out a mechanical reason to position the tab in a certain spot after installation. On my car, the tabs on the end links are above the sway bar (pointed upwards), and not in direct contact with the bar. I'll install the Moogs the same way.

 

This is good to know as I'll be doing this soon as well.

 

Got the new Moog end links installed. Liberal use of PB Blaster and breaker bar got the fasteners off the original links and once the fasteners were loose, they were easy to remove. The Moogs are considerably thicker and the studs longer than stock and needed to jack up the knuckle a fair bit to get Moogs in place. In addition to the bracket that acts as a stop against the sway bar when you tighten the upper stud, there's also a 6mm hex detent in the upper stud on the Moogs that you can use to stop it from spinning as you tighten. Moog directions said to torque fasteners at 35lbs, which I did, but stock seemed far tighter. Quite happy with the new links as the originals were shot (186K miles).