I've replaced the front sway bar links on my 96 Civic 2DR HX Coupe before but I am forgetting which was easier to do.
-Do I put the car on jackstands, remove old sway links, let the car down onto ramps and tighten (under load)..
- Or can I put the front tires on the ramps and remove/replace/tighten that way?

I remember one of the methods the sway bar (which acts as a spring) is under A LOT of pressure and the bushing/link will go flying if I loosen it.

Let me know.. I did search but it didn't say anything about loosening them while sitting on the tires (on ramps)..

 

UPDATE: Since no one replied, I was able to talk to another civic owner who has done this on another forum..

I was able to install the energy suspensions front sway bar bushing link kit. I talked to ES and even though I used the black/graphite bushings they did say lubing them up would be a good idea. I agree! I got their ES grease, wow is that stuff sticky!

I removed the front links with the suspension un-sprung (at full droop) and then installed the new links, finger tightening it. I then lowered the front end (tires were still on the car) onto some ramps. The car was now spring (under compression/load). I tightened it using a torque wrench to 16ft-lbs. And the bushings were NOT squished like others have claimed in posts about the poly bushings ES sells.

The links are now vertical when the car is sitting on the ground.

The links had been installed by a previous installer who installed them while the suspension was un-sprung, in the air. This causes a geometry difference that you do not want!

so.. to answer my own original question and for others..

TIGHTEN THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS WHEN THE CAR IS ON THE GROUND (under compression).

The difference is more than noticeable, it changed how the car feels, handles. The steering is tighter, more sure of itself.very nice! Not bad for $15/pair of links and about an hour under the car (took my time)