[Steering & Suspension] Drop link query

[sciteacher]

Hopefully, this is a simple answer.  I have a drop link to replace the offside one.  It doesn't have a torx socket in the end of the threaded 'bolt section.  Is that a problem? 
The other problem is that I've got to change it on my drive in the coming snow.  I must be bonkers....

[Multispacer]

Hopefully, this is a simple answer.  I have a drop link to replace the offside one.  It doesn't have a torx socket in the end of the threaded 'bolt section.  Is that a problem? 
The other problem is that I've got to change it on my drive in the coming snow.  I must be bonkers....

They don't all have torx socket ends, some have a flat/squared end for an open ended spanner close to the rubber boot [so may not be obvious to see as it is the other side of the anti-roll bar fixing. Even if it hasn't got a flat end, it shouldn't be a problem, as it doesn't really matter if the thread on the old drop link gets damaged as you are replacing it. Spray it with some WD40 or suchlike and leave for a little while and try to undo the nut. If everything starts spinning grab the threaded end with a pair of locking pliers and then undo.

They are not too bad to do, normally about 30 minutes per side [including getting the wheel off/on] I normally change both at once and normally outside on the drive, the garage is too full of c**p   

If you have access to axle stands as well as a jack, I've found they are much easier to replace with both side of the vehicle up in the air as if you just jack up the side you are replacing the anti-roll bar is under a lot of tension and makes it had to get the old one off and new one on.

[ffrenchie]

Clean up and lubricate the exposed thread before you try to get the nyloc nut off as well or it will turn the ball joint and stick.

[sciteacher]

Thanks chaps, the advice is much appreciated.