Has anyone changed their sway bar bushings with a 1 1/8 " sway bar? Here are 2 photos of my 1 1/8 " sway bar, bracket, and a new Moog brand bushing. The bushing appears to be too thin, way too tall, and the hole appears to be way too small. I've checked other brands and they appear to be the same. Will this thing compress to fit the bar and bracket properly? B.T.W. The Moog part # I have is K5253 if this helps.
Thanks, Jim


http://members.cox.net/chevelle/bushing.jpg http://members.cox.net/chevelle/bushing1.jpg

I hate to be Captain Obvious but is it the right bushing? I'm pretty sure there are different part numbers for different bars. And I KNOW those highly trained and eternally dedicated counter guys NEVER pull the wrong part off the shelf....Seriously, I can't remember but think, when I did mine, the bushing fit the bracket alot better than what you picture shows.

Jeff

Thanks for responding Jeff. The problem is I went to 3 parts stores that all carry different brands, MOOG,TRW, and I forget the other, and they showed me the same size bushing. Their computers say it's supposed to fit 70 cheveles with 1" or larger bars. I still find it hard to believe it's the right one though. I'm hoping someone here may have part #'s or something to help.

Jim

Have you considered going with a poly bushing set up? They are not a whole lot more expensive, last a real long time and help handling without being harsh. I purchased a set of Energy Suspensions bushings with brackets at an O'Reily's parts store.

Just something to consider.

I just looked at the Advance Auto website and they don't list anything over 1" What year/model Chevelle is it? Is it a Chevelle bar? I think I have a Moog or TRW chassis parts catalog around here somewhere. I'll see if I can't dig it up to see if there is more complete info there.

Jeff

I had this same problem when I installed my 1 1/4" front sway bar on my Elky. The parts store kept giving me the wrong one for the 1979 Trans Am application I was giving them. I knew what the bar was off of. I got the bushings for a 1975 Trans Am and they were perfect. Try having them get you a set for a mid 70's z/28 or Trans Am with 1 1/8" bar.

All i can say, is NEVER give them what car you are actually putting it on, it just brings headaches of wrong parts etc. Poly might be worth it, my 1 1/4" bushings fit tight in the metal piece not loose like that. I think my bushings & endlinks ran me $15 poly and i noticed a considerable difference in the handling.

All i can say is lie to the counterman *unless he actually knows something*. If you got a carquest around you might want to give them a shot, they have been the most knowledable place that i have ever been.

Thanks everyone for the replies,

I was hoping to stay original, but I just may have to go the poly route. I hope someone will correct me if i'm wrong, but most of the research i've done indicates the 1970 SS F-41 suspension package came with a 1 1/8" sway bar. My chevy dealers book shows a 1 1/4" sway bar was also available back then, but has been dis-countinued along with the bushings. I may try the Trans-am approach tommorrow.

Thanks again, Jim

Jim,
I added an f=body 1 1/8 sway bar last year and used brackets and bushings from a local dealership. I had no idea what year bar I had so I guessed 77 Trans Am with WS-6 suspension. They fit perfectly and the rubber bushings are a higher durometer than stock.It may take a couple of days but I think I can find the receipt with the part numbers.

Thanks John,

Please let me know if you find the receipt. I didn't know a F-body bar would fit an A-body. Knowing that will make it easier to find one for my convertible that's missing the bar.

Jim

Jim,
Not all F-body bars just the 70 to 81 second generation years. Clears everything and no interference but thats the 1 1/8 bar. The 1 1/4 bar might need more work to fit. I think the receipt is in my toolbox at work.

I believe the F-41 suspension was partially qualified by the 1 1/4" bar. Someone please correct me if I am incorrect. :cool:

I believe that the largest front sway bar to come on a 1972 and older Chevelle/El Camino (including station wagons and super sport optioned cars) was 1 1/8".

Originally posted by elcamino72:
I believe that the largest front sway bar to come on a 1972 and older Chevelle/El Camino (including station wagons and super sport optioned cars) was 1 1/8". this is true of 70 models, f41 also. No 1 1/4 bars on f41 optioned cars. This is why I ripped out my 1 1/8 of my 70 SS and grabbed a 1 1/4 at the yard.

I just picked up a 1 1/4" bar off a 74 firebird in the salvage yard for $20. It looks like it should fit my chevelle with no problem. As a bonus, the frame bushings and control arms links that came with it are almost new. Looks like this will solve my problem for now. Thanks so much for all the input everyone!

Jim

Way to go Jim graemlins/thumbsup.gif Thats an excellent find for the price.