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Sway bar bushings replacement

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Littlebeefy

Sway bar bushings replacement

I have a set of sway bar bushings that need replacement. I ordered Prothane 4.5106R but it seems like it's too tall for the bracket. I am replacing bushings that are part number E8TA-5484-DA. What is the actual height of the bushing when new? Is there a polyurethane replacement for it?

LittleBeefy aka Chad

“Dot Doitall”: 1984 Bronco XLT
460 (C8VE), Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4, ZF5, NP205, D44HP solid axle, 4.56
urban assault vehicle

"Bebe": 2022 Bronco Badlands 2dr
2.7l, Sasquatch, Iconic Silver, Black Marine-grade interior, hard-top

"Celeste": 1979 Porsche 928
4.5l K-jet, 5-sp, S4/GTS brakes, LSD, Pasha interior

kramttocs

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

Administrator

I am not going to be much help but looks like I used Energy Suspension 4.5103G on the 86 which best I can tell is the same height as your Prothane at 2.5"
I know I have my old bushings in a box in the shop but I don't expect them to be E8TA.
Are you unable to measure your originals?

Scott
'Camano' 1986 F250 Supercab XLT Lariat 460/C6
'Chanute' 1980 F350 C&C 400/NP 435 - Gin Pole

But there ain't nothin' wrong with the radio

Littlebeefy

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

I measured my original and it is 2.5" at the tallest point (the protruding lip). Maybe I am doing something wrong and I just need to tighten it down with greater force? Here are a couple of pictures. What do you think? Am I using the right bushing?

Gsmblue

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

Looks like the bushing is too big, but can’t you just trim it with a chop saw or something? I’ll to
Measure mine at the weekend.

Your truck is as red as mine is blue 😂

1985.5 F-150 XL Explorer standard cab 5.0 EFI AOD 4x4
Daily Driver. We call her Eunice the Ute.

1982 Bronco XLT Lariat 351W AOD 4x4
Code name Esperanza, or Espy to her friends. Please see my Project thread for the blow by blow.

1984 F-350 XL Centurion crew cab 460 T19 4x4
"Eylza Dual-little"

Littlebeefy

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

I figure I have three options: shave down the bushings (like you said), use some grade 8 washers as spacers or replace the mounts with these on LMC part 45-1439. I have to order a trim piece from LMC anyway so I’m leaning towards option 3. Anybody know if this is the correct part for the bushing or should I just gamble the $20?

kramttocs

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

Administrator

You said your old was 2.5" and the listing shows your new should be 2.5".
Is it?
Is so, what's different?
If not, you may have just gotten the wrong pack (I did on my first set from Amazon).
You definitely have options but I am curious how the new differs from the old.

Scott
'Camano' 1986 F250 Supercab XLT Lariat 460/C6
'Chanute' 1980 F350 C&C 400/NP 435 - Gin Pole

But there ain't nothin' wrong with the radio

JimJam300

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

I've found a some of the poly stuff is simply the wrong size for our trucks, even though they are listed for 80-96. A bandsaw or belt sander (messy) should work.

1982 Bronco restomod in progress: Built 4.9L, T19 4spd, 9" 3.00 rear w/ Eaton TrueTrac, 31" tires, fuel injection soon
https://www.youtube.com/@jimjamauto

kramttocs

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

Administrator

In reply to this post by Littlebeefy

Just checked the front bushings on the 86 and they are stamped 5308 just like yours.

Scott
'Camano' 1986 F250 Supercab XLT Lariat 460/C6
'Chanute' 1980 F350 C&C 400/NP 435 - Gin Pole

But there ain't nothin' wrong with the radio

Littlebeefy

Re: Sway bar bushings replacement

The old bushings are 2 3/8" at the recessed portion and 2.5" at the tallest point. I need to go check the new ones when I get to the garage.