swaybar bushing headache

[amalik]

Hi A-Team. ( [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION], [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION], [MENTION=69868]LittleCaesar[/MENTION], [MENTION=50342]JayRolla[/MENTION], [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] (you made the cut), etc).

I haven't wrenched on my vehicle in months (1997 limited, non-cali, 3.4 Limited 4WD Auto).

Denver blessed us with some good weather today, so figured what the hell, why don't I do these sway-bar bushings that have been sitting in my garage for months?

ANYWAYS -- They don't freaking fit!

OEM part number -- 48815-35100

Pics -- You can see in the 2nd pic, I can't get the back bolt in when the bushing fit isn't perfect.

https://imgur.com/a/aXvOH

Anyone else have this issue? Do I have to just get the Energy Suspension or Prothane at this point? Am I possibly doing anything wrong?

PS -- Anyone know the nut/washer size for the rear bolt (The one that is welded to the bracket? I lost both of mine).

Thanks.

 

[thecole1098]

There is 2 different sizes that were used for the front swaybar. It appears the bushings you have are meant for the smaller version. I believe the sizes are 26MM and 27MM, but don't quote me on that.

 

[mtbtim]

In that second picture, it looks like you have the one side all the way tight already. I would back off that bolt so you can get the other one started. Once you do that, you can tighten them down equally and bring the sway bar bracket in contact with the frame.

 

[amalik]

In that second picture, it looks like you have the one side all the way tight already. I would back off that bolt so you can get the other one started. Once you do that, you can tighten them down equally and bring the sway bar bracket in contact with the frame.

Hmm. I see what you're saying. And you think that will resolve the issue with the tiny gap in the bushing?

Do you know the nut size for that rear bolt? I lost mine. Can you check on your rig for me?

 

[amalik]

There is 2 different sizes that were used for the front swaybar. It appears the bushings you have are meant for the smaller version. I believe the sizes are 26MM and 27MM, but don't quote me on that.

My bushings are 26MM (There is 26 written on them if you look closely), and 26MM should be the correct size according to all the threads I've read here on T4R, so the issue may be what Tim is saying, don't tighten 1 of the 2 bolts all the way before the other.

 

[thecole1098]

My bushings are 26MM (There is 26 written on them if you look closely), and 26MM should be the correct size according to all the threads I've read here on T4R, so the issue may be what Tim is saying, don't tighten 1 of the 2 bolts all the way before the other.

Yeah, I always start both first then tighten each one a little at a time so they are sinched down evenly. They can be a pain and it’s easy to cross thread the bolt if you’re not careful (ask me how I know). Only reason I mentioned the different size bushings is because of that gap that is visible.

 

[BrianSD_42]

My bushings are 26MM (There is 26 written on them if you look closely), and 26MM should be the correct size according to all the threads I've read here on T4R, so the issue may be what Tim is saying, don't tighten 1 of the 2 bolts all the way before the other.

This!

Ok Avengers team ( [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION], [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION], [MENTION=69868]LittleCaesar[/MENTION], [MENTION=50342]JayRolla[/MENTION], [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] (you made the cut), etc) - nothing to see here. opcorn:

 

[amalik]

Yeah, I always start both first then tighten each one a little at a time so they are sinched down evenly. They can be a pain and it’s easy to cross thread the bolt if you’re not careful (ask me how I know). Only reason I mentioned the different size bushings is because of that gap that is visible.

Shouldn't the bushing fit snug though on the bracket even if sitting on the floor and not bolted in? I feel like the gap will be there even if I get both bolts in, will the gap just not matter at that point as long as the bar is secure to the frame? [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]

 

[JayRolla]

Shouldn't it fit though on the bracket even if sitting on the floor and not bolted in? I feel like the gap will be there even if I get both bolts in.

I had to buy both kits. One kit the sway bar link bushings where correct and the other kit had the correct bar bushings.

 

[octanejunkie]

I used the Energy Suspension poly kit and didn't have this issue. Tighten both sides down, evenly back and forth, and use the correct bar bushing - it should close flush (no gap) even outside the bearing cap.

Thanks for including me with those other fine folks tho

 

[TheDurk]

PS -- Anyone know the nut/washer size for the rear bolt (The one that is welded to the bracket? I lost both of mine).

Thanks.

Since no one answered, it's an M8-1.25 nut with captive washer. I'd say you could use a regular locknut and washer or the OEM 90182-08003.

I agree with those who say you need to tighten evenly. That p/n should be correct. Also, make sure you are putting the left bracket on left side, and right on right. There is a letter engraved on the bracket.