Sway Bar Bushings

[77ChevySharkBite]

So I have a quick question I hadn't noticed until last night I'm missing 2 sway bar bushings is there a specific brand I should be looking at or a certain size I should look at getting as well?

Also what size rear sway bar is the best overall for our truck?

Thanks for the help guys!

[tucsonjwt]

I just got front sway bar bushings from the local auto parts store - forget the brand but they were blue in color - might have been a poly bushing. They made a huge difference in the handling of the truck. I have an 83 C20. I don't know anything about rear sway bars, except that sway bars cost a lot of money at the pick and pulls, front or rear.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Thanks man!! Yeah I didn't notice till last night I have 2 bushings that are completely gone so I just figured it might be a smart idea to replace them.

Not too worried with a rear right at this moment but I have heard that they do wonders too.

Isn't the poly bushing, actually the best or advised to buy over just what might be a regular rubber one?

[Tuff 1986]

I bought some at the local parts store (rubber) for about $6 bucks for 2... Worked really well.. Then i decided to replace them with the poly. Due to that I had heard that the truck would handle better.. I personally can't tell much of a diffrence.. Im pretty shure they will out lasts regular rubber bushings though..

[bnoon]

Rear bars "bring the rear end around" so to speak, to reduce front end "plow" through a corner. FYI You don't want to just buy the biggest one you can find or afford or you'll loop it the first time you experience trailing throttle snap oversteer.

For bushings, Energy Suspensions bushings is what I used last time on my '86 on the stock front bar and the ride was improved quite a bit, especially going down lumpy county highways.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Thanks guys does anyone have the original sway bar on there truck and can tell me what size I need to buy? Also do I need to get the greaseable or non-greaseable?

[bnoon]

Depends on what engine/suspension package you have (1/2 ton, heavy 1/2 ton, 3/4 ETC.). Measure the thickness of your bar and report those numbers to the parts shop. The end links will be the same most likely no matter which stock size bar you have, but the block mounts on the frame stands will be different between bar sizes.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by bnoon

Depends on what engine/suspension package you have (1/2 ton, heavy 1/2 ton, 3/4 ETC.). Measure the thickness of your bar and report those numbers to the parts shop. The end links will be the same most likely no matter which stock size bar you have, but the block mounts on the frame stands will be different between bar sizes.

There are no end links. Just four bushings, two on the frame, two on the control arms. All will be the same size.

[bnoon]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

There are no end links. Just four bushings, two on the frame, two on the control arms. All will be the same size.

Sorry, my last truck had a front bar by Adco that had end links (custom fit from a 99+ setup).

[77ChevySharkBite]

Okay great thanks bnoon!

I have a Silverado package which from what I've seen is just a 1/2 ton suspension but from what I recall I do have 6 leafs I believe I can verify it when I get home.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

I would recommend the energy suspension kit from summit. They use to different durometor bushings. The end links are slightly softer so the arm can move relatively bind free

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

I would recommend the energy suspension kit from summit. They use to different durometor bushings. The end links are slightly softer so the arm can move relatively bind free

End links ?



Sway bar end links are not used on stock truck sway bars. They are used in many applications, but not pre 1988 GM trucks.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

End links ?



Sway bar end links are not used on stock truck sway bars. They are used in many applications, but not pre 1988 GM trucks.

Sorry wrong terminology on my behalf. Links would be better though

But yes the end (bushings) my bad; are slightly softer. Keeps your front end from riding like a solid axle and bouncing your teeth out.

[tucsonjwt]

I would check the LMC catalog for a general reference on size and price. The only criticism I have heard of poly bushings is that they may contribute to a rough ride - mostly on the body mount bushings though. Also, some complain of squeaks on some of the harder bushings. Cheap stock rubber would be a good start since they are easy to change out and you could replace them with poly later if you did not like them. I did remove my bar, then sanded, primed, finish painted gloss black while it was out.

[68Timber]

New OE bushings from NAPA will be good and probably the least expensive route, polygraphite bushings from PST get good reviews as well. Not that I have anything against polyurethane bushings, I've used them before and probably will again. Just pointing out the other options. If you do a search on it here, you can find all the in-depth opinions on each option.

[KrazyRay]

My 87 1/2 ton used the 1 1/16" bar. I put the poly bushings on the frame and the rubber bushings on the ends.

[Tdubbyount]

X2 on energy suspension! I've had pretty good luck with them. I think the polys are worth a little extra dough. Seem to be pretty freakin durable. Mine get the sh!t beat out of them and they're all holding together well. I've never had any squeaking from mine either...