Wedge TR8 front sway bar bushing question

[tdskip]

Hi guys - I'm in the process (or think I am anyway) of replacing the front sway bar bushings and have a question on the bushing fit for the ends of the bars.

Specifically the new poly bushes are 1.5 inches in diameter but the plate looks like 2 inches and the current rubber bushes look to have expanded to be about 2 inches where they meet the mounting plate as well. Specifically I'm referring to the part #9 on the top left in the diagram below.

I'm not sure if that is just wear by the existing ones or if the kit I received supplied replacements that are too small.

Larry - didn't you recently complete this job?

 

[DNK]

Todd,s got to know this. I will be purchasing the whole kit from Woody this winter with their "new" design struts.

Did you get the anti dive plates as well?

 

[SCguy]

I seem to remember that the poly bushes don't flatten out like the rubber ones. My kit was from TSI if that helps and I upgraded my swaybar as well.

 

[tr8todd]

The urethane ones are a little smaller. They appear much more so because the old rubber ones have been squished. Not a fun job. Getting the sway bar back in place takes some muscle, specially if it's an uprated unit. Make sure you tighten the end nut all the way down.

 

[tdskip]

Thanks guys!

 

[philman]

I compared the front sway bar from my TR8 to my FHC and the TR8 sway bar appears to be larger in diameter than the TR7 swaybar. I used a comealong to pull the ends of the sway bar in when I installed an upgraded swaybar from TSI.

 

[DNK]

I used a comealong to pull the ends of the sway bar in when I installed an upgraded swaybar from TSI.

Now where in blazes am I going to get a come along from??? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif

 

[philman]

Harbor Freight? GI Joes? If you lived closer I could give you one.

 

[swift6]

A ratcheting tie down strap works too. Harbor freight sells them as would any Farm and Ranch supply store.

an aside and possible thread hi-jack... What is the strangest thing anyone has actually used a 'come along' for? I've got a whopper of a tale!

 

[tdskip]

Soooooo, I finally got around to fitting the new poly bushings today. What a major pain in the butt!

But the difference is very noticeable. The front end seems much better tied down now and the steering is weightier, sharper. I guess the old bushings were really knackered.

Thanks for the coaching guys!

 

[DNK]

" <u><span style='font-size: 26pt'>knackered</span>.</u>"[/font]
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif

Now that is a word I understand

 

[philman]

Did you remember to put clamps back on the bar outside of the bushing clamps to keep the bar located? An un-numbered item in the left diagram.

Graingers sells some split shaft collars that are the proper diameter and you can install them after the bar is seated in place.

 

[tdskip]

Did you remember to put clamps back on the bar outside of the bushing clamps to keep the bar located? An un-numbered item in the left diagram.

Surprisingly, yes I did put them back on and snugged them up!

(those following my exploits will be shocked at my momentary attention to detail - lol).

Thanks!

 

[philman]

Good, I forgot the first time I did it.