firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure what to get for my car. I have a 34mm front sway bar bracket and the only thing that I see would fit for size is the 1 5/16 bracket but it says mustang only. Any ideas?

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...84&prmenbr=361

Lo-tec

These bushings fit the stock brackets:

http://www.spohn.net/product.cfm?productid=1355

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

Eh, I don't really want to use the stock brackets since they are scaly and hideous.

'Shifter

iTrader: (2)

or you can hit your local parts store and tell them you'd like a
Moog P/N# K7327 or a TRW P/N# HB1631. Either are urethane
bushings with universal brackets.

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

Autozone said they didn't have the right size, and the others were $20 each. Advanced Auto Parts said they didn't carry poly sway bar bushings.

Lo-tec

You are best off using a set of stock brackets. Score a set from the junkyard, or get a new set from the dealer.

'Shifter

iTrader: (2)

Advanced carries Moog in my neck of the woods, they might just
not realize that the bushings are urethane instead of rubber. Going
to Autozone for auto parts is like going to McDonalds for lobster,
IMHO. That part number in Moog will get you what you want....
Trust me Luke, I'm your father....

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

Why? I don't see a zerk fitting for greasing the bushings.

And I used energy suspension parts before with great results, so why does it matter.

blyth18md

look at the stock bushing brackets, check and see if the holes are offset.

Are the ES brackets offset?

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

Nope, not offset. Neither are ES brackets that I bought.

Lo-tec

Universal fit versus direct replacement.

There's a link up top for TDS...he sells modified stock ones with grease fittings. I've used the poly replacements with no fittings, just lubed them up and not had any problems.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

I hope a couple of pictures will clear this up. 1983-92 F-Bodies have an offset bolt pattern for the front sway bar mounting brackets. See the picture I've attached of the TDS 200170 greasable sway bar bushing kit, (made from modified GM brackets):



Lon

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

1982 model year has a straight bolt pattern (so does the ES kit were discussing). I'm attaching a picture of the TDS 205170 sway bar bushing kit). Again modified GM brackets are used for this kit:

I'm just glad you asked the question before buying them. Many people have mistakenly bought that Energy Suspension greasable bushing kit thinking it will fit their F-Body only to be dissapointed.

Lon

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

I have put front and rear ES bushings on my 89 firebird without any issues at all.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

ES makes a greasable front kit, which is what was discussed and linked to earlier. They also make poly bushings that fit the stock GM brackets. I'm running their 34mm bushings (which I modified to be greasable) on my RS 'vert. The greasable ES kit won't fit without modifying** the brackets (which is what Spohn does).

**By modifying the ES kit, I'm referring to cutting off the mount tab on one side and welding on a new piece of steel with the hole in the correct location.

Lon

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

I see what you mean and the holes are clearly different, but I somehow got the straight greasable ES to fit on my 89 without any modification and it worked and lasted for as long as I've had the car (year and half without problems). Makes no sense.

I want to order from Spohn but I don't want Red and I don't want the rear endlinks, just the bushings. I'm trying to keep it cheap since I need to get a ratchet shifter and full exhaust.

blyth18md

Lon im pretty sure the bushing bracket on my 82 Z is offest, at least on the passenger side (which doesnt make sense why one would be and one wouldnt)

I just installed my wonder bar, thanks. It went right in, but the Prothane universal bushings and brackets gave me a fit. The drivers side seemed to go in fine, but when i got to the drivers side they didnt seem to line up (eventually with a little prying i got it on there). later i looked at the stock bracket for that side. it was offset.

I'll probably pull the prothane bracket off and use the stock one if fits.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

I think they changed it mid-year during the 1982 model year.

Lon

blyth18md

do you sell just the brackets, without the bushings?

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Sure, just choose the "NB" (no bushings option). You'll get the greasable yellow zinc-plated brackets, zinc-plated bolts and instruction sheet. My only caution is to be sure the bushings you intend to use are designed to work with stock GM brackets. Some of the ES bushings are designed ONLY to work with their aftermarket brackets.

I also sell the kit with the "CB" (customer supplied bushings option) where I modify your bushings to be greasable and "BD" (bracket delete, (no brackets, bushings only) option).

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

PhLaXuS

I'm running the earlier year ES greasable set on my 91. Yeah...they were a bit hard to get on (trying to force them to go at an angle), but since putting them on, I've not experienced any marked binding, but I'm sure it's there. For me, as long as the bind doesn't adversely affect my handling in any discernable amount, I'm cool with it.

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

Ok, well I'm all done. For reference, I used 22mm Energy Suspension bushings for the rear and ES 34mm bushings for the front. The front I bought just the bushing (like Spohn sells). Both came from Summit and worked great.

Front 34mm (bushings only) in black $12.50: ENS-3-5131G
Rear 22m bushings and bracks in black $13.95: ENS-9-5158G

Some of the best money I've ever spent on my car.