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Stabilizer bar eyelet bushings installation

Groz's Burb

Groz's Burb

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Am I wasting my time trying to install these new bushings into the ends of my stabilizer bar? I've been searching for some installation tips and I've only really found one other discussion here --> https://ck5.com/forums/threads/anti-sway-bar-eyelet-bushing-misconbobulation.326218/post-3652879
It seemed like the consensus was the single-piece bushings are a bxtch to install; why the hell does the guy at AutoZone insist to me they'll fit easy peasie?
I tried using silicone lubricant on the outside of the bushing to seat it, using a flathead, but obviously had no luck lol.
I saw there are the separated-bushings (2 or 3 piece) sold online that could be a lot easier than these single piece units; should I just order those instead?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions, advice, etc.

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Probably will need some sort of press. You might be able to use a screw type ball joint press, they rent them at the parts store. Take the truck for a ride without the sway bar, I stopped running one several years back. I feel that the trucks are stiff enough that it isnt needed. Personal preference, lot of guys don't use them.
 
I'll give it a ride. I'd rather take the safe route, I'm replacing these bushings to improve ride/handling since my old bushings were toast.
I used to own a leaf spring Jeep YJ and would often see the arguments of sway bar vs no sway bar. I had compromised and removed my track bar which I felt improved the ride, but the idea of no front sway bar seems risky.
 
You could try using the right size bolt with thick washers to "press" the bushing in...the bitch is the rubber wants to bunch up instead of sliding into the hole,lubing it up with something is a must,I have used brake fluid ,"Ru-Glyde" rubber lube,but still ended up having a few bushing just get ruined instead of going in..
My friend has limited success at his shop installing those types of bushings with no outer shell,on leaf springs,control arms,etc..he opts for the two piece poly bushings whenever possible now..he used his u-joint press to install them..
 
diesel4me said:
You could try using the right size bolt with thick washers to "press" the bushing in...the bitch is the rubber wants to bunch up instead of sliding into the hole,lubing it up with something is a must,I have used brake fluid ,"Ru-Glyde" rubber lube,but still ended up having a few bushing just get ruined instead of going in..
My friend has limited success at his shop installing those types of bushings with no outer shell,on leaf springs,control arms,etc..he opts for the two piece poly bushings whenever possible now..he used his u-joint press to install them..
Click to expand...
Thank you very much! I ordered myself the two-piece poly bushings and plan on returning the ones I have. I was hoping they'd be easier to install for a DIY job but I learned a lesson with these bushings!
 
Use a bolt with enough threads (or threaded rod) and washers on each end ,and tighten it until the bushing either goes in,or gets destroyed...you have a 50/50 chance..
I would clean the inside of the sway bar good with sandpaper or a brake hone or similar tool to lessen the chances of the bushing wanting to expand rather than slide in the hole and lube it up good..
 
When I installed mine on my 77 Jimmy, they went in fairly easily, but I used polyurethane bushings. Just tapped them in with a rubber mallet against another piece of 1/4" plate. Getting the old rubber bushings out WAS NOT fun. But the new bushings did help some with my handling. Still need to do leaf spring bushings though.

Joel
norcal
 
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