66gtk Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 My '83 has both front and rear sway bars (7/8" diameter) and an 8.8 rear end. I'm trying to source the right sway bar bushings but can't seem to find sources for a rear sway bar in a 1983? Was this offered as a factory or dealer option? OR, did somebody likely add this from a different truck at some point? Again, trying to figure out what bushings to order back there. The end links are already done. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve83 Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 It would be hard for us to say, since you didn't post any pics... Mine didn't have a rear sway bar, and I don't remember what I got it from, but it looks exactly like this: https://supermotors.net/getfile/895152/thumbnail/swaybarrear.jpg The end links use the same bushings as the front shocks; the bar uses whatever fits in the clamp & around the bar. The kit I use is linked in that caption. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
66gtk Posted August 12, 2019 Author Share Posted August 12, 2019 It would be hard for us to say, since you didn't post any pics... Mine didn't have a rear sway bar, and I don't remember what I got it from, but it looks exactly like this: https://supermotors.net/getfile/895152/thumbnail/swaybarrear.jpg The end links use the same bushings as the front shocks; the bar uses whatever fits in the clamp & around the bar. The kit I use is linked in that caption. The sway bar and bracket are just like in the diagram. Ordered the Moog sway bar bushing specified for front (the energy link also specifies front) and it doesn't fit the rear (too small, even though ID is correct - 7/8") Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 I'm trying to source the right sway bar bushings but can't seem to find sources for a rear sway bar in a 1983? Was this offered as a factory or dealer option? OR, did somebody likely add this from a different truck at some point? Again, trying to figure out what bushings to order back there. For some reason or another, those 8.8 bushings are not covered well by the aftermarket. I had a difficult time finding a set as well and and went through a couple different ones before finding a set that fit. I finally ordered the ones from LMC, and they fit great. It's been a little while, but I think they were solid like the originals, meaning you might have to cut a slice in them to install over the bar. I had to cut the old ones off the bar. Out of curiosity, where the links mount on the front of your truck (the seats under the coil springs), are these cast iron (about 1" thick) or the stamped steel versions that sit between the spring seat and the axle beam? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
66gtk Posted August 12, 2019 Author Share Posted August 12, 2019 I'm trying to source the right sway bar bushings but can't seem to find sources for a rear sway bar in a 1983? Was this offered as a factory or dealer option? OR, did somebody likely add this from a different truck at some point? Again, trying to figure out what bushings to order back there. For some reason or another, those 8.8 bushings are not covered well by the aftermarket. I had a difficult time finding a set as well and and went through a couple different ones before finding a set that fit. I finally ordered the ones from LMC, and they fit great. It's been a little while, but I think they were solid like the originals, meaning you might have to cut a slice in them to install over the bar. I had to cut the old ones off the bar. Out of curiosity, where the links mount on the front of your truck (the seats under the coil springs), are these cast iron (about 1" thick) or the stamped steel versions that sit between the spring seat and the axle beam? Great info - thanks. We haven't started the front yet, but I'll try and remember to look/let you know. Just finishing up the rear still. The spring bushings were NOT fun. Every single one had to be modified quite a bit to be made fit. So much for the $50 spring bushing set I purchased. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 Great info - thanks. We haven't started the front yet, but I'll try and remember to look/let you know. Just finishing up the rear still. The spring bushings were NOT fun. Every single one had to be modified quite a bit to be made fit. So much for the $50 spring bushing set I purchased. My leaf spring rear eye bushings were a pain as well. I ended up having to modify the spring eye. I took it to a spring shop and they squeezed the eye a little tighter (and they had to zip cut a sliver off the end of the spring in order to do this). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emunder Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 This is relevant to the work I'm doing with my lift right now. I've heard folks over at the F-150 forum saying that they totally removed the front sway bar and never noticed a difference in driveability, what do y'all think? Anyone just completely remove their front sway bar? The bracket that the sway bar bolts to on the front underneath of mine is bent. Looks like someone hit something with it. Was thinking I may just omit it all together & run a steering stabilizer. But if it's an issue I guess I have no choice but to put it back on with new bushings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 This is relevant to the work I'm doing with my lift right now. I've heard folks over at the F-150 forum saying that they totally removed the front sway bar and never noticed a difference in driveability, what do y'all think? Anyone just completely remove their front sway bar? The bracket that the sway bar bolts to on the front underneath of mine is bent. Looks like someone hit something with it. Was thinking I may just omit it all together & run a steering stabilizer. But if it's an issue I guess I have no choice but to put it back on with new bushings. I've had F150's with and without the sway bar, but I've not disconnected or removed the sway bar on one so can't tell you what difference it makes. However, I can certainly tell you about disconnecting the sway bar on Big Blue. When I got him the ride was brutal. But Ken told me that he removed the sway bar on his F250 that is the twin to BB and it improved the ride. So I disconnected one sway bar end link front and rear, and was very pleased with the difference. The ride went from brutal to harsh, and there was no detectable degradation in handling. However, if BB had a camper on his back I'd for sure want the sway bars connected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emunder Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 I've had F150's with and without the sway bar, but I've not disconnected or removed the sway bar on one so can't tell you what difference it makes. However, I can certainly tell you about disconnecting the sway bar on Big Blue. When I got him the ride was brutal. But Ken told me that he removed the sway bar on his F250 that is the twin to BB and it improved the ride. So I disconnected one sway bar end link front and rear, and was very pleased with the difference. The ride went from brutal to harsh, and there was no detectable degradation in handling. However, if BB had a camper on his back I'd for sure want the sway bars connected. Ok gotcha. I guess I'll just have to get it put together & see how it is without it. If it is an issue I'll just end up putting it back on. Guessing it gets worse the larger the tires. With the Jeeps you can't run without one on the road really because there is a pretty big difference. When we offroad I just completely disconnect my front sway bar for more articulation. Be interesting to see how the Ford does without it. I'll def leave the rear connected. I have the tow package so eventually I may tow some sort of trailer. On another note...does anyone know what the tow rating is on the F-150's? Be nice if it could handle a decent size trailer for camping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 Ok gotcha. I guess I'll just have to get it put together & see how it is without it. If it is an issue I'll just end up putting it back on. Guessing it gets worse the larger the tires. With the Jeeps you can't run without one on the road really because there is a pretty big difference. When we offroad I just completely disconnect my front sway bar for more articulation. Be interesting to see how the Ford does without it. I'll def leave the rear connected. I have the tow package so eventually I may tow some sort of trailer. On another note...does anyone know what the tow rating is on the F-150's? Be nice if it could handle a decent size trailer for camping. Ford's tow ratings are here: Specifications/Towing Capacities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts