2005 Sport Trac XLT Why so many different sized sway bars?

[smalltownusa]

Looking at ordering a set of Moog sway bar bushings. I was quite surprised to see that there are 27mm, 29mm, a combo 31/32mm, and 34mm sway bars listed for the 2005 Sport Trac XLT.

Obviously I need to crawl under there and measure with my digital caliper to be sure I order the correct size bushings, but I can't help but wonder why were so many sizes listed?
Maybe the Adrenalin had some different front suspension parts, but still why all the others?

 

[koda2000]

Most vehicles (not just Fords) were available with several sway bar diameters. This is because a V8 may have used a thicker sway bar than a V6. In addition, most vehicles are available with options like HD suspension and towing packages, which probably came with different diameter sway bars. Add to that the fact that the manufacturer may have changed the sway bar diameter during the production run. Always best to measure, which can me accomplished with a caliper, or even an adjustable wrench.

 

[swshawaii]

2001-05 Sport Trac. Moog blue bushings are thermoplastic rubber. Yes, measure twice, order once to be sure.

4WD 1.33" (34mm) Moog K80082
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k80082

RWD (29-30mm) Moog K80080
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k80080

or ES polyurethane including end links (Front)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/4.5155(4WD)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/4.5157 (RWD)

ES polyurethane including end link bushings and hardware less upper bolt. (Rear 4WD & RWD)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/4.5153

 

[smalltownusa]

Thanks. While I am at it I noticed a You Tube video where the person added a small amount of lubrication to the inside of the sway bar bushing.

Following the above Energy Suspension link they talk about the sway bar bushing holding tight to the sway bar.

That would indicate to me that no lube should be used. Does that sound correct?

 

[koda2000]

Thanks. While I am at it I noticed a You Tube video where the person added a small amount of lubrication to the inside of the sway bar bushing.

Following the above Energy Suspension link they talk about the sway bar bushing holding tight to the sway bar.

That would indicate to me that no lube should be used. Does that sound correct?

That is not true. The sway bar needs to be able to twist in the bushing when both wheels move at the same time. Poly bushings tend to squeak if not lubricated.

 

[swshawaii]

Ditto koda. Polyurethane sway bar frame bushings require lubrication unless you enjoy squeaking, especially when cold.
ES includes an adequate amount of Formula 5 Prelube grease with every kit. Probably the stickiest grease available, and nearly impossible to remove without strong solvent. IMO, using poly is one of the cheapest and most effective handling upgrades to firm up the suspension. If you still have the failure prone stock end links consider the ES kits. Found a thread on another forum that said 32mm, not 34mm for 4WD ST front sway bars. Again, measure first.

 

[smalltownusa]

He guys (yes I am slow) I finally ordered my gift package from Rock Auto a vendor on here. 4 KYB gas adjust shocks, 2 Moog Stabilizer Bar Links, Air Filter, and a set of (31-32mm) Moog Stabilizer Bar Bushings.

Kind off scratching my head why the bushings are sized exactly at 27mm, 29mm, 34mm, but mine are sized at 31-32mm

My Stabilizer Bar measured 32.2mm so I ordered the 31-32mm bushings. just strikes me as odd that the others are dead on while the ones that fit mine are 31-32mm.

I'll ask about torque when I finally get them loosely installed unless they come with a torque spec on the package.

I can't believe the money I saved ordering from Rock Auto verses my local rural prices, and to sweeten the pot Rock Auto has that discount of 5% until April 2016 so I can't get the grin off my face.

Thanks to the forum, and Rock Auto!

P.S. There is even a $40 rebate on the KYB shocks I'm buying a lottery ticket today!!!!