Putting bushings on front sway bar

[rdbellew]

Ok, I have a daughter who just bought a 1998 explorer. What is the easiest way to measure the circumference of the front sway bar to put new bushings on the explorer? My husband is the mechanic in the family, but he had an issue with my expedition when it came to the bushings when it came to measuring. Any advice?

 

[swshawaii]

https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/learnmore.asp?opt=Measure-Sway-Bar-How-To&optid=17

 

[1998Exp]

You have to measure the diameter, not the circumference (though, if you insist, the diameter of a circle is the circumference divided by pi=3.14). The right tool to do that is a pair of calipers. They don't have to be fancy; simple ones can be had for as little as $10. Actually, I just noticed that Harbor Freight sells basic calipers (probably plastic) for just $2.99

Ok, I have a daughter who just bought a 1998 explorer. What is the easiest way to measure the circumference of the front sway bar to put new bushings on the explorer? My husband is the mechanic in the family, but he had an issue with my expedition when it came to the bushings when it came to measuring. Any advice?

 

[chefduane]

I bought a set of the Harbor Freight digital calipers for $11.99 less a 20% coupon specifically for measuring the front sway bar. I THINK it was like 35-38mm or something like that. I used the Energy Suspension bushings recommended by swshawaii also. Great mod.

 

[SoNic67]

I have used my adjustable wrench to take the measurement and then used the measuring tape.

 

[intelisevil]

I have used my adjustable wrench to take the measurement and then used the measuring tape.

I didn't have a conventional adjustable wrench that would open up enough but the "monkey wrench" from my plumbing tools bag worked just fine.

I used Moog parts from Amazon. Got rid of an obnoxious bump squeak and noticeably tightened up the suspension on twisty roads.

It was a 30 minute job, the bushings are split so you only have to remove and replace four bolts. I used some liquid dish soap as a lubricant to help get them into place.

 

[SoNic67]

My new bushings where made of Polyurethane, so they needed to be greased anyway - I used the lithium grease that I have in my grease gun.