Replaced front sway bar frame bushings..handling improved

[96eb96]

The old ones allowed lots of play and were elongated. I also had a slight click noise sometimes while steering. I was able to stick a thin screwdriver between the bushing and bar. They are $15 or so at Advance Auto. I got the Moog Thermoplastic/Urethane ones. The Ford OEM units are Rubber.

Seems a bit tighter/stiffer when taking turns now. Definitely a good idea to inspect...

 

[robertoa1a]

Usually the sway bar related problems are most noticeable when a big truck passes you on the highway and the truck sways just from the wind.

I will be replacing my s/b links when it warms up outside. @$15 I will seriously consider your advice.

Thanx.

 

[96eb96]

Well I made the bolts loose to simulate worn bushings just to see if there is a difference and there is definately a difference, to me it feels like the shocks got a bit stiffer but only in turns. I know people spend hundreds on those EE sway bar kits, and its supposed to make a major difference in handling. I think its worthwhile for $16. The old rubber ones were cracked and falling apart.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...-Moog_20516813-P_77_R|GRPCHASAMS_715122850___

With the new bushing tightened the bar is held tightly when you shake the truck, the old ones used to allow the bar to move freely.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Good job, 96EB. For the time and money spent, that does
make a huge improvement in handling.

I installed poly bushings
in mine and they made a similiar improvement, although
my rubber bushings were still in good condition.

 

[DanaM]

How difficult of a job is this to do on the 4wd explorer front and rear, I have done them on the Ebachs on my Charger, which is as easy as crumbling cake but, not sure about this 4wd vehicle. I never really looked at them, other things underneath get my attention when I have had her up in the air. Thinking of doing ti today while installing the shocks.

D a n a

 

[pricetag2]

I replaced mine, front and rear, with the Poly ones from Explorer Express. Fronts were very easy, especially when one of the links snapped right off. Rear links were OK, but I had to fight a little bit on the frame bushings. Very much worth it at 75+ on the Interstate.

 

[DanaM]

Looks like the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport has 3 different diameters for the sway bar. 27mm, 29mm and 34MM. I wonder if the 27 is 2wd, the 29 is 4wd,, and the 34 for the v8. I have nothing here to measure my diameter.