front stabilizer bushings

[James T.]

I am replacing the front stabilizer bushings on my '66 small block with power steering. The rubber that I got from Paragon measures 5/8" diameter hole. Are these correct for my 3/4" bar or do I need to re-drill them to 11/16" or 3/4". If neither, other than poly., what are the options? Thanks, Jim

[Duke W.]

Re: front stabilizer bushings

I don't have a NOS one to measure, but the bushing is designed with an "undersize" ID to "clamp" tightly to the bar. The pillow blocks cap screws can be tough to start due to bushing compression. Be wary of cross threading them.

The bushing IDs should "stick" to the bar, and all torsional movement of the bar should be absorbed by bulk stain in the bushing material. There should be NO relative movement betwneen the bushing ID and bar or bushing OD and pillow block - as is the case of other rubber suspension bushings.

If there was relative movement between the bushing and mating parts, the bushing would rapidly wear and fail.

Duke

[James T.]

Re: front stabilizer bushings

Thanks for your advice. The bushing does not fill up the bracket in width and is somewhat tall. I can see where the height will compress and the width will expand under compression.

[Joe L.]

Re: front stabilizer bushings

Jim-----

How you describe it is exactly how it's supposed to be---the bushing compresses around the bar and into the bracket. Use longer bolts for the bracket attachment to ease installation. Then, after both bolts are tightened and the bushings fully compressed, replace the bolts one at a time with the original bolts.

[John G.]

Re: front stabilizer bushings

I wondered about that too during a front suspension rebuild on my '64. Those new replacement stabilizer bushings seemed a way too tight fit around the periphery of the stabilizer bar. Heed both Duke and Joe's replies here. The bracket, with new rubber installed, will likely be cocked to one side after starting the first bolt. I almost cross-threaded the second of the original bolts trying to get it started. Longer bolts, to get the bracket seated is the way to go.