Replacing Stabilizer Bar Bushings on 1947 Ford

[FlatV8]

How does one go about replacing the stabilizer bar bushings (21A-5484) on a 1947 Ford ? Got the new bushings, but they seem too stiff, and the hole too small, to merely slide them over the ends of the stabilizer bar without the risk damaging them.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by FlatV8

How does one go about replacing the stabilizer bar bushings (21A-5484) on a 1947 Ford ? Got the new bushings, but they seem too stiff, and the hole too small, to merely slide them over the ends of the stabilizer bar without the risk damaging them.

Cut them with a hack saw, press over the bar and clamp them back in the "shells". The shells will compress them very well.

These bushings were originally placed on the bar prior to it being formed.

[Ritzy1]

Originally Posted by FlatV8

How does one go about replacing the stabilizer bar bushings (21A-5484) on a 1947 Ford ? Got the new bushings, but they seem too stiff, and the hole too small, to merely slide them over the ends of the stabilizer bar without the risk damaging them.

I wondered the same thing when I was looking to replace them on my '48. First, I used a hacksaw to cut off the hardened old ones. I used the wire wheel on a bench grinder to get rid of any rust on the bar. I sprayed the bar ends with WD-40 and the new rubber bushings slid right on. It took a little twisting to get them around the bend, but way easier than I was expecting.

In the future, I'll take it back apart and paint the bar.

Good luck!

[FlatV8]

Thanks Kube. Is the location of the cut important ? Perhaps the side so the shells pinch the cut closed ?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by FlatV8

Thanks Kube. Is the location of the cut important ? Perhaps the side so the shells pinch the cut closed ?

I cut mine at an angle from side to side. I don't suppose there's a "right" way.
Previous post says he got his on with some lubricant. I was never able to do that. You may be stronger than I and give it try before cutting.

[Ritzy1]

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Here's a picture of my bar mocked up with the new bushings on it. You'll notice that the bushing stands proud of the bracket until tightened down per instructions from Maintenance Manual.

[flathead48]

The way I did mine was to make sure the bar was clean and smooth than with some grease pushed them in place but I like kubes40 idea about cutting them.