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1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

Found yet another problem........

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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 03:54 AM
  #1  
BlackNGoldRules's Avatar
BlackNGoldRules
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From: Bethel Park, PA
Found yet another problem........

I was trying to pump some grease into a lower control arm bushing that's been making a lot of noise when I discovered this little flaw! Now I have a swaybar link that is missing bushings and just sitting in the holes. Is this something that needs immediate attention or can I live with this for a while? The sway bar is still being held up by the link on the other side and the two bushings in the middle. Here's 2 pictures of the "good" swaybar with everything in tact and the bad one with pretty much nothing in tact. That bushing I pumped grease into is still making noise and now I have this to deal with! The pleasures of having an old truck I guess.



 
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 05:44 PM
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carsrus
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Not really a big deal, a pair of new links is like 30$ at the autostore and about 50 at the dealer.

Only take about 15 min to change, just cut the old ones since the bolts are probally rusted.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 10:47 PM
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BlackNGoldRules
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From: Bethel Park, PA
I actually don't even have to cut the one. The bottom picture is the bad one. As you can see, it's just sitting in the holes and comes right out. Thanks.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 08:10 AM
  #4  
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piotrsko
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From: Reno nv
replacement rubber bushings are about $10, and about 10 min to install. Throw vice grips on the link bar, liquid wrench on the nut.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 09:11 AM
  #5  
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Bear River
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Yeah, a simple fix. I do recommend urathane bushings over rubber ones. Cost a tad more, but they last longer and work a little better.
 
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 09:08 PM
  #6  
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BlackNGoldRules
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From: Bethel Park, PA
I need some more advice from you guys on this. I have the link and bushings all ready to go but I'm having an issue trying to fit the link in between the sway bar and the lower control arm. I need another inch or two of space to get it in there. Could I just take a jack and try to pry the sway bar up an inch or two so I can squeeze it in there or could that cause another problem for me? Any suggestions on how to squeeze it in there would be appreciated. BTW, I double checked and it is the right sway bar link so that's not the problem. Thanks guys.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 09:21 AM
  #7  
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Your changing out both sides right? If both links are off the sway bar should move around freely.

If you still have ones side on, you wont be able to lift the bar up or down much.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 05:52 PM
  #8  
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BlackNGoldRules
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Actually, I just changed the one out for right now. Money is tight. But, I did manage to get it on today. Thanks.
 
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