Author Topic: Front sway bar question  (Read 283 times)

formula46two

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Front sway bar question
« on: February 14, 2024, 02:22:34 PM »
I am trying to button up the underside of my project and am having a hard time getting the correct sway bar bushings. Who do y'all use for these components? I have a set from Energy Suspension that I purchased 20 years ago and am just now getting to it and have found that the mounting brackets that came with it don't line up with the bolt holes on frame. I have the 1 3/16" front bar and can't find a kit for it. I can get a 1 1/4" kit from Energy Suspension and wondered if that would work ok with the 1 3/16 bar?

Wallington

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2024, 08:17:09 PM »
Who makes a 1-3/16" bar, is that an older aftermarket type? I just did a quick search and saw several unbranded bushes in that size but didn't check to see what mounts they'd fit.

I have the greasible complete D-mounts on mine, 1-1/4" from Energy Suspension. They sell these to suit 1-3/16" as well below.

https://teamenergysuspension.com/product/energy-suspension-9-5171r-1-3-16in-sway-bar-bushing-set/
« Last Edit: February 14, 2024, 08:27:41 PM by Wallington »

formula46two

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2024, 10:25:28 PM »
Thanks, I think I will order those

formula46two

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2024, 10:26:45 PM »
I thought the WS6 bar was 1 3/16?

Wallington

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2024, 12:23:48 AM »
From memory most if not all Trans Am had 1.25 on front, including Formula in later years. WS6 didn't affect it. That's why I asked as 1-3/16 wasn't a stock size, so make sure that's what it is.

Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2024, 12:23:48 AM »

formula46two

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2024, 09:29:02 AM »
I think the rear sway was bigger (3/4)on WS6 and all fronts were 1 1/4. I will measure the one on my Formula as I know it's original.

Wallington

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2024, 02:47:17 AM »
That's right. In later years, base Firebirds had 1" front bars, TA and Formula had 1-1/4" front bars.

For the rears, base models had 9/16", regular TA and Formula had 5/8". WS6 TA (78+) and Formula (79+) had 3/4". Any could be swapped about as required with new bar and bushes to match.
« Last Edit: February 16, 2024, 02:50:17 AM by Wallington »

formula46two

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2024, 11:07:21 PM »
I ordered front and back from energy suspension so I will comment upon arrival

Wallington

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2024, 04:05:43 AM »
Did you measure them again?

firebirdparts

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2024, 07:39:56 PM »
The 1-1/4 should generally fit but they do get some wear and tear.  And rust.  It's possible it might measure 1-3/16.
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Wallington

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2024, 09:22:16 PM »
I thought the same depending on where measured perhaps, so good to know before you go ordering parts to suit.

jbanna

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Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2024, 01:19:29 AM »
My 78 WS-6 has the 1 1/4 inch front bar, and came with a 3/4 inch rear bar; however, I found a heavier duty 7/8 inch rear bar off what vehicle I can't remember, but it fit great with a larger bushing kit, which should still be available...
78 White T/A, Carmine interior, Fisher T-tops, WS-6 package, 3.08 gears, a/c, rear discs. Original 403 with 300,000 miles replaced by new Pontiac 455 (roller everything, 6x-4 heads, Performer manifold, Hooker Headers, Hughes converter, Cliff's Q-jet).

Re: Front sway bar question
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2024, 01:19:29 AM »
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