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Old 02-11-2013, 09:29 AM   #1
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Ford F53 Front Sway Bar Chassis Bushing Replacement

I just replaced the front sway bar to chassis frame rubber bushings with new poly bushings on my 1996 Ford F53 chassis. I took some in process photos and thought I would share with anyone who is interested in replacing the bushings.

The bushings can be found at the following link on EBay for $40.00 http://www.ebay.com/sch/skuterdude/m.html?item=271081285290&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3 AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562


Figure 1 shows the poly bushing kit and Synthetic Grease you receive if ordering the kit from EBay.





Figure 2 is a general overview of the bushing attachment. There are two attachments. One bushing on the Left Hand chassis frame beam and one on the Right Hand chassis frame beam. Figure 1 shows the Left Hand attachment (driver’s side).

Figure 3 shows the removal of the two attaching fasteners. On my 1996 chassis I used a ˝” socket and 5/8” box wrench to remove the fasteners. I recommend you loosen or remove both sides before you try to slide the bushing away from the frame. Loosening the fasteners will reduce the force/friction of the bushing to frame contact.


Figure 4 shows the metal bracket removed and the existing rubber bushing slid inboard and away from the Chassis frame.

Figure 5 shows where to loosen the sway bar end bushings if it is still difficult to slide the bushing off of the chassis frame. Use a 9/16” socket to loosen the nut. This step is not required if there is sufficient slack to slide the existing bushing off of the chassis frame.



In figure 6 the existing rubber bushing has been rotated 180 degrees so the flat side of the bushing can be cut for removal from the sway bar.



Figure 7 shows the existing rubber bushing being removed from the sway bar.


In figure 8 the existing bracket, bolts, nuts and rubber bushing are shown removed. The rubber bushing is discarded and replaced with the new poly bushing. The brackets, bolts, and nuts are reused.


Figure 9 shows the application of “Super Lube” synthetic grease (supplied with kit) being applied to the inside of the new poly bushing before installation.


In Figure 10 the removal order has been reversed showing the completed installation with the new poly bushings.


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Old 02-11-2013, 10:06 AM   #2
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Nice documentation ArTravler!

I take it the new bushings have to be slid over the end of the sway bar and down to the proper spot; the bushings are not split.

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Old 02-11-2013, 01:57 PM   #3
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New poly bushings are already split

The new poly bushings are already split so all you have to do is spread them apart and slip them over the sway bar next to the chassis frame.
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Old 02-11-2013, 02:28 PM   #4
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Nice post, thanks.
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Old 02-11-2013, 02:31 PM   #5
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Nice post, thanks.
X 2. That was well done.
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Old 02-11-2013, 02:59 PM   #6
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Great write up!

I replaced mine (Front and rear bushings) last Summer. The rear ones were actually missing!

I was driving metal to metal on the rear sway bar! (clacking noise as you drove over bumps) Anyway, what a dramatic difference in how the rig drives now that I actually have functioning sway bars!

To all F53 owners: check those rear sway bar bushings, they are notorious for "not being robust"!
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Old 02-12-2013, 03:51 PM   #7
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I have a new 2012 36 foot Georgetown 360XL, is there any benefit in me installing poly bushings now? I'm adding a track bar to help, but this thing handles like a ship. Tire Pressures are correct per weight and corner.
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Old 02-13-2013, 07:42 AM   #8
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I don't think I would spend the time changing out the bushings on a 2012 model. They should be ok. It sounds like the track bar is going to be your best bet.
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Old 02-13-2013, 10:28 AM   #9
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I don't think I would spend the time changing out the bushings on a 2012 model. They should be ok. It sounds like the track bar is going to be your best bet.
I'm doing the tracbar this spring, already have the bar, just need some warmer weather.

I also installed a steering shock, (Safe-T-Plus). Something you might consider. Agree about stock handling. On my initial drive home I almost turned around and took the coach back to the dealer. But have it sorted out pretty well now, (weight, tire pressure, chf, steering shock). Much more of a pleasure to drive. Tracbar will hold the axle steady between the springs and then I'm done with the suspension.
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Old 02-13-2013, 11:03 AM   #10
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I'm doing the tracbar this spring, already have the bar, just need some warmer weather.

I also installed a steering shock, (Safe-T-Plus). Something you might consider.
My 1996 F53 already has something similar. I replaced the old wore out Steering Dapener with a new Blistein unit. It made a difference.

The Safe-T-Plus and the existing steering dapener on my F53 have similar attachment points. A bracket on the frame and another on the steering tie rod. The Safe-T-Plus shock is just a lot bigger.



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