Community Forums

jupoa · 02-20-2009, 07:18 PM

While searching for the source of a slow leak from my differential, I noticed that one of the sway bar bushings was missing.

The local auto parts store's computer doesn't even know what a Dana 80 differential is, much less what kind of gaskets or sway bar bushings it uses.

I could use a recommendation for a reliable, inexpensive source for these items. Also, are polyurethane bushings better than the OEM bushings in this application?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Wizard · 02-21-2009, 03:30 AM

I would find the closest Ford truck dealer or repair facility and call them. Mine near here has been helpful in the past.

Tom N · 02-21-2009, 04:43 AM

I replace these on my F53 chassis before I traded it in.

I got the bushing, Ford calls them insulators, from my local Ford dealer.

Have your service department bring you the F53 chassis on their computer. Point out the insulators you need. They had to order them and they were polyurethane. Cost about 5 years ago was about $10 each.

I had a young guy that was parked next to me put them on. I took the weight off the chassis with the jacks and he easily replaced the insulators/bushings in a few minutes.

-Tom

jupoa · 02-22-2009, 12:38 PM

"Cost about 5 years ago was about $10 each."

Thanks Tom N, but my local Ford dealer quoted me a price of $37 each! I later found polyurethane replacements on eBay for $40 a pair plus $10 shipping. Are you sure it was only 5 years ago?

Appreciate the excellent sway bar graphics, nine is the one on the right.

NeilV · 02-23-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jupoa:
"Cost about 5 years ago was about $10 each."

Thanks Tom N, but my local Ford dealer quoted me a price of $37 each! I later found polyurethane replacements on eBay for $40 a pair plus $10 shipping.

I would go with the polyurethane as they should improve the action of the sway bar.

Roadmaster makes a nice set of bushings and replacement sway bars for the F53.

Retired House Husband · 02-27-2009, 04:31 PM

Neil, is this the place you got your bushings from?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...fPartsQ5fAccessories

Quote:

Originally posted by NeilV:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jupoa:
"Cost about 5 years ago was about $10 each."

Thanks Tom N, but my local Ford dealer quoted me a price of $37 each! I later found polyurethane replacements on eBay for $40 a pair plus $10 shipping.

I would go with the polyurethane as they should improve the action of the sway bar.

Roadmaster makes a nice set of bushings and replacement sway bars for the F53. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

jupoa · 02-27-2009, 06:26 PM

Rich,

I don't know about Neil, but that's the guy I ordered mine from. Should receive them shortly, maybe tomorrow. Delay not his fault, issues with my PayPal account.

Jupoa

NeilV · 02-28-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Retired House Husband:
Neil, is this the place you got your bushings from?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...fPartsQ5fAccessories

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NeilV:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jupoa:
"Cost about 5 years ago was about $10 each."

Thanks Tom N, but my local Ford dealer quoted me a price of $37 each! I later found polyurethane replacements on eBay for $40 a pair plus $10 shipping.

I would go with the polyurethane as they should improve the action of the sway bar.

Roadmaster makes a nice set of bushings and replacement sway bars for the F53. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I got mine directly from IPD just before they sold their Motorhome division to Roadmaster. Now you would have to go through a RoadMaster distributor to get them which would be at a much higher price than before.

jupoa · 02-28-2009, 07:26 PM

My polyurethane sway bar bushings came late today but I was able to get them in before dark. They were blue and a little softer than the orange ones I've installed in performance cars. They came with a silicone grease. No instructions.

One of the old rubber bushings was missing and the other was so deteriorated that I was able to tear it off in chunks with my bare hands. The bushing support bolts were 17mm and the nuts were welded in place. The threads were so corroded that I thought one of the bolts would snap before I could get it loose. I cleaned up the pitted surfaces of the sway bar and bushing support with a file and sandpaper. The new bushings with lube applied installed snugly but easily. It took about an hour.

The bushings are a quality product but seem overpriced to me (old school) even if they are cheaper and better than the OEMs from Ford.