Sway Bar Bushing - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar bushings on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, restoring proper sway bar operation and reducing noise.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing kit (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent for 1972 F-100
• Sway bar bushing bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Spray sway bar bushing bracket bolts with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak if bolts show corrosion
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at center of front crossmember
5. Place jack stands under frame rails behind front suspension crossmember
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands, ensuring stable support

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar and bushings
   From under the front of the vehicle, locate the front sway bar running laterally across the frame. Identify the two bushing brackets that mount the sway bar to the frame rails. Each bracket is typically a strap/clamp secured to the frame by 1 bolt per bracket; verify the actual bolt count on your vehicle before ordering hardware.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Using the correct size socket or wrench (verify on your vehicle), remove the bolt(s) securing the driver side sway bar bushing bracket to the frame rail. Remove the upper bracket half and set aside with hardware.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing
   Inspect the lower bushing half remaining on the sway bar. If the bushing is split, remove it from the bar. If it is not split or is seized, carefully pry or rotate it off the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushing split relative to the bar for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Using the correct size socket or wrench (verify on your vehicle), remove the bolt(s) securing the passenger side sway bar bushing bracket to the frame rail. Remove the upper bracket half and set aside with hardware.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Remove the passenger side bushing from the sway bar using the same technique as the driver side. Inspect both old bushings for cracking, compression set, or deterioration to confirm replacement is necessary.
6. 6

   Clean sway bar mounting surfaces
   Using a wire brush, clean the sway bar surface where the bushings mount, removing any rust, debris, or old bushing material. Clean the lower bracket halves and inspect for damage or excessive corrosion. Clean the frame mounting surfaces and inspect bolt threads.
7. 7

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new driver side bushing around the sway bar with the bushing split facing downward or rearward as noted during disassembly. Ensure the bushing is centered on the bar at the mounting location. Place the lower bracket half under the bushing.
8. 8

   Install driver side bracket
   Position the upper bracket half over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame rail. Install the 2 mounting bolts finger-tight. Do not fully tighten at this stage.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Position the new passenger side bushing around the sway bar with the bushing split facing downward or rearward. Ensure the bushing is centered on the bar at the mounting location. Place the lower bracket half under the bushing.
10. 10

    Install passenger side bracket
    Position the upper bracket half over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame rail. Install the 2 mounting bolts finger-tight. Verify both bushings are properly seated and centered before final tightening.
11. 11

    Torque bushing bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten each bushing bracket bolt to the factory specification (verify against a service manual for the 1972 F-100). Verify brackets are seated flush against frame rails and bushings are not over-compressed or twisted. Verify brackets are seated flush against frame rails and bushings are not over-compressed or twisted.
12. 12

    Inspect sway bar end links
    While under the vehicle, inspect the sway bar end links connecting the bar to the front axle or radius arms. Check for worn bushings, loose hardware, or damaged components. Address any end link issues if discovered.

Reassembly

1. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to unload jack stands
2. Remove jack stands from under frame rails
3. Lower vehicle slowly to the ground
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel fully left and right while stationary, listening for clunking or squeaking from sway bar bushings
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over bumps and through turns, verifying elimination of previous sway bar noise or looseness
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect bushing bracket bolt tightness and re-torque if necessary

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