Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

Replace the rear sway bar bushings on a 1972 Ford F-100 to restore suspension stability and eliminate clunking noises during cornering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushings (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent for 1972 F-100 rear bar diameter
• Sway bar bushing brackets (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. Verify rear sway bar is present (bar running laterally across rear axle housing)
4. Spray all sway bar mounting hardware with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support the vehicle
   Using a floor jack, lift the rear of the vehicle by the rear axle housing. Position jack stands under the frame rails behind the rear axle so the rear axle hangs at slight droop for access. Note final torque should be applied at ride height per Step 11; for axle-mounted bushings the loaded state may differ from frame-mounted designs, so follow the kit manufacturer's instructions.
2. 2

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   The rear sway bar runs laterally near the rear axle. Locate the sway bar mounting bushings and brackets. Note that most rear sway bar setups use bushings at the bar-to-mount locations plus separate end-link bushings; identify which bushings this job requires. Bushing count and mounting location (axle housing versus frame) depend on the specific aftermarket kit installed.
3. 3

   Remove first bushing bracket hardware
   Remove the fasteners securing the first bushing bracket to its mount using the appropriate socket. Fastener count, type (U-bolt nuts versus bolts), and size vary by aftermarket kit, so verify against the installed hardware. If using U-bolts, remove both nuts from the U-bolt. If fasteners are severely corroded, apply additional penetrating oil and allow to soak, or use heat carefully if needed.
4. 4

   Remove first bushing bracket and bushing
   Remove the bushing bracket from the axle housing. The old bushing may be split or may need to be cut away from the sway bar. Inspect the sway bar surface for rust, pitting, or damage. Clean the bar surface with a wire brush where the bushing sits.
5. 5

   Remove second bushing bracket hardware
   Repeat the removal process for the second bushing bracket, removing the 2 nuts or bolts securing it to the axle housing. Keep hardware organized if reusing.
6. 6

   Remove second bushing bracket and bushing
   Remove the second bushing bracket and old bushing from the sway bar. Clean the second mounting area on the sway bar with a wire brush to ensure smooth contact surface for the new bushing.
7. 7

   Prepare new bushings
   Apply a thin coat of silicone-based lubricant or polyurethane bushing grease to the inside diameter of the new bushings. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease as it will degrade rubber bushings. If bushings are split design, ensure the split faces the correct direction per manufacturer instructions.
8. 8

   Install first new bushing
   Position the first new bushing around the sway bar in the correct location on the axle housing. If the bushing is split, align the split to face rearward or as specified by the bushing manufacturer. Place the bushing bracket over the bushing.
9. 9

   Install first bracket hardware
   Install the bracket mounting hardware (U-bolt nuts or bracket bolts) finger-tight. Do not fully tighten yet, as final torque should be applied with vehicle at ride height.
10. 10

    Install second new bushing and bracket
    Repeat the installation process for the second bushing. Position the new bushing around the sway bar, place the bracket over it, and install mounting hardware finger-tight.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle to ride height
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle completely to the ground. This loads the suspension to normal ride height, which is critical for proper bushing installation and longevity.
12. 12

    Torque bushing bracket hardware
    With the vehicle at ride height, torque the bushing bracket mounting nuts or bolts. Torque the bushing bracket mounting hardware to the specification provided by the aftermarket sway bar kit manufacturer (commonly 25-40 ft-lbs depending on fastener size and design). Torque both brackets evenly, alternating between fasteners on each bracket to ensure even clamping pressure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both bushing brackets are securely fastened and properly aligned on the axle housing
2. Verify sway bar moves freely without binding through its full range of motion
3. Check that no tools or parts were left under the vehicle

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over bumps and through turns to verify elimination of clunking noises
• Recheck bushing bracket torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Visually inspect bushings after first test drive to ensure proper seating and no movement

More procedures for this vehicle