Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, including bracket and bushing replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Sway bar bushings (frame mount) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end link bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar mounting bracket bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification if corroded
• End link hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. Apply penetrating oil to all sway bar mounting hardware and end link fasteners, allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate if hardware shows corrosion
4. Raise rear of vehicle at rear axle housing until tires are 2-3 inches off ground
5. Place jack stands under frame rails behind rear axle, lower vehicle onto stands
6. Keep floor jack under axle housing with slight pressure to control axle movement

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver side end link lower fastener
   Locate the driver side sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the rear axle housing or spring plate. Using a 9/16" wrench to hold the bolt head, remove the lower mounting nut with a 9/16" socket. Remove the bolt, noting the orientation and position of any washers and bushings for reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove driver side end link upper fastener
   Using a 9/16" wrench to hold the bolt head, remove the upper mounting nut securing the end link to the sway bar with a 9/16" socket. Remove the bolt and separate the end link from the sway bar. Note the bushing arrangement and any spacers present.
3. 3

   Remove passenger side end link lower fastener
   Move to the passenger side and locate the end link. Using a 9/16" wrench to hold the bolt head, remove the lower mounting nut with a 9/16" socket. Remove the bolt, noting the orientation and position of any washers and bushings.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side end link upper fastener
   Using a 9/16" wrench to hold the bolt head, remove the upper mounting nut with a 9/16" socket. Remove the bolt and separate the end link from the sway bar. Set both end links aside for inspection or replacement.
5. 5

   Remove driver side frame bracket
   Locate the driver side sway bar mounting bracket bolted to the frame rail. Using a 5/8" socket or 3/4" socket (depending on bolt size), remove the 2 bolts securing the bracket to the frame. The sway bar will be held by the bracket bushing, so support the bar as you remove the bracket.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side frame bracket
   Using a 5/8" socket or 3/4" socket, remove the 2 bolts securing the passenger side mounting bracket to the frame. Support the sway bar to prevent it from falling as you remove the last bracket.
7. 7

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both frame brackets removed, carefully lower the sway bar from the vehicle. Maneuver the bar to clear any brake lines, shock absorbers, or other components. Inspect the bar for cracks, bends, or damage.
8. 8

   Inspect and replace bushings
   Remove the old bushings from the frame brackets. Inspect bushings for cracking, tearing, or compression damage. Clean the sway bar mounting surfaces with a wire brush, removing any rust or debris. Install new bushings into the frame brackets, orienting the split in the bushing per the manufacturer's kit instructions for the specific sway bar being installed.
9. 9

   Install sway bar and frame brackets
   Position the new or cleaned sway bar up into the frame mounting location. Install the frame brackets with new or cleaned bushings over the sway bar. Start all 4 frame bracket bolts by hand before tightening any. Tighten the driver side bracket bolts first, then passenger side, snugging them firmly but allowing the bar to pivot freely in the bushings.
10. 10

    Install end links
    Install the end links connecting the sway bar ends to the axle housing or spring plates. Assemble each end link with bushings and washers in the same orientation noted during disassembly: typically washer, bushing, through mounting hole, bushing, washer, then nut. Install upper and lower fasteners on both sides, tightening nuts snugly.
11. 11

    Final tightening with vehicle at ride height
    Raise the rear axle with the floor jack until the suspension is at normal ride height (tires just touching the ground or slightly compressed). Tighten all frame bracket bolts and end link nuts to firm specification. This prevents binding the bushings in a twisted position.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height to prevent bushing pre-load and premature wear
2. Verify sway bar has adequate clearance from exhaust components, brake lines, and shock absorbers through full suspension travel
3. Inspect end link bushings after 500 miles for proper seating and retighten if necessary

Verification

• Visually inspect all mounting points to ensure brackets are secure and bolts are tight
• Check that sway bar has freedom of movement in frame bushings and does not bind
• Verify adequate clearance between sway bar and all surrounding components (exhaust, brake lines, shocks, frame)
• Test drive vehicle and verify reduced body roll in turns; listen for any clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• After 100-200 miles, re-inspect all fasteners and retighten if any have loosened

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